Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Recipe

Chipped ham: Very thinly sliced deli ham, often found in the deli section.

Ketchup: A tangy tomato-based condiment that forms the base of the barbecue sauce.

Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex, savory flavor to the sauce.

Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and depth to the barbecue sauce.

Vinegar: Adds acidity and balance to the sauce.

Hamburger buns: Soft buns to serve the ham mixture on.

To enhance the flavor of your chipped ham, consider caramelizing the brown sugar in the skillet before adding the ham. This will create a deeper, richer taste. Additionally, toasting the hamburger buns lightly can add a pleasant crunch and prevent them from becoming soggy when the ham mixture is added.

• chipped ham - Substitute with thinly sliced deli ham: Chipped ham is essentially very thinly sliced ham, so using thinly sliced deli ham will provide a similar texture and flavor.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a base and can be sweetened and seasoned to mimic the flavor of ketchup.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and a dash of lemon juice: Soy sauce provides the umami flavor, and lemon juice adds the tanginess that Worcestershire sauce brings to the dish.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey or maple syrup: Both honey and maple syrup add sweetness and a bit of depth to the flavor, similar to brown sugar.

• vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides the acidity needed to balance the flavors, similar to vinegar.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with sandwich rolls or brioche buns: Sandwich rolls or brioche buns can be used as they provide a similar soft texture and can hold the barbecue filling well.

• Allow the chipped ham barbecue to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the hamburger buns soggy.
• Transfer the cooled ham mixture into an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the amount of food snugly to minimize air exposure.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the barbecue within 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the ham safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the chipped ham barbecue in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When freezing, ensure the ham mixture is spread out evenly in the container or bag to allow for quicker freezing and easier thawing.
• To reheat, thaw the ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the ham mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• If the sauce thickens too much during reheating, add a splash of water or a bit more ketchup to reach the desired consistency.
• Serve the reheated chipped ham barbecue on fresh hamburger buns. Toasting the buns can add a delightful crunch and prevent them from becoming too soft.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chipped ham barbecue mixture in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.

• Use a microwave-safe container to reheat the ham mixture. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the leftover ham barbecue and a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally and cook until the mixture is thoroughly heated, about 5-7 minutes.

• If you have a slow cooker, transfer the chipped ham barbecue to the slow cooker and set it on low. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.

• For a quick and easy method, use a double boiler. Place the ham barbecue in the top part of the double boiler and heat over simmering water. Stir occasionally until the mixture is hot, which should take about 10-15 minutes.

• Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for heating and cooking the chipped ham evenly.

• Medium heat: The heat setting on your stove to ensure the ham is warmed through without burning.

• Bowl: A container used for mixing the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar.

• Spoon: A utensil for stirring the sauce mixture and combining it with the ham.

• Measuring cup: A tool to measure out the ketchup accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools to measure the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar precisely.

• Simmer: A cooking technique involving low heat to gently cook the ham in the sauce.

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

• Stove: The appliance used to heat the skillet and cook the ham and sauce.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix the ketchup, worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-chipped ham: Purchase chipped ham from the deli to save time on slicing.

Simmer while multitasking: While the ham mixture simmers, use the time to prepare sides or set the table.

Toast buns in advance: Toast the hamburger buns while the ham is heating to save a step later.