Are you looking for a simple and delicious way to cook smoked ham hocks?
Look no further than your Instant Pot!
With just a few easy steps, you can have perfectly cooked ham hocks that are ready to be used in a variety of soups and dishes.
Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or a newbie, this guide will walk you through the process of cooking ham hocks in your pressure cooker.
So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
How To Cook Smoked Ham Hocks In Instant Pot?
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Hocks
Before cooking, it’s important to prepare your ham hocks. If you purchased whole ham hocks, ask your butcher to cut them into 2-3 pieces each to make it easier to remove the meat later on.
Step 2: Add Water and Ham Hocks to Instant Pot
Place the ham hocks in your Instant Pot and add enough water to cover them. Secure the lid and make sure the venting button is set to seal.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Using the pressure cooking function, set the timer for 40 minutes. Press start and let the Instant Pot do its magic.
Step 4: Natural Release
When the timer goes off, let the Instant Pot natural release the pressure for 20 minutes. This will ensure that the ham hocks are fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Remove Meat from Bones
After natural release, move the venting button to vent so that any remaining pressure is released. Once all pressure has been released, remove the lid and use a slotted spoon to remove the ham hocks from the pot. Place them in a pan to cool. Once cooled, pick off the meat and discard the bones.
Step 6: Use in Your Favorite Recipes
Your perfectly cooked ham hock meat is now ready to be used in a variety of soups and dishes. Try adding it to ham and potato soup, ham and bean soup, or any other ham-based soup you desire.
Gathering Your Ingredients
To cook smoked ham hocks in an Instant Pot, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First and foremost, you’ll need smoked ham hocks. If you purchased whole ham hocks, be sure to ask your butcher to cut them into 2-3 pieces each to make it easier to remove the meat later on.
In addition to the ham hocks, you’ll need water to cover them while cooking. Depending on the size of your Instant Pot and the number of ham hocks you’re using, you may need anywhere from 4-8 cups of water.
Once you’ve gathered your ham hocks and water, you’re ready to start cooking. You can also add additional ingredients like onions, carrots, garlic, and spices to enhance the flavor of your ham hocks. However, these are optional and can be adjusted based on your personal preferences and the recipe you plan to use the ham hocks in.
Preparing Your Instant Pot
Before using your Instant Pot to cook smoked ham hocks, it’s important to prepare it properly. Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Clean Your Instant Pot
Make sure your Instant Pot is clean before using it. Wash the inner pot, lid, and sealing ring with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Do a Water Test
Perform a water test to make sure your Instant Pot is working properly. Add 3 cups of water to the inner pot and close the lid. Make sure the venting button is set to seal. Press the “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer for 5 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the Instant Pot natural release for 5 minutes, then move the venting button to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and check if the water has evaporated and if the Instant Pot has reached full pressure.
Step 3: Add Liquid
When cooking ham hocks in an Instant Pot, it’s important to add enough liquid to create steam and build pressure. For this recipe, add enough water to cover the ham hocks.
Step 4: Set Pressure Cooking Time
Set the pressure cooking time according to your recipe. For smoked ham hocks, set the timer for 40 minutes.
Step 5: Natural Release
Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot natural release pressure for 20 minutes. This will ensure that the ham hocks are fully cooked and tender.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare your Instant Pot for cooking smoked ham hocks and ensure a successful meal.
Adding Your Smoked Ham Hocks
If you want to add a smoky flavor to your ham hocks, smoking them before cooking them in the Instant Pot is a great option. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Brine the Ham Hocks
To add flavor and moisture to your ham hocks, brine them for 7 days before smoking. Mix together a brine solution of water, salt, sugar, and any other desired seasonings. Add the ham hocks to the brine and refrigerate for 7 days, flipping them daily to ensure even brining.
Step 2: Smoke the Ham Hocks
After brining, remove the ham hocks from the brine and pat them dry. Smoke them on a grill or smoker set to 200°F for 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F. Brush them with syrup every hour while smoking for added flavor.
Step 3: Cook in Instant Pot
Once smoked, add the ham hocks to your Instant Pot with enough water to cover them. Pressure cook for 40 minutes and natural release for 20 minutes. Remove the meat from the bones and use it in your favorite recipes.
Adding smoked ham hocks to your dishes will give them a delicious smoky flavor that will elevate any soup or stew.
Cooking Your Ham Hocks
When it comes to cooking smoked ham hocks in an Instant Pot, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to prepare your ham hocks by cutting them into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to remove the meat from the bones later on.
Next, you’ll want to add enough water to cover the ham hocks in your Instant Pot. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become tender.
Using the pressure cooking function on your Instant Pot, set the timer for 40 minutes. This should be enough time for the ham hocks to cook through and become tender.
After the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot natural release the pressure for 20 minutes. This will help ensure that the ham hocks are fully cooked and tender.
Once all pressure has been released, remove the lid and use a slotted spoon to remove the ham hocks from the pot. Place them in a pan to cool. Once cooled, pick off the meat and discard the bones.
Your perfectly cooked ham hock meat is now ready to be used in a variety of soups and dishes. Try adding it to ham and potato soup, ham and bean soup, or any other ham-based soup you desire. With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, tender smoked ham hocks in no time!
Natural Release Or Quick Release?
When it comes to releasing pressure from your Instant Pot after cooking ham hocks, you have two options: natural release or quick release. Natural release means allowing the Instant Pot to release pressure on its own, while quick release involves manually releasing the pressure.
For ham hocks, it’s recommended to use natural release for at least 20 minutes. This allows the meat to fully cook and become tender. If you use quick release too soon, the meat may be tough and not fully cooked.
To natural release, simply turn off the Instant Pot and let it sit for 20 minutes. After that time has passed, move the venting button to vent to release any remaining pressure.
If you’re in a hurry and need to use quick release, be careful not to do it too soon. Wait at least 20 minutes before using quick release. To do so, move the venting button to vent and allow all pressure to be released before opening the lid.
Remember that safety is key when using an Instant Pot. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be cautious when handling hot food and releasing pressure.
Removing And Shredding Your Ham Hocks
Once you have removed the ham hocks from the Instant Pot and allowed them to cool, it’s time to remove the meat from the bones. Using a fork or your hands, gently pull the meat off of the bones. Be sure to discard any fat or gristle that may be present. The meat should be tender and fall off the bone easily.
Once you have removed all of the meat, you can shred it into smaller pieces if desired. This will make it easier to incorporate into your recipes. You can use the shredded meat in soups, stews, and casseroles, or even as a topping for salads or baked potatoes.
Remember that ham hocks are not particularly meaty, so don’t expect a large amount of meat from each hock. However, the flavor that they add to your dishes is well worth it. And with this method of cooking in the Instant Pot, you can easily prepare them for use in any recipe that calls for smoked ham hocks.