Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Recipe

Chipped ham: Very thinly sliced ham, often found in the deli section. If unavailable, ask the deli to slice regular ham thinly.

Ketchup: A common condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices, providing a tangy base for the sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: A fermented liquid condiment that adds a complex umami flavor to the sauce.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to balance the tanginess of the ketchup.

Yellow mustard: A tangy and slightly spicy condiment that enhances the flavor of the barbecue sauce.

Hamburger buns: Soft buns that serve as the perfect vessel for the chipped ham barbecue.

To achieve a more intense flavor, consider caramelizing the brown sugar before adding it to the sauce mixture. Heat the brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to melt and turn a deep amber color. Then, quickly mix it with the ketchup, worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. This step will add a rich, caramelized depth to your chipped ham barbecue.

• thinly sliced chipped ham - Substitute with thinly sliced deli ham: Thinly sliced deli ham can mimic the texture and flavor of chipped ham, making it a suitable replacement.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a base, and you can add a bit of vinegar and sugar to achieve a similar taste to ketchup.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, though you may want to add a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar to balance the taste.

• brown sugar - Substitute with white sugar: White sugar can be used in place of brown sugar, though you may miss the slight molasses flavor. Adding a small amount of molasses to white sugar can replicate the taste of brown sugar.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can provide a similar tangy flavor, though it is slightly more refined and less sharp than yellow mustard.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with sandwich rolls: Sandwich rolls can be used as a substitute for hamburger buns, offering a similar texture and structure for holding the barbecue mixture.

• Allow the chipped ham barbecue to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy hamburger buns if stored together.

• Transfer the cooled chipped ham barbecue into an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that fits the amount of ham snugly to minimize air exposure.

• If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, store the container in the refrigerator. The chipped ham barbecue will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the chipped ham barbecue. Place the ham in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This will help you keep track of how long the chipped ham barbecue has been stored.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the chipped ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the ham.

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

• If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.

• Serve the reheated chipped ham barbecue on fresh hamburger buns for the best experience. If the buns have been stored together with the ham, consider toasting them lightly to restore their texture.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover chipped ham barbecue to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover chipped ham barbecue in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir and check the temperature. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chipped ham barbecue in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Transfer the leftover chipped ham barbecue to a slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Cover and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

• Steam Method:

  1. Place the chipped ham barbecue 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 boil.
  4. Place the bowl in the steamer or on the rack.
  5. Cover and steam for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• Large skillet: Used to heat and cook the chipped ham until it is warmed through.

• Bowl: Used to mix together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard.

• Spatula: Used to stir the ham and sauce mixture in the skillet.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ketchup.

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

• Hamburger buns: Used to serve the chipped ham barbecue.

• Stove: Used to provide the heat source for cooking the ham and simmering the sauce.

Pre-slice the ham: Ask your deli to thinly slice chipped ham ahead of time to save prep work.

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

One-pan method: Cook the chipped ham and mix the sauce in the same skillet to minimize cleanup.

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

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