Meat | Keto

Ham Hock

Sus scrofa domesticus Allergen-Free
ham hock

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Southern American, European
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Pork (Pig)

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlocking the Umami Bomb: Why Ham Hock is Your Secret Weapon for Depth and Richness."

Definition

The joint from the lower part of a pig's leg, typically smoked or cured, prized for its rich, gelatinous texture and deeply savory flavor in slow-cooked dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteSalty, Smoky, Umami, Porky
TextureChewy (meat), Gelatinous (tendons/skin), Tender (after long cooking)
AromaSmoky, Savory, Porky
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Collagen Content

High (breaks down to gelatin)

Common Usage

Soups, Stews, Braises, Greens

Smoke Levels

Varies (mild to intensely smoked)

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 ham hock
Calories260 kcal
Total Fat18 g
Saturated Fat6.5 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol70 mg
Protein25 g
Total Carbohydrate0 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium20 mg
Iron1.5 mg
Potassium300 mg

Chef’s Secret

Simmer ham hocks low and slow in ample liquid to allow the collagen to break down, creating a rich, silky broth and tender meat.

Substitutions

Best Match

Smoked Turkey Leg

1:1

Provides similar smoky flavor and tender meat; a good leaner alternative for stews and greens.

Smoked Pork Ribs

1:1

Offers smoky flavor and meat, but less gelatinous. Great for adding to beans or soups.

Bacon (thick-cut)

100g bacon per hock

Adds smoky, salty flavor, but lacks the same gelatinous body. Good for flavor enhancement.

Vegan smoked flavor (liquid smoke + mushrooms)

To taste

For a plant-based option, mimics smoky notes without meat.

Buying Guide

Choose meaty hocks, often found in the butcher section. Smoked or cured varieties are common.

Flavor Pairings

Collard greens lima beans split pea soup black-eyed peas sauerkraut cabbage.

Recipes Using Ham Hock

Thicker Than Pea Soup Pea Soup image 181
Dietary Low Saturated Fat Time To Make Dietary

Thicker Than Pea Soup Pea Soup

This unbelievably creamy and satisfying pea soup is a vegetarian dream! Forget meat – this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and filling meal. Bursting with fresh pea flavor, its thick, luscious texture is perfect for dipping crusty bread. Easy to make and unbelievably flavorful, this recipe is a new family favorite.

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10 Bean Soup image 181
Occasion Vegetables 4 Hours Or Less Soups Stews

10 Bean Soup

This hearty 10 Bean Soup recipe is a flavor explosion! Even without the traditional ham hock and smoked turkey, this vegetarian adaptation is heavenly. Perfect for using up leftover turkey stock, this recipe is a comforting classic, bursting with fresh vegetables and tender beans. Inspired by Jan and Norman's variety pack favorites.

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Augusta Hopping John image 122
One Dish Meal Equipment Side Dishes Holiday Event

Augusta Hopping John

Ring in the New Year with a taste of Southern tradition and good luck! This Augusta Hopping John recipe is a culinary masterpiece, featuring tender black-eyed peas simmered to perfection with savory ham hock and aromatic spices. Made from scratch with dried black-eyed peas (or use canned for a shortcut!), this hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, perfect alongside a piece of cornbread. Experience the authentic flavors of the South and create a delicious and memorable meal your family will love. Prep time excludes soaking time.

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Barbs Butter Bean Or Lima Bean Soup image 149
Vegetables Low Cholesterol Low Protein Low Sodium

Barbs Butter Bean Or Lima Bean Soup

A family favorite! This hearty and flavorful soup is easily customizable with butter beans, lima beans, or great northern beans. Kick up the heat with diced tomatoes and jalapeños, or add your favorite hot sauce for an extra fiery kick. Perfect for a chilly evening!

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Bean Soup Real Navy Bean Soup image 150
Low Fat Soups Stews North American Preparation

Bean Soup Real Navy Bean Soup

This classic navy bean soup recipe has been a family favorite for over 25 years! Its hearty, comforting flavor is perfect for any season – from cozy winter nights to warm summer evenings. Simple to follow, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time. Get ready to experience the ultimate in bean soup perfection!

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Beans 101 Beans And Cornbread image 151
Main Ingredient Course Low Fat Low Carb

Beans 101 Beans And Cornbread

Experience the soul of the Southern US with this classic Beans and Cornbread recipe! This isn't your grandma's beans (unless your grandma's a culinary genius!). We're exploring the simple yet deeply satisfying traditions of preparing tender, flavorful beans, cooked to perfection. Learn variations from simmered-with-onion simplicity to the quick-boil method – both guaranteed to be delicious. Served alongside a side of buttery, crumbly cornbread, this hearty meal is a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering.

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Best Damn Borracho Beans Period image 178
Equipment Course Easy Inexpensive

Best Damn Borracho Beans Period

These borracho beans are the culmination of years of perfecting the recipe! Get ready for a flavor explosion of tender beans, savory ham hock, and zesty spices. This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Learn the secrets to achieving melt-in-your-mouth beans with our detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.

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