Smoky Bbq Pulled Ham
Smoky BBQ Pulled Ham is a easy British recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by What's For Tea? on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: 7 hrs | Total: 7 hrs 35 min
Cost: $24.00 total, $4.00 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 joint Smoked Gammon Joint (approx 2.5 kg, smoked for BBQ flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (light brown sugar)
- 0.5 can Cream of Tomato Soup (Heinz brand, approx 140 g)
- 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic (jarred; or 1 fresh clove minced)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (regular table salt)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Puree (smooth puree)
- 1 sachet Smoky Barbecue Seasoning Sachet (store‑bought, approx 28 g)
- 0.5 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional, for finishing)
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, adjust to heat preference)
Instructions
Prepare the gammon
Using a large knife, poke holes all over the surface of the gammon joint. Then rub 1 tablespoon of brown sugar all over the meat, covering top and sides.
Time: PT5M
Make the sauce
In the crock pot, combine ½ can of cream of tomato soup, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon tomato puree, and the smoky barbecue seasoning sachet. Stir well to incorporate.
Time: PT5M
Add the ham to the sauce
Place the prepared gammon joint into the crock pot, lifting it slightly so the sauce can flow underneath. Spoon any remaining sauce over the top.
Time: PT2M
Slow‑cook on high
Cover and set the slow cooker to HIGH for 6 hours (or LOW for 8‑10 hours). The meat will become tender and start to pull apart.
Time: PT6H
Finish cooking
After the initial cooking time, check the meat; it should be easy to pull apart. Flip the joint, cover again, and cook for an additional 1 hour to ensure it is fully tender.
Time: PT1H
Shred the ham
Remove the ham from the pot, discard any large pieces of fat, and place it in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat until it falls apart into fine strands.
Time: PT5M
Adjust sauce and rest
Return the shredded meat to the crock pot. If the sauce is too watery, remove a portion of the liquid. Stir in ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired. Let it sit, uncovered, for 30 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Time: PT30M
Serve
Serve the smoky barbecue shredded ham over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or in sandwiches. Enjoy!
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegetarian, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free seasoning
Allergens: pork, gluten (if seasoning contains)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Smoked Gammon Joint: unsmoked gammon joint, ham hock
- Instead of Brown Sugar: white sugar, maple syrup
- Instead of Cream of Tomato Soup: other brand cream of tomato soup, tomato bisque
- Instead of Minced Garlic: fresh garlic, garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Tomato Puree: tomato paste (1 tsp)
- Instead of Smoky Barbecue Seasoning Sachet: homemade smoky BBQ rub
Equipment Needed
- Crock Pot (3.5 L slow cooker)
- Large Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Cooking Spoon
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
- Forks (two)
- Serving Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Poke holes in the gammon so flavors penetrate.
- Mix the sauce thoroughly before adding the meat.
- Cook the ham long enough for it to become fork‑tender.
- Flip and cook an extra hour to ensure even tenderness.
- Shred the meat while still warm for easy pulling.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky depth, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Toast the smoked paprika briefly before adding to release its aroma.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, drizzle a little honey over the ham before the final hour.
Troubleshooting
Meat is not tender after the cooking time.
Continue cooking on low for an additional 30‑60 minutes or add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Sauce is too watery.
Remove excess liquid before returning the shredded meat, or simmer uncovered for 10‑15 minutes to reduce.
Flavor is bland.
Add extra barbecue seasoning, a pinch more smoked paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce and stir.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑sized bags for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; keep refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the ham a day ahead and store in the fridge; reheat gently on low.
- The shredded ham freezes well; portion and freeze for later meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of smoked barbecue ham in British cuisine?
While ham has long been a staple of British Sunday roasts and holiday meals, the smoky barbecue twist reflects the modern British love for global flavors, especially American BBQ influences. It’s become a popular comfort food for tea‑time or casual family dinners.
What traditional regional variations of ham exist in the United Kingdom?
In the UK you’ll find traditional cured gammon, honey‑glazed ham, and the more recent smoked or barbecue‑flavored versions. Scottish ham often features a sweeter glaze, while English ham may be served with a mustard or ale‑based sauce.
How is smoked barbecue ham traditionally served in British households?
It is commonly sliced for sandwiches, served alongside mashed potatoes and peas, or used as a hearty filling for rolls at tea. Leftovers are often reheated in a casserole or added to a breakfast fry‑up.
What occasions or celebrations is smoked barbecue ham associated with in British culture?
It’s a popular choice for casual gatherings, weekend family meals, and even as a centerpiece for informal parties or game‑day snacks. Its versatility makes it suitable for both everyday tea and special occasions like birthday lunches.
How does smoked barbecue ham fit into the broader British comfort‑food tradition?
British comfort food often emphasizes hearty, meat‑centric dishes with rich sauces. This slow‑cooked, shredded ham provides the same comforting, melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture while adding a smoky, tangy flavor that aligns with modern British tastes.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for smoked barbecue ham versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include a smoked gammon joint, brown sugar, cream of tomato soup, garlic, tomato puree, and a smoky barbecue seasoning blend. Substitutes can be unsmoked ham, a different tomato‑based soup, fresh garlic, or a homemade BBQ rub.
What other British dishes pair well with smoked barbecue ham?
It pairs beautifully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, buttered peas, colcannon, crusty soda bread, or even a simple green salad. For a full meal, serve it with Yorkshire pudding or a warm potato gratin.
What makes smoked barbecue ham special or unique in British cuisine?
The combination of slow‑cooked tenderness and a smoky‑sweet barbecue glaze creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and novel, bridging traditional British ham with the boldness of American BBQ.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making smoked barbecue ham?
Common errors include not poking enough holes for flavor absorption, using too much tomato soup which makes the sauce watery, and under‑cooking the ham so it doesn’t shred easily. Also, forgetting to remove excess fat can make the final dish greasy.
Why does this recipe use a slow cooker on high for 6‑7 hours instead of a low, longer cook?
Cooking on high speeds up the breakdown of connective tissue, giving you fork‑tender meat in a shorter window. A low, overnight cook works too, but high ensures the sauce thickens and clings to the meat more quickly.
Can I make smoked barbecue ham ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the ham can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in portion‑sized bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on low before serving.
What does the YouTube channel What's For Tea? specialize in?
The YouTube channel What's For Tea? focuses on easy, budget‑friendly British home‑cooking recipes that are perfect for everyday meals and tea‑time gatherings, often featuring one‑pot or slow‑cooker dishes.
How does the YouTube channel What's For Tea?'s approach to British comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
What's For Tea? emphasizes minimal prep, using pantry staples and simple equipment, and often shares personal anecdotes about family meals. The channel’s relaxed, conversational style sets it apart from more production‑heavy cooking shows.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
