Whenever I think about comforting dishes that bring everyone together, Asian ham shines at the top of the list. Imagine setting the table for a family dinner or gathering a group of friends for a barbecue. You pull out this beautifully glazed ham, and I swear, the room fills with anticipation like it’s a last-minute plot twist in a blockbuster movie! The ham’s glossy finish catches everyone’s eye, and just the smell wafting through the air says ‘come and feast!’ Pair this dish with some fluffy rice or steamed vegetables, and your meal is complete. Let’s dive into creating this fabulous dish!
Welcome to the world of flavor-packed dishes! Today, I’m excited to share my go-to Asian ham recipe—a delicious blend of sweet and savory that will transform any gathering into a memorable feast. This dish is all about taking a classic cut of meat and elevating it with a punchy glaze that’s both satisfying and fun.
You Might Like These Recipes!
What is Asian Ham Recipe?
Asian ham is a fabulous twist on the traditional glazed ham you might be familiar with, but with a twist of spices and flavors that bring a little zing to the table. The ham is baked to perfection and coated with a rich and flavorful glaze made primarily from pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, and a few other delightful ingredients. Not only does this dish look stunning, but it’s also incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic option for different occasions, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers or even Sunday brunch!
Why This Recipe Works
Why is this recipe so special? It’s all in the balance. The sweetness from pineapple juice harmonizes with the savory notes from the soy sauce and the heat from the chili garlic sauce, creating a flavor experience that plays well together. The caramelization of the glaze as it bakes intensifies the taste, giving that delightful outer layer of crunch while keeping the juicy meat inside tender and flavorful.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Here’s the lineup of ingredients for this sumptuous Asian ham:
– 6 to 8 lbs (2.7 kg to 3.6 kg) bone-in ham (partially or fully cooked, skin-on or spiral slice)
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 inches fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
– 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (adds a nice acidity)
– 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (optional, but enhances depth)
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (or 6 whole cloves)
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
Feel free to adjust the flavors to suit your taste or what you have handy!
Ingredients From : omnivorescookbook.com
How to Make Asian Ham Recipe?
Let me assure you, making this dish is straightforward, even if it sounds fancy! You’ll start by preparing a beautiful glaze that will turn your ham into a masterpiece. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a showstopper on your hands.
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
First, let’s whip up the glaze! In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, sliced ginger, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cloves, and cumin. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts boiling, let it bubble away for about 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Make sure you don’t drift off during this part—nobody wants burnt sugar! After it thickens, set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). As your oven warms up, grab a roasting pan and insert a wire rack. You’ll want that ham to sit elevated above the juices for even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Ham
Pour 1 cup of pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan. If your ham has a thick skin layer, you might want to slice it off to help the glaze penetrate better. Just make sure not to cut too deep into the meat. After that, make diagonal incisions on the surface of the ham about 1 inch apart, just deep enough to allow the glaze to seep in and create a lovely crosshatch pattern.
Step 4: Brush with Glaze
Place your prepared ham on the rack above the pineapple juice. Generously brush it with the cooled glaze, making sure to get into all those crevices.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
Now comes the fun part—baking! For a fully cooked ham, plan for about 10 minutes per pound, which means around 1 to 1.5 hours for our 6 to 8 lbs ham. Alternatively, if it’s only partially cooked, that’s about 25 minutes per pound, totaling 2 to 3 hours. Whatever the case, keep an eye on it!
Step 6: Baste and Glaze
Every 20 minutes, open the oven and baste your ham to keep it moist and flavorful. If you run out of glaze, don’t be shy—use the pan juices for basting. If the drippings start getting too thick, splash in a bit of water to loosen them up.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
Once the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C), take it out of the oven! You should see that beautiful caramelized glaze. To intensify the flavor even more, spoon the drippings from your pan generously over the ham.
Step 8: Resting Time
Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything settle, ensuring you get juicy slices rather than a drippy mess.
Step 9: Storing & Reheating
You can prepare this ham up to 4 days in advance. Just skip the final glaze and store those delicious pan drippings in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, cover the ham loosely with foil and reheat in a 325°F (162°C) oven for about 5 minutes per pound. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t dry out! Warm your glaze in the microwave just before serving for that finishing touch!
Tips
– Flavor boost: Feel free to add chopped scallions and sesame seeds right before serving for extra texture and flavor.
– Use a meat thermometer: It’s a lifesaver to ensure perfectly cooked ham, which keeps it from drying out.
– Try other juices: If you want to experiment, orange juice can be a refreshing twist on the flavor profile.
