Pulled ham is rapidly becoming a go-to alternative to traditional pulled pork. Whether you’re cooking for a BBQ party, family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this rich, savory dish is incredibly versatile and packed with flavor. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what pulled ham is, the best cuts to use, how to prepare it in various ways, and answer some of the most searched questions on the web.
What Is Pulled Ham?
Pulled ham is a form of shredded ham that’s slow-cooked or smoked until it’s tender enough to be pulled apart with a fork. Similar to pulled pork, the goal is to extract maximum flavor and moisture while maintaining a delicate, fibrous texture. It can be made from fresh ham roast, smoked ham, or even ham hocks, depending on the desired flavor profile and texture.
What Cut of Ham Is Best for Pulled Ham?
The best cuts for pulled ham include:
- Fresh Ham Roast (uncured, bone-in or boneless): Ideal for a pulled pork-style dish.
- Smoked Picnic Ham: Offers a rich, smoky flavor and tender texture.
- Ham Shoulder or Butt: Great marbling and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully.
- Ham Hock: While traditionally used for soups, it can be shredded if slow-cooked long enough.
Fresh ham roast is the closest to pork shoulder in structure, making it a perfect substitute for pulled pork.
Pulled Ham vs Pulled Pork
| Feature | Pulled Ham | Pulled Pork |
|---|---|---|
| Meat Type | Ham (pork leg) | Pork shoulder/butt |
| Flavor | Salty, smoky, cured (if smoked) | Rich, fatty, BBQ-friendly |
| Texture | Slightly leaner, less fatty | Juicier, more tender |
| Cooking Method | Braised, smoked, slow-cooked | Smoked, braised, roasted |
| Availability | Often cured or smoked | Usually raw, uncured |
Can You Use Ham for Pulled Pork?
Absolutely! You can use fresh ham roast or smoked ham for pulled pork-style dishes. The key is low and slow cooking to break down connective tissues and render fat, achieving that classic “pull-apart” texture.
Popular Ways to Cook Pulled Ham
1. Crockpot Pulled Ham
Place the ham in a slow cooker with your favorite seasonings, a splash of broth or cola, and let it cook on low for 8–10 hours. Perfect for soft, juicy results.
2. Double Smoked Pulled Ham
Smoke a precooked ham again at low temperatures with hardwood chips for added depth. Once internal temperature hits ~200°F, rest and shred.
3. Pulled Ham in Oven
Cover your ham in foil and roast at 275°F with moisture (like apple juice or stock) for 4–6 hours. Check tenderness before shredding.
4. Pulled Ham on Pellet Grill
Set your grill to 225–250°F. Smoke a ham roast for 6–8 hours until it reaches internal shreddable temp (~195–205°F).
Essential Cooking Tips
- How to slow cook ham: Always keep the temperature low (200–300°F) and add liquid to avoid drying out.
- Can you overcook pulled pork or ham? Yes — it may become mushy and lose structure. Watch internal temps.
- Is ham hock the same as pulled pork? Not quite. Ham hock is tougher and contains more bone, but can be pulled if cooked properly.
Is Shredded Ham Already Cooked?
Pre-packaged shredded ham often is pre-cooked. However, if you’re making it from scratch, especially with fresh ham, it must be thoroughly cooked until internal temperatures reach at least 190°F for shredding.
Sauce Pairings for Pulled Ham
Some amazing sauce options include:
- Mustard BBQ sauce (South Carolina-style)
- Sweet honey glaze
- Tangy vinegar-based mop sauce
- Classic Kansas City BBQ sauce
- Smoky chipotle aioli
Each complements the salty and slightly sweet profile of ham.
Most Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best meat for pulled pork?
Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt) is the traditional choice due to its fat content and texture.
What is pork shoulder called in the grocery store?
It may appear as:
- Boston Butt
- Pork Shoulder Roast
- Shoulder Picnic Roast
Can I use pork tenderloin for pulled pork?
You can, but it’s very lean and not ideal for pulling. It may become dry unless carefully braised.
Is Kirkland uncured ham fully cooked?
Yes, most Kirkland hams are fully cooked but check the label for instructions.
Can ham be other than pork?
Traditionally, ham is pork. However, alternatives like turkey ham or beef “ham” exist but differ in flavor and texture.
Why can you eat ham raw but not bacon?
Ham is usually cured and smoked, which makes it safe to eat cold. Bacon is only cured, not fully cooked, so it must be heated.
What is the secret to pulled pork (or ham)?
Time and moisture. Cooking low and slow with a covered environment helps break down collagen, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to make pulled pork Jamie Oliver style?
Jamie Oliver’s version includes slow-roasting pork shoulder with fennel, paprika, and vinegar, then pulling and mixing with a homemade sauce.
What can I add to pulled pork or ham for flavor?
- Apple cider vinegar
- Brown sugar rubs
- Garlic and onion powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Cola or root beer during braising
Final Thoughts: Why Pulled Ham Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
Pulled ham is flavorful, accessible, and extremely versatile. Whether you cook it low and slow in the oven, in a crockpot, or on a pellet grill, the outcome is delicious every time. Use it in sliders, tacos, rice bowls, or even as a breakfast hash. It’s an underrated dish that stands up to (and sometimes surpasses) traditional pulled pork.