How to Cook Unsmoked Pork Hock (5 Steps)
A useful rule of thumb when selecting meats is that the lower down the leg you go, the tougher the meat gets. That's why pork hocks, and lamb and veal shanks -- all from the ankle section of those animals -- require slow cooking. Pork hocks are often smoked and provide a ham-like flavor, but they're also available unsmoked. Unsmoked hocks taste of pork rather than ham, and can be used to add richness and body to many slow-cooked dishes. Alternatively they can be enjoyed on their own, like shanks.
Things You'll Need
- Dutch oven, casserole or other heatproof baking dish
- Water, wine, beer, broth or other cooking liquid
- Beans, sauerkraut or other casserole ingredients (optional)
- Pair of forks
Instructions
-
Arrange the hocks in a Dutch oven, or in a casserole or other baking dish. Space them evenly, leaving enough room for the cooking liquid to circulate around them. Use a deep enough pot to stack them in a second layer if you're cooking a large quantity.
-
Pour in enough water, wine, beer, broth or other cooking liquid to come halfway up the hocks. Alternatively, if you're preparing the hocks as part of a bean dish, sauerkraut or other casserole, add the remaining ingredients.
-
Place the lid on the Dutch oven and bring it to a gentle simmer on your stovetop, or preheat your oven to 300 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, cover the baking dish, and slide it or the Dutch oven into the oven.
-
Simmer the hocks on your stovetop or in the oven until they're very tender and falling off the bone, usually 2 1/2 to 3 hours. If you're preparing the hocks as part of a larger dish, ensure that the remaining ingredients are also fully cooked.
-
Remove the hocks from the casserole or Dutch oven. If the hocks are your entree, serve them hot with an appropriate sauce and side dishes. If they're part of a larger dish, peel away the skin and any excess fat. Shred the meat with your fingers or a pair of forks, and return it to the baking dish.
Cooking Techniques
- What is the difference in cook times of a 1100 watt Microwave and 700 Microwave?
- How do you use sizzle to clean toliet bowl?
- How to Roast Corn in the Husk (3 Steps)
- How can you tell if food is cooked thoroughly?
- How Do I Get My Beans to Soften in Chili?
- Where can one find recipes for convection oven cooking?
- Can glacial acetic acid be used in cooking?
- How to Keep Rolled Dumplings Fluffy
- How to Make Hogs Head Cheese (6 Steps)
- This person cooks for a living?
Cooking Techniques
- Bakeware
- Baking Basics
- Baking Techniques
- Cooking Techniques
- Cooking Utensils
- Cookware
- Easy Recipes
- Green
- Produce & Pantry
- Spices
