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braised ham hocks

Braised Smoked Ham Hocks with Whiskey-Cola Glaze

Slow braised pork ham hocks that are rendered super tender and flavorful aided by a deep, intense braising liquid.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Modern Soul Food, southern
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 694kcal
Author: Marwin Brown

Ingredients

  • 4 ham hocks fresh or smoked
  • 2 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • Water
  • ¼ cup Crowne Royal Canadian Whiskey any whiskey can work
  • 12 oz cola
  • ¼ cup cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves

Glaze

  • ¼ cup Crowne Royal Canadian Whiskey any whiskey can work
  • ½ cup apple cider
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoon molasses

Instructions

  • Score the skin of the ham hocks with a sharp knife. Soak the hocks in a pot of cold water for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Remove and pat dry.
  • In a dutch oven, heat the oil on medium high heat. Add the ham hocks and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
  • Add onions and garlic to the pot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the coke, vinegar, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, and whiskey. Add enough water to cover the ham hocks by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to a bare simmer, cover, and cook until hocks are completely tender, about 3 hours. Remove from heat and move the ham hocks from the pot to a baking pan.
  • While the hocks are cooking make the glaze. You'll only need a few minutes so there is no rush to make the glaze. In a small saucepan combine all the ingredients , bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens to a syrup like consistency. Keep warm until ready to use.
  • Pre-heat the broiler. Brush the glaze on the ham hocks then broil 3-5 minutes. The glaze should be bubbling. Monitor closely as depending on your broiler you may need to cook shorter or longer. Remove from heat. Serve the hocks in bowls with some of the braising liquid.

Notes

  • Score the thick skin of the hocks and soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking
  • Don't let the liquid boil or it will toughen the meat.
  • Pork Shanks  are up a little higher on the leg than hocks, making them a  meatier substitute for ham hocks
  • For a crisp blistered skin with soft, tender meat either fry or broil the ham hocks after braising. If broiling make sure you brush the exposed parts with some of the liquid or a sauce so that the hocks don't dry out.

Nutrition

Calories: 694kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 2086mg | Potassium: 758mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin C: 2.8mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 3mg
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