Grilled San Antonio Leg of Pork

Like cured ham, fresh leg of pork/fresh ham is available either bone-in or boneless and may be purchased whole or halved. Fresh ham also may be cut into rump (from near the sirloin), shank (lower leg portion) or center portions.

The whole bone-in leg weighs between 15 and 25 pounds and includes the shank and leg bones. Boneless pork leg is often rolled and tied with twine by the butcher. If you don’t see it at the supermarket, the butcher, with about a week’s notice, can order a fresh leg of pork.

Fresh pork leg, also known as fresh ham, is the uncured hind leg of the hog.

There are two ways to grill pork based on the size of the cut:

• Direct heat, where food is placed directly over the heat source, is ideal for small cuts like kabobs, tenderloin, burgers and chops.
• Indirect heat, where food is placed on the grill rack away from the coals or gas burners, is good for large cuts like loin roasts, ribs, shoulder and fresh ham.

COOKING BASICS:
Direct Heat

Arrange hot coals evenly on the fire grate of the grill or use all gas burners. Place pork directly above the heat source. Follow suggested cooking times, turning once during cooking.

Indirect Heat

Bank hot coals on both sides of the fire grate, on one side of the grill or in a ring around the perimeter. For gas grills, pre-heat and then turn off any burners directly below where the food will go. Place pork on the grill so it is not directly over any coals or gas burners and close grill hood. Follow suggested cooking times until pork is done. The heat circulates inside the grill, so turning the pork is not necessary.