Pittsburgh Chipped Ham Barbecue Recipe

Chipped ham: Very thinly sliced ham, often found in Pittsburgh-style delis. Ketchup: A sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. Worcestershire sauce: A savory sauce that adds depth of flavor. Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses. Yellow mustard: Provides a tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness. Hamburger buns: Soft buns to serve the ham mixture on.

When preparing this recipe, consider using a cast iron skillet for cooking the chipped ham. The even heat distribution of a cast iron skillet ensures that the ham heats through uniformly, enhancing the overall texture and flavor. Additionally, to make this recipe vegan, substitute the chipped ham with a plant-based deli meat alternative and use a vegan worcestershire sauce.

• thinly sliced chipped ham - Substitute with thinly sliced seitan: Seitan has a similar texture to ham and can absorb flavors well, making it a great vegan alternative.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste mixed with a bit of vinegar and sweetener: This combination can mimic the tangy and sweet profile of ketchup without any animal-derived ingredients.

• worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce mixed with a bit of molasses and apple cider vinegar: Traditional worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so this mixture provides a similar umami flavor without the fish.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a plant-based sweetener that can replace brown sugar in most recipes.

• yellow mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard is typically vegan and can provide a similar tangy flavor.

• apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white vinegar: White vinegar can provide the necessary acidity and is a common vegan ingredient.

• hamburger buns - Substitute with vegan hamburger buns: Ensure the buns are free from dairy, eggs, and other animal products.

• Allow the chipped ham barbecue mixture to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy hamburger buns and spoilage.
• Transfer the cooled ham mixture into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from seeping in or out.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the barbecue within 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors intact and the ham safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the ham barbecue mixture in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the frozen ham barbecue in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the ham.
• Reheat the ham mixture in a skillet over medium heat until it is heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent it from drying out.
• If you have leftover hamburger buns, store them separately in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the buns in a resealable plastic bag.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chipped ham mixture in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Use a microwave-safe dish to reheat the chipped ham mixture. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• For a stovetop method, add the chipped ham mixture to a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
• If you have a slow cooker, transfer the chipped ham mixture to the slow cooker and set it on low. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thoroughly warmed.
• For a quick reheat, use a steamer. Place the chipped ham mixture in a heatproof bowl and set it in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the chipped ham over medium heat.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar.

• Spatula: A tool used to stir the ham and sauce mixture in the skillet.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the ketchup.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar.

• Hamburger buns: Used to serve the ham mixture.

Use pre-sliced vegan deli meat: Substitute chipped ham with pre-sliced vegan deli meat to save time on slicing.

Prepare sauce in advance: Mix the ketchup, worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Use a microwave: Heat the vegan deli meat in the microwave instead of a skillet to save cooking time.

Toast buns simultaneously: Toast the hamburger buns in the oven while the sauce simmers to streamline the process.