Are you looking to cook up a delicious meal with frozen ham hocks, but not sure where to start?
Look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing some tips and tricks on how to cook frozen ham hocks to perfection.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered. From pressure cooking to slow cooking, we’ll explore different methods that will leave your ham hocks tender and flavorful.
So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook Frozen Ham Hocks?
Method 1: Pressure Cooking
One of the quickest ways to cook frozen ham hocks is by using a pressure cooker. Here’s how:
1. Place your frozen ham hocks in the pressure cooker and cover them with ten cups of water.
2. Seal the lid of the pressure cooker and bring it to high pressure before cooking the ham hocks for 30 minutes.
3. After that, quick release the pressure to open the lid and remove the ham hocks.
4. Shred the meat from your ham hocks and discard any bones and fat.
Method 2: Oven-Baking
Another great way to cook frozen ham hocks is by oven-baking them. Here’s how:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sauté the ham hocks until they become brown and crispy.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, then turn off the heat and cover with a lid.
4. Bake in the oven for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat becomes fork-tender.
Method 3: Slow Cooking
If you have more time on your hands, slow cooking is a great option for cooking frozen ham hocks. Here’s how:
1. Put your ham hocks with flat sides facing down into your slow cooker.
2. Pour cans of beans (of your choice) on top with all other ingredients (don’t even bother draining them).
3. Close lid and seal shut. Cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Before serving, take ham hocks out of pot and put on a cutting board.
5. Remove and discard bones, use a sharp knife to dice meat into bite-size pieces and put back into the pot.
Preparing Frozen Ham Hocks
Before you can cook frozen ham hocks, it’s important to properly thaw them. There are a few methods to do this:
1. Refrigerator Thawing: Place the frozen ham hocks in a container and let them thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.
2. Cold Water Thawing: Place the frozen ham hocks in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the ham hocks are thawed.
3. Microwave Thawing: Use the defrost setting on your microwave to thaw the ham hocks. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for defrosting meat.
Once your ham hocks are thawed, you can proceed with your chosen cooking method. If you’re using a pressure cooker or oven-baking, be sure to brown the ham hocks before cooking for added flavor. If you’re slow cooking, you can simply place the thawed ham hocks into your slow cooker with your desired ingredients and let it cook for several hours until tender. Regardless of your chosen method, be sure to shred the meat from your ham hocks and discard any bones or fat before serving.
Pressure Cooking Frozen Ham Hocks
Pressure cooking frozen ham hocks is a quick and easy way to cook them. The process involves placing the frozen ham hocks in the pressure cooker and covering them with ten cups of water. Once the lid is sealed, bring the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook the ham hocks for 30 minutes. After that, quick release the pressure to open the lid and remove the ham hocks. Shred the meat from your ham hocks and discard any bones and fat.
It’s important to note that when pressure cooking frozen ham hocks, you should always ensure that they are fully thawed before cooking them. This will ensure that they cook evenly and thoroughly. Additionally, you can add other ingredients such as vegetables or beans to the pressure cooker to create a delicious and hearty meal.
Slow Cooking Frozen Ham Hocks
Slow cooking frozen ham hocks is a great way to achieve tender, flavorful meat. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by thawing your frozen ham hocks in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any bacteria growth.
2. Once thawed, place your ham hocks with flat sides facing down into your slow cooker.
3. Pour cans of beans (of your choice) on top with all other ingredients (don’t even bother draining them).
4. Close lid and seal shut. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until desired tenderness is achieved. To know if it’s tender enough, check if the meat already starts falling off the bone.
5. Once cooked, drain the ham hock and allow it to cool down briefly.
6. Drain the liquid and discard the rest. Season the liquid to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Once the ham hock has briefly cooled down, debone and peel off its fatty skin. Portion the meat accordingly.
8. Serve with a side of coleslaw and sweet potatoes or along with the liquid and bread on the side.
It’s important to note that when using the slow cooker, heat temperature affects the cooking time of the dish. If it’s on Low heat, it would take longer than 5 hours to cook the ham hocks. Don’t rush the slow cooking process if you want it to be tender, with meat falling off the bones. Cooking it on High heat might not cook the meat all the way through. Slow cooking frozen ham hocks is a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cold winter nights or special occasions.
Oven Roasting Frozen Ham Hocks
Oven roasting is another great option for cooking frozen ham hocks. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Place your frozen ham hocks in a roasting pan, and add an inch of water to the bottom of the pan. If you don’t have a roasting pan, you can use other items such as onions and carrots to prop the ham up.
3. Wrap the top of the pan tightly with aluminum foil, so the moisture stays locked in and the ham doesn’t dry out while cooking.
4. Cook the ham hocks until their internal temperature meets or exceeds the following: 140°F for pre-cooked hams that had been in their original packaging, 145°F for uncooked ham, and 165°F for leftover ham or meat that’s been re-packaged. The rule of thumb is to cook for 18 to 20 minutes per pound.
5. Once cooked, remove the ham hocks from the oven and let them cool down for a few minutes before shredding the meat from them. Discard any bones and fat.
By using these methods, you can cook frozen ham hocks quickly and easily, without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you choose pressure cooking, oven baking, or slow cooking, you’ll end up with tender and delicious ham hocks that are perfect for any meal.
Serving Suggestions For Frozen Ham Hocks
Now that you know how to cook frozen ham hocks, it’s time to think about how to serve them. Here are some serving suggestions that will take your ham hock dishes to the next level:
1. Ham Hock and Bean Soup: Make a delicious and hearty soup by adding your cooked ham hocks to a pot of beans, vegetables, and broth. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a comforting meal.
2. Ham Hock and Collard Greens: Simmer your ham hocks with collard greens for a classic Southern dish. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
3. Ham Hock and Potato Casserole: Layer thinly sliced potatoes with diced ham hock and cheese in a baking dish. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Ham Hock and Black-Eyed Peas: Combine your cooked ham hocks with black-eyed peas, onions, and spices for a traditional Southern dish. Serve with rice or cornbread.
5. Ham Hock and Macaroni and Cheese: Add diced ham hock to your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe for an extra burst of flavor. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown.
No matter how you choose to serve your ham hocks, they are sure to add delicious flavor to any dish. So go ahead and experiment with different recipes until you find your favorite way to enjoy this versatile cut of pork.