Whether added to soups, stews, or legume dishes or enjoyed with a side of veggies and some cornbread, ham hocks are an amazingly tasty cut of pork that can add so much flavor to a dish. This thick cut of pork is inexpensive and easy to cook, and there are plenty of ways to prepare your ham hocks. Use braised, smoked, or raw ham hocks to make a delicious comforting dish with wonderfully tender meat and fantastic flavor. The key to phenomenal ham hocks is to crisp them up then let them braise in broth in the oven for a few hours. The result will be perfectly cooked ham hocks every time.
Start the ham hock in a hot oven so you can get the fat nice and crispy. After about 30 minutes, add some bay leaves, a couple of cinnamon sticks, and some juniper berries. Cover your baking dish and let it cook for 2-3 hours.
How to Cook Ham Hocks
Cooking ham hocks couldnt be easier. To make perfect homemade ham hocks, saute the hocks in a skillet over medium heat, making sure to get them crispy and brown. Pour in some vegetable broth (plus any desired seasonings), then cover the skillet and pop it in the oven for 2 to 3 hours. After a few hours of baking, the meat on the ham hocks will fall off the bone and be infused with amazing flavor.
Tips for Making Ham Hocks
For simple variations, you can add fresh herbs, spices, and seasonings to your ham hocks. Creole seasoning, taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, fresh rosemary, and paprika are just a few ideas to try.
To make an even crispier skin, broil the ham hocks for a few minutes once theyve finished baking in the oven.
Low sodium broth is best for this recipe – the ham hocks are quite salty so if you use regular broth, the salt might overwhelm the dish.
If youre worried about the salt content of the ham hocks, soak them in water for at least half an hour before cooking. This will help remove some of the salt.
Cooking Smoked Ham Hocks
FAQ
Are smoked ham hocks already cooked?
How long does it take to boil a ham hock?
Do you cover ham hocks when cooking?
How do you cook a smoked ham hock?
Begin by rinsing the smoked ham hock under cold water to remove any excess salt and impurities. In a large pot, combine the ham hock, chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Add enough water to the pot to fully submerge the ham hock. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.
How long do you boil a ham hock?
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once the water reaches boiling point, reduce the heat to low and let the ham hock simmer gently for about 2 to 2 ½ hours. While the ham hock is simmering, make sure to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
How long to cook ham hocks in oven?
Leave the ham hocks to roast in the oven for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). If the ham hocks are particularly small, you may want to start checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer after 2 hours instead of waiting until 3 hours. Remove the ham hocks once they are cooked through.
How do you cook ham hocks in a crock pot?
Brown them on all sides for a few minutes. Once browned, add water or broth to the pot, covering the ham hocks completely. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and easily falls off the bone.