Cured ham is a delicious and versatile centerpiece for any meal, especially during holidays and special occasions. But if you’ve ever wondered, how do you cook a cured ham to bring out its best flavor and tenderness, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the simple steps to cook your cured ham perfectly, whether it’s pre-cooked, smoked, or home-cured.
What Is Cured Ham?
Cured ham is pork that has been preserved through salting, smoking, or drying. This process enhances flavor and extends