– Dress it up: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or sliced fruit for a pretty presentation.
– Cleanup hack: Line your roasting pan with aluminum foil for super easy cleanup after the feast.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, first make sure the ham has cooled down completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! Just ensure you slice it first, and wrap it tightly in freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition Information
A single serving of this Asian ham gives you about 300 calories, with protein being the star nutrient. The sweetness from the glaze provides an added layer of flavor without compromising health. This dish can also be a good source of certain vitamins and minerals, especially if paired with fresh veggies or a side salad
How Would I Recommend Serving Asian Ham Recipe?
– With a side of fried rice: The savory flavors of the rice complement the sweet ham beautifully.
– In sandwiches: Use thick slices of the ham in a sandwich with fresh vegetables for a delicious lunch option.
– Tacos: Shred the ham and mix it with some fresh toppings like cilantro and lime for fantastic tacos.
– With steamed veggies: Serve with some steamed broccoli or green beans to brighten the plate and add nutrients.
– On a charcuterie board: Pair with cheese, crackers, and fruits for a stunning appetizer worth a crowd’s attention.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?
– Brown sugar: You can substitute with coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness and flavor.
– Pineapple juice: If that’s not on hand, use apple or orange juice to maintain that fruity flavor.
– Chili garlic sauce: Sriracha or any hot sauce mixed with crushed garlic can work well in its place.
– Soy sauce: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
– Fresh ginger: Ground ginger can substitute in a pinch, but use less since it’s more potent.
Conclusion
So there you have it, an Asian ham recipe that’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress your guests! Whether it’s a festive feast or a laid-back dinner, this juicy, flavorful ham will keep everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, the smiles around the table will be your true reward. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!
You Might Also Like These Latest Recipes!
Asian Ham Recipe – Gourmet And Food
Description
Welcome to the world of flavor-packed dishes! Today, I'm excited to share my go-to Asian ham recipe—a delicious blend of sweet and savory that will transform any gathering into a memorable feast. This dish is all about taking a classic cut of meat and elevating it with a punchy glaze that’s both satisfying and fun.
Ingredient
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
-
First, let’s whip up the glaze! In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, sliced ginger, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cloves, and cumin. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts boiling, let it bubble away for about 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Make sure you don’t drift off during this part—nobody wants burnt sugar! After it thickens, set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
-
Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). As your oven warms up, grab a roasting pan and insert a wire rack. You’ll want that ham to sit elevated above the juices for even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Ham
-
Pour 1 cup of pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan. If your ham has a thick skin layer, you might want to slice it off to help the glaze penetrate better. Just make sure not to cut too deep into the meat. After that, make diagonal incisions on the surface of the ham about 1 inch apart, just deep enough to allow the glaze to seep in and create a lovely crosshatch pattern.
Step 4: Brush with Glaze
-
Place your prepared ham on the rack above the pineapple juice. Generously brush it with the cooled glaze, making sure to get into all those crevices.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
-
Now comes the fun part—baking! For a fully cooked ham, plan for about 10 minutes per pound, which means around 1 to 1.5 hours for our 6 to 8 lbs ham. Alternatively, if it’s only partially cooked, that's about 25 minutes per pound, totaling 2 to 3 hours. Whatever the case, keep an eye on it!
Step 6: Baste and Glaze
-
Every 20 minutes, open the oven and baste your ham to keep it moist and flavorful. If you run out of glaze, don’t be shy—use the pan juices for basting. If the drippings start getting too thick, splash in a bit of water to loosen them up.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
-
Once the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C), take it out of the oven! You should see that beautiful caramelized glaze. To intensify the flavor even more, spoon the drippings from your pan generously over the ham.
Step 8: Resting Time
-
Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything settle, ensuring you get juicy slices rather than a drippy mess.
Step 9: Storing & Reheating
-
You can prepare this ham up to 4 days in advance. Just skip the final glaze and store those delicious pan drippings in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, cover the ham loosely with foil and reheat in a 325°F (162°C) oven for about 5 minutes per pound. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t dry out! Warm your glaze in the microwave just before serving for that finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
Note
- Flavor boost: Feel free to add chopped scallions and sesame seeds right before serving for extra texture and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer: It’s a lifesaver to ensure perfectly cooked ham, which keeps it from drying out.
- Try other juices: If you want to experiment, orange juice can be a refreshing twist on the flavor profile.
- Dress it up: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or sliced fruit for a pretty presentation.
- Cleanup hack: Line your roasting pan with aluminum foil for super easy cleanup after the feast.
