Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues Recipe

Ham: Sliced and cooked until lightly browned, this is the star of the dish.

Ketchup: Forms the base of the barbecue sauce, providing a tangy flavor.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich, savory depth to the sauce.

Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and balances the tanginess of the ketchup.

Hamburger buns: Soft and fluffy, perfect for holding the flavorful ham barbecue.

To enhance the flavor of your ham, consider marinating it in the sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the ketchup, worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a more robust and savory taste. Additionally, toasting the hamburger buns lightly on the skillet before serving can add a delightful crunch to your Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues.

• sliced ham - Substitute with turkey slices: Turkey slices provide a similar texture and can be a leaner option.

• sliced ham - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef offers a different but complementary flavor profile for a unique twist.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used with added sugar and vinegar to mimic the sweetness and tanginess of ketchup.

• ketchup - Substitute with barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce already contains similar ingredients and adds a smoky flavor.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor, though it is saltier, so use sparingly.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, though it lacks the umami depth.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a bit of moisture, though it will alter the texture slightly.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness with a distinct flavor that complements barbecue dishes.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns are richer and slightly sweeter, enhancing the overall flavor.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer a healthier alternative with added fiber and nutrients.

• Allow the ham barbecue to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the hamburger buns soggy.
• Transfer the cooled ham barbecue into an airtight container. If you plan to store the buns separately, place them in a resealable plastic bag or another airtight container.
• Store the ham barbecue in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from seeping in.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the ham barbecue. Place the cooled ham barbecue in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its storage time. The ham barbecue can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the ham barbecue in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, using a microwave-safe dish and covering it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
• If the hamburger buns were frozen, thaw them at room temperature for about 1-2 hours or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until soft and warm.
• Assemble the ham barbecue on the hamburger buns and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover ham and sauce in the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally, ensuring the ham is evenly heated.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the ham is warmed through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover ham and sauce in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the ham halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if necessary.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover ham and sauce in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Ensure the ham is heated thoroughly before serving.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the leftover ham and sauce in a slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Cover and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Check the temperature to ensure the ham is heated through.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the leftover ham and sauce in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Set up a steamer or use a pot with a steaming rack.
  3. Add water to the pot and bring to a simmer.
  4. Place the bowl in the steamer and cover with a lid.
  5. Steam for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is heated through.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ham over medium heat until it is lightly browned.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar into a sauce mixture.

• Spatula: A tool used for stirring the ham and sauce mixture to ensure it is evenly coated.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out 1 cup of ketchup accurately.

• Measuring spoon: Used to measure 1 tablespoon each of Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.

• Stovetop: The cooking surface where the skillet is heated to cook the ham.

• Serving plate: A plate used to hold the hamburger buns and serve the finished ham barbecue.

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

Pre-slice the ham: Buy pre-sliced ham to save time on preparation.

Use bottled sauce: Opt for a pre-made barbecue sauce instead of mixing ketchup, worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.

Toast buns together: Toast all hamburger buns in the oven at once instead of individually in a skillet.

Simmer in a slow cooker: Use a slow cooker to simmer the ham and sauce mixture while you attend to other tasks.