Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues Recipe

Ham: Sliced ham is the star of this dish, providing a savory and slightly salty base that pairs perfectly with the barbecue sauce.

Ketchup: This tomato-based condiment forms the base of the sauce, adding sweetness and tang.

Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the ketchup and brown sugar.

Brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: A complex sauce that adds umami and depth to the barbecue sauce.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the need for fresh onions, making the sauce smooth and easy to prepare.

To enhance the flavor of your ham barbecues, consider marinating the sliced ham in the sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. This allows the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, and onion powder to deeply infuse into the ham, creating a more robust and savory taste. Additionally, try using a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution, which can help caramelize the sauce and enhance the overall texture and flavor of the dish.

• sliced ham - Substitute with turkey slices: Turkey slices provide a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making them a suitable alternative for those avoiding pork.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be sweetened and seasoned to mimic the flavor of ketchup, offering a less processed option.

• mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a similar tangy flavor profile and can add a bit more depth to the dish.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides sweetness and a slight floral note, which can complement the other ingredients well.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce offers a savory umami flavor, making it a good alternative for those looking for a vegetarian option.

• onion powder - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can add a different but complementary flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Allow the Pittsburgh ham barbecues to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the ham soggy.

• Transfer the cooled ham and sauce into an airtight container. If you have a lot of leftovers, consider dividing them into smaller portions to make reheating easier.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to enjoy the ham barbecues within 3 to 4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the ham tender.

• For longer storage, place the ham barbecues in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored. The ham barbecues can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen ham barbecues in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the ham gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. You can add a splash of water or ketchup to refresh the sauce if it seems too thick.

• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave by placing the ham barbecues in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heating in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

• Serve the reheated ham barbecues on fresh buns or alongside your favorite sides, and enjoy the delightful flavors once more.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ham barbecues in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method ensures the ham stays juicy and the sauce remains flavorful.

• For a quick fix, use the microwave. Transfer the ham barbecues to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, place the ham barbecues in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a bit more ketchup to prevent sticking, and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• For a smoky twist, reheat on a grill. Wrap the ham barbecues in foil, place on the grill over indirect heat, and warm for 10-15 minutes. This adds a subtle charred flavor to the dish.

• If you have a slow cooker, set it to low and place the ham barbecues inside. Cover and heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for keeping the dish warm for a gathering.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the sauce and ham over the stove.

• Stirring spoon: A utensil used to mix the ingredients in the skillet and ensure the ham is evenly coated with the sauce.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the ketchup and other liquid ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder.

• Stove: The appliance used to heat the skillet and cook the ham barbecue.

• Knife: Used to slice the ham if it is not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely slice the ham if needed.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, and onion powder ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-sliced ham: Purchase sliced ham to eliminate the need for cutting, saving you valuable minutes.

Simmer while multitasking: Once the ham is simmering, use the time to prepare buns or set the table, maximizing efficiency.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later, reducing future prep time.