Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues Recipe

Ham: Sliced and used as the main protein in the dish.

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

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

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

Yellow mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy note to the sauce.

Hamburger buns: Used to serve the ham mixture, providing a soft and fluffy base.

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, brown sugar, and mustard to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more robust and savory taste. Additionally, lightly toasting the hamburger buns can add a delightful crunch and prevent them from becoming soggy when you serve the ham mixture.

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

• sliced ham - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef offers a different but complementary flavor profile, adding a richer taste to the barbecues.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be seasoned to mimic the tanginess and sweetness of ketchup, making it a versatile substitute.

• ketchup - Substitute with BBQ sauce: BBQ sauce already contains similar ingredients and flavors, providing a ready-made alternative that enhances the barbecue taste.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a similar umami depth and saltiness, making it a good replacement in the recipe.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar offers a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, which can mimic the complexity of Worcestershire sauce.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slight floral note, making it a great alternative to brown sugar.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and a hint of maple flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the barbecues.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a more refined and slightly spicier flavor, which can add a new dimension to the recipe.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard provides a similar tanginess with added texture from the mustard seeds.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns are richer and slightly sweeter, complementing the barbecue flavors well.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer a healthier option with a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the ham barbecues.

• Allow the ham mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the hamburger buns soggy.

• Transfer the cooled ham mixture to an airtight container. If you plan to store it for more than a couple of days, consider using a vacuum-sealed bag to extend its freshness.

• Store the ham mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is placed in the coldest part of the fridge to maintain optimal freshness.

• For longer storage, freeze the ham mixture. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of its storage time.

• When ready to use, thaw the ham mixture in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the ham.

• Reheat the ham mixture in a skillet over medium heat until it’s warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• If you have leftover hamburger buns, store them in a bread box or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the buns in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• To refresh frozen hamburger buns, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their softness and make them taste freshly baked.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover ham mixture in a skillet.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the ham is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the ham mixture to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open to vent.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second increments until warmed through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the ham mixture in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the ham is heated through.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Transfer the ham mixture to a slow cooker.
  2. Set to low heat and cover.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the ham is thoroughly warmed.

• Steam Method:

  1. Place the ham mixture in a heatproof dish that fits inside a steamer basket.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and place the steamer basket over it.
  3. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes, or until the ham is heated through.

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

• Spatula: A tool used to stir and coat the ham with the sauce evenly.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the ketchup accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard precisely.

• Tongs: Handy for adding and removing the sliced ham from the skillet.

• Serving spoon: Useful for scooping the ham mixture onto the hamburger buns.

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

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

Use pre-sliced ham: Purchase pre-sliced ham to save time on slicing. This will allow you to focus on cooking and assembling the sandwiches.

Toast the buns: While the ham mixture is heating, toast the hamburger buns in the oven or on a skillet. This adds a nice texture and saves time during assembly.