How to Cook a Perfectly Juicy Ham Shank in a Roaster Oven – The Ultimate Guide

Want a tasty, juicy ham shank but don’t know how to cook it perfectly in your roaster oven? This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know to use simple roaster oven techniques to cook tender, flavorful ham shanks.

From selecting the right cut of ham to testing for doneness, we’ll cover all the steps and tips for unlocking the magic of ham shanks in a roaster oven. With a few basic tools and seasonings, you can enjoy restaurant-quality ham shanks right from the comfort of home. Let’s get started!

Picking the Perfect Ham Shank

For the best results, choose a bone-in, uncured fresh ham shank weighing 2 to 3 pounds. Opt for good marbling to ensure moist, tender meat when cooked. Avoid pre-cooked or cured ham shanks, which won’t have the same robust ham flavor.

If you want to use a smoked ham shank instead, pick one that doesn’t have any extra water or phosphates added to it. Ask the butcher for recommendations.

Proper Preparation is Key

Rinse the raw ham shank under cool water and pat dry completely with paper towels For enhanced flavor penetration, score the fat cap and meat in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. Avoid cutting into the actual meat

You could soak the scored ham shank in a brine solution overnight in the fridge to add more flavor and moisture.

Setting up Your Roaster Oven

Preheating your roaster oven properly ensures even cooking Do this

• Place the ham shank on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Elevating it allows airflow.

• Add 1 cup of water or broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat from drying out.

• Preheat your roaster oven to 325°F which cooking ham low and slow.

Calculate Cook Time

Cooking times vary based on size. For a 3 lb shank, allow:

• 15-20 minutes per lb for a raw, bone-in ham shank

• 10 minutes per lb for a pre-cooked, smoked ham shank

So a 3 lb raw shank will take 45 to 60 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Test for Doneness

Ham shanks are safely cooked when:

• Raw ham shanks reach 145°F internally

• Smoked ham shanks reach 140°F

• The juices run clear when pierced with a fork

Allow the ham shank to rest for 10 minutes before carving for juicy results.

Glazing Tips

For added flavor and moisture, glaze during the last 30 minutes of roasting:

• Combine glaze ingredients like honey, brown sugar, mustard, etc. and brush over ham.

• Apply glaze every 10 minutes, reheating if needed.

• For caramelization, increase temperature to 375°F once glazed.

• Watch closely to avoid burning. Tent foil if needed.

Step-By-Step Roaster Oven Ham Shank Recipe

Follow these simple steps for foolproof ham shank perfection:

1. Rinse 3 lb raw ham shank and pat completely dry. Score fat.

2. Place on rack in roasting pan with 1 cup broth added.

3. Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.

4. Roast for 45-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

5. During last 30 minutes, glaze ham shank every 10 minutes with honey brown sugar glaze.

6. Once glazed, increase temperature to 375°F and roast until deep caramelized color.

7. Remove from oven, tent foil, and allow to rest 10 minutes.

8. Carve into slices and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Handy Roaster Oven Ham Shank Tips

• Trim excess fat before cooking for better browning.

• Add whole cloves for flavor before roasting.

• Use broth, cider, or wine rather than water for enhanced taste.

• Let oven fully preheat before adding ham to prevent drying.

• Amp up glazes with spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg.

• Internal temperature is the best test for doneness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Properly stored, leftover ham shank stays fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To store:

• Allow ham shank to cool completely before refrigerating.

• Wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container.

• Add some of the pan juices to keep the meat moist.

To reheat, place ham shank slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 30 seconds until hot.

Serving Suggestions

From main dishes to appetizers, roasted ham shanks are endlessly versatile. Consider serving your ham shank:

• On biscuits with redeye gravy for breakfast

• With scalloped potatoes and roasted asparagus

• Diced in split pea soup for added flavor

• On a hoagie roll with bbq sauce and melted Swiss

• In ham and potato frittata or quiche

Get creative with the many ways to enjoy your tender roaster oven cooked ham shank!

More Flavorful Ham Shank Recipe Ideas

Take your ham shank roast to new levels with these tasty recipes:

• Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Shanks – A classic with holiday meals

• Apple Cider Brined Ham Shank – For moisture and seasoning

• Orange Marmalade Baked Ham Shanks – Fruity and glazed

• Coca-Cola Ham Shanks – Sweet, sticky, with a hint of spice

• Garlic Ham Shanks with Herbs – Savory and aromatic

• Ham Shanks with Apricot Mustard Glaze – Tangy and bright

With the proper roasting technique, your oven and a good ham shank cut, you now have the skills to make this pork delicacy shine. Impress dinner guests, enjoy savory sandwiches, and experiment with unique recipes. Happy ham shank cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Ham Shanks in a Roaster Oven

What size ham shank should I cook in a roaster oven?

Optimal ham shank sizes for roaster ovens are 2 to 3 pounds. Larger shanks may not fit comfortably or cook evenly. Smaller shanks tend to dry out faster.

How do I know if my ham shank is fully cooked?

The best way to determine doneness is using a meat thermometer. Raw ham shanks are done at 145°F and smoked ham shanks at 140°F internally. Also check that juices run clear.

Should I baste or glaze my ham shank?

Glazing adds great flavor and moisture. Baste with glaze periodically during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Increase oven temp at glazing time to caramelize.

Can I use a cooking bag for my ham shank?

Cooking bags are not necessary and may prevent crust formation. Roaster ovens seal in moisture well on their own. Tent foil if browning too quickly.

Is it necessary to add liquid to the roasting pan?

Yes, adding 1 cup of liquid like broth or cider to the bottom of the pan generates steam and prevents dryness. Do not submerge ham.

What sides go well with roasted ham shanks?

Great complements include macaroni and cheese, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, biscuits, cornbread, rice, beans and fresh-cut fruit.

How should I reheat leftover cooked ham shanks?

To reheat ham shanks, place slices on a baking sheet at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until warm. Or microwave individual slices for 30 seconds.