Ham hocks are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re making a hearty soup or adding flavor to your greens, ham hocks can add a rich and smoky taste to any meal.
But what happens when you have leftover ham hocks? Can you freeze them? And if so, how long can you keep them in the freezer?
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of freezing ham hocks, including how long they can be frozen and how to properly store them for optimal taste and quality.
So, let’s dive in!
How Long Can You Freeze Ham Hocks?
Ham hocks can be frozen for up to six months. It’s important to note that while technically, frozen ham hocks can be kept safe indefinitely, they may not taste as good after years of sitting in the freezer. To ensure the best taste and quality, it’s recommended to use frozen ham hocks within six months.
The Benefits Of Freezing Ham Hocks
Freezing ham hocks is a great way to extend their shelf life and ensure that you always have them on hand for your favorite recipes. By freezing ham hocks, you can buy them in bulk and save money in the long run. Additionally, freezing ham hocks can actually help to enhance their flavor. When ham hocks are frozen, the collagen and fat within them break down even further, resulting in a richer and more flavorful end product. Freezing ham hocks is also incredibly convenient, as you can easily thaw them out as needed and use them in a variety of dishes like soups, stews, and beans. Whether you’re an avid home cook or a professional chef, freezing ham hocks is a great way to save time, money, and enhance the flavor of your dishes.
How To Properly Store Ham Hocks For Freezing
Proper storage is key to keeping your ham hocks fresh and flavorful when freezing. Start by wrapping the ham hocks tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer bag. Then, wrap them with foil to prevent freezer burn. For additional protection, place the wrapped ham hocks in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
It’s important to label the container or bag with the date of freezing so you can keep track of how long it’s been in the freezer. When storing ham hocks in the freezer, it’s best to use a deep freezer that doesn’t have a self-defrosting feature. This will help maintain a consistent temperature and prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to use your frozen ham hocks, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow them to defrost slowly and evenly, which will help maintain their texture and flavor. Once thawed, use them to make delicious soups, stews, or other dishes that call for ham hocks.
Thawing And Using Frozen Ham Hocks
If you have a frozen ham hock that you need to use, there are a few different methods for thawing it. The best way to thaw a ham hock is to plan ahead and allow it to thaw slowly in the refrigerator. This will take approximately 4-6 hours per pound of meat. However, if you’re in a hurry or forgot to thaw the ham hock ahead of time, you can also use the cold water method.
To thaw using the cold water method, place the ham hock in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the ham hock is fully thawed. This method is faster than refrigerator thawing but requires more attention.
If you need to cook a frozen ham hock, it’s important to note that cooking times will be longer than for a thawed ham hock. According to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, cooking a frozen ham hock is safe as long as it’s cooked fully, but it will take approximately 50% longer than a thawed ham hock.
One way to cook a frozen ham hock is to use a pressure cooker. Place the frozen ham hocks in the pressure cooker with ten cups of water and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Quick release the pressure and remove the ham hocks from the pressure cooker. Let them cool before shredding the meat from the bones.
To make split pea soup with your shredded ham hocks, add split peas, onions, carrots, celery, and thyme to the liquid leftover in the pressure cooker. Bring it back up to high pressure and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Once done, mash up the ingredients with a potato masher or process half of the soup through a blender on low speed before recombining it back with the rest of your split pea soup. Add your shredded pork back into the soup before serving.
Tips For Cooking With Ham Hocks
Ham hocks are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips for cooking with ham hocks:
1. Low and slow: The best way to cook ham hocks is low and slow, such as in a slow cooker or braising. This allows the meat to cook in its own juices and become tender and flavorful.
2. Flavoring agent: Ham hocks are often used as a flavoring agent in soups, stews, and stocks. While there isn’t a lot of edible meat on a ham hock, the collagen and fat dissolve into the cooking liquid, adding depth and richness to the dish.
3. Roasting: If you want to get crispy skin and render some of the pork fat, roasting is a good option. This is how ham hocks are traditionally prepared in Germany for dishes like schweinshaxe.
4. Marinating or brining: Marinating or brining the ham hock before cooking can help tenderize the meat and add flavor.
5. Substitute: If you can’t find ham hocks, you can usually substitute a ham bone, smoked bacon, or smoked sausage. Smoked turkey sausage or bacon can also be used for a pork-free option.
By following these tips, you can make the most out of your ham hock and create delicious dishes with smoky flavor.
