How To Cook Ham Hocks In Pressure Cooker

Experience the Delight of Tender and Flavorful Ham Hocks, Easily Cooked in a Pressure Cooker

If you’re a fan of succulent and tasty ham hocks but don’t want to spend hours slow cooking them, then look no further! With a pressure cooker, you can achieve perfectly cooked ham hocks in a fraction of the time. Get ready to experience tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the steps on how to cook ham hocks in a pressure cooker.

Step 1: Selecting and Preparing the Ham Hocks

1. Choose high-quality ham hocks from your trusted butcher or local grocery store. Look for ones that have a good amount of meat, as this will ensure a satisfying and hearty dish.
2. Rinse the ham hocks under cold water to remove any excess salt or impurities. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the ham hocks. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.

Step 2: Flavor-Packed Seasoning

Seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the taste of the ham hocks. Here’s how you can create a flavorful seasoning blend:

• Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides of the ham hocks.
• Add aromatic spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, to give your ham hocks a delightful kick.

Massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring they coat every corner for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Searing the Ham Hocks

Create a delicious caramelized crust by searing the ham hocks before pressure cooking them. Follow these steps:

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ham hocks and sear them for a few minutes on each side until they develop a lovely brown color.
3. Once seared, set the ham hocks aside on a plate.

Step 4: Pressure Cooking Method

Now it’s time to cook the ham hocks to perfection using the trusty pressure cooker:

1. Return the seared ham hocks to the pressure cooker.
2. Add a liquid such as chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring it covers about half of the ham hocks.
3. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure.
4. Cook the ham hocks for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size and thickness of the hocks. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
5. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Final Touches

Your ham hocks are almost ready to be enjoyed, but there’s one last step to elevate them to greatness:

• Remove the ham hocks from the pressure cooker and transfer them to a serving platter.
• For an irresistible glazed finish, brush the ham hocks with a savory glaze made from ingredients like honey, mustard, and brown sugar.
• Pop the glazed ham hocks under the broiler for a few minutes until they develop a caramelized and glossy appearance.

Serve and Savor

Now that you’ve mastered the art of cooking ham hocks in a pressure cooker, it’s time to indulge in the deliciousness. Serve your tender and flavorful ham hocks with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or creamy coleslaw.

With this easy-to-follow guide, you can impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering dish that will have them coming back for seconds. Enjoy the convenience and incredible results achieved by cooking ham hocks in a pressure cooker. Happy cooking!