Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues Recipe

Chipped sliced ham: Thinly sliced ham, often found in the deli section, perfect for absorbing the barbecue sauce.

Ketchup: A tomato-based condiment that forms the base of the barbecue sauce.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: A fermented liquid condiment that adds a savory umami flavor.

Yellow mustard: Provides a tangy kick to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Hamburger buns: Soft buns that hold the ham barbecue mixture, making it easy to eat.

To enhance the flavor of your Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues, consider caramelizing the brown sugar before adding the ketchup and other ingredients. Start by heating the brown sugar in the skillet over medium heat until it begins to melt and turn a rich, golden brown. This will add a deeper, more complex sweetness to your barbecue sauce. Once caramelized, proceed with adding the ketchup, worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. This extra step can elevate the overall taste of your dish, making it even more delicious.

• chipped sliced ham - Substitute with turkey ham: Turkey ham provides a similar texture and flavor profile but is a leaner option.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste and vinegar: Mixing tomato paste with a bit of vinegar can mimic the tangy sweetness of ketchup.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey offers a natural sweetness and can caramelize similarly to brown sugar.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and lemon juice: A mix of soy sauce and lemon juice can replicate the umami and tangy notes of Worcestershire sauce.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a similar tang but with a slightly more complex flavor.

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

• Allow the ham barbecue mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the sauce watery.

• Transfer the cooled ham barbecue into an airtight container. If you plan to store it for more than a few days, consider using a vacuum-sealed bag to maintain freshness.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the ham barbecue within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious.

• For longer storage, place the airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag in the freezer. The ham barbecue can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing its rich flavor and texture.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the quality of the meat and sauce.

• Reheat the ham barbecue in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to stir the mixture halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If the sauce appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate the liquid.

• Serve the reheated ham barbecue on fresh hamburger buns. If you like, toast the buns lightly to add a delightful crunch to your sandwich.

• For an added twist, consider topping your ham barbecue with some pickles, coleslaw, or even a slice of cheese before serving. These additions can elevate the flavors and add a new dimension to your meal.

• Stovetop Method: Place the leftover ham barbecue in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method: Transfer the ham barbecue to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ham barbecue in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.

• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the ham barbecue to a slow cooker. Set it on low heat and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for keeping the ham moist and flavorful.

• Steam Method: Place the ham barbecue in a heatproof dish and set it in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and flavor.

• Large skillet: A broad, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ham and sauce mixture evenly over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used for stirring the ingredients in the skillet to ensure the ham is well coated and the sauce is mixed properly.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the ketchup and brown sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the Worcestershire sauce and yellow mustard precisely.

• Hamburger buns: The bread used to serve the ham barbecue.

• Knife: Used to slice the hamburger buns if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: A surface to place the hamburger buns while slicing.

• Serving plate: A plate to serve the finished ham barbecue sandwiches.

Prepare the sauce ahead: Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, and mustard in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can just add the ham and cook.

Use pre-sliced ham: Buy chipped sliced ham from the deli to save time on slicing.

Preheat the skillet: Preheat your skillet while you prepare the ingredients to cut down on cooking time.

Toast the buns: Toast the hamburger buns in advance to save time and add extra flavor.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.