Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues Recipe

Ham: Sliced and ready to be heated, this is the main protein of the dish.

Ketchup: Provides the base for the barbecue sauce, adding sweetness and tang.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.

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

Mustard: Adds a slight tang and complexity to the sauce.

Hamburger buns: The vessel for serving the delicious ham barbecue.

When preparing the sauce for the Pittsburgh Ham Barbecues, ensure you mix the ketchup, worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency. This will help the flavors meld together more effectively, resulting in a richer and more cohesive taste. Additionally, when simmering the ham in the sauce, keep the heat at a gentle simmer to prevent the sugars in the sauce from burning, which can impart a bitter flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating and to prevent sticking.

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

• sliced ham - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef offers a different flavor profile but still works well in barbecue recipes.

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

• ketchup - Substitute with barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce can add a richer, smokier flavor to the dish.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and lemon juice: This combination can replicate the umami and tanginess of Worcestershire sauce.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar provides a similar depth of flavor and acidity.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a similar tangy flavor with a bit more complexity.

• mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard is a straightforward substitute that maintains the tangy flavor.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls provide a chewy texture and can hold up well to the barbecue sauce.

• Allow the ham barbecue mixture to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Transfer the cooled ham barbecue into an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top to allow for expansion if you plan to freeze it.
• Label the container with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
• For refrigeration, place the container in the fridge. The ham barbecue will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, place the container in the freezer. The ham barbecue can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the frozen ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the ham barbecue in a skillet over medium heat until it is heated through. You can add a splash of water or extra ketchup if the mixture seems too thick.
• Serve the reheated ham barbecue on fresh hamburger buns for a delicious meal.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the ham barbecue in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Use a microwave-safe dish to reheat the ham barbecue. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the ham barbecue and a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• If you have a slow cooker, transfer the ham barbecue to the slow cooker and set it on low. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.
• To reheat on a grill, wrap the ham barbecue in foil and place it on the grill over medium heat. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ham slices evenly over medium heat.

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

• Spatula: A tool used to stir the ham and sauce together, ensuring even coating.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ketchup accurately.

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

• Stovetop: The cooking surface where the skillet is heated and the ham is cooked.

• Serving spoon: Used to scoop the ham barbecue onto the hamburger buns.

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

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

Use pre-made sauce: Substitute the homemade sauce with a good-quality barbecue sauce to cut down on mixing time.

Toast the buns: Toast hamburger buns in the oven while the ham simmers to streamline the process.

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

One-pan method: Use a large skillet to cook the ham and mix the sauce in the same pan to reduce cleanup time.