Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Recipe

Chipped ham: Thinly sliced ham, often found in Pittsburgh-style recipes, perfect for absorbing the barbecue sauce.

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

Water: Used to thin out the sauce to the right consistency.

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

Worcestershire sauce: Provides a savory, umami flavor to the sauce.

Yellow mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy note to the sauce.

Apple cider vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness to balance the sweetness.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.

Garlic powder: Provides a mild garlic flavor to enhance the overall taste.

Sandwich buns: Soft buns that hold the chipped ham barbecue, making it easy to eat.

When preparing the chipped ham, ensure it is sliced as thinly as possible to allow the sauce to coat each piece evenly. This will enhance the flavor and ensure a more cohesive texture in your sandwiches. Additionally, let the sauce simmer gently to meld the flavors together, but be careful not to overcook the ham to avoid it becoming too dry.

• thinly sliced chipped ham - Substitute with thinly sliced deli turkey: Turkey provides a similar texture and can absorb the barbecue flavors well.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste and vinegar: Tomato paste mixed with a bit of vinegar can mimic the tangy and sweet profile of ketchup.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth of flavor compared to plain water.

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

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and lemon juice: Soy sauce and lemon juice together can replicate the umami and tangy flavors of Worcestershire sauce.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a similar tang but with a bit more complexity.

• apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used in the same quantity.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely grated fresh onion: Fresh onion can provide a more intense and fresh onion flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more robust and aromatic garlic flavor.

• sandwich buns - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls have a similar soft texture but with a slightly chewier crust.

• Allow the chipped ham barbecue to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the sandwich buns soggy.
• Transfer the cooled chipped ham barbecue into an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that seals well to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chipped ham barbecue within 3-4 days. This keeps the ham and sauce at a safe temperature.
• For longer storage, place the chipped ham barbecue in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. This ensures the chipped ham barbecue retains its flavor and texture.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, transfer the chipped ham barbecue to a skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• If reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw the chipped ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated leftovers.
• For a quick thaw, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be sure to transfer the chipped ham barbecue to a microwave-safe dish first.
• Serve the reheated chipped ham barbecue on fresh sandwich buns for the best taste and texture. If the buns have become stale, you can lightly toast them to refresh their texture.

• Stovetop Method: Place the leftover chipped ham barbecue in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method: Transfer the chipped ham barbecue to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a bit of water if needed to keep it moist.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the chipped ham barbecue in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.

• Slow Cooker Method: If you have a bit more time, place the chipped ham barbecue in a slow cooker. Set it to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is great for keeping the ham moist and flavorful.

• Steam Method: Place the chipped ham barbecue in a heatproof bowl. Set up a steamer or use a pot with a steaming rack. Steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and flavor.

• Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the chipped ham and sauce mixture evenly over medium heat.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the precise amounts of ketchup, water, and brown sugar needed for the recipe.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce and ham mixture to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing and scraping the sides of the skillet to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.

• Sandwich buns: The bread component for serving the chipped ham barbecue.

• Serving plate: A plate to hold the assembled sandwiches before serving.

• Knife: Handy for slicing the sandwich buns if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: A safe surface for slicing the sandwich buns.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix ketchup, brown sugar, and other sauce ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking.

Use pre-sliced ham: Purchase thinly sliced chipped ham from the deli to save on prep time.

Simmer while multitasking: Let the ham and sauce simmer while you prepare sandwich buns or side dishes.

Double the recipe: Make extra chipped ham barbecue and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Clean as you go: Wash utensils and bowls used for mixing the sauce while the ham cooks to save time on cleanup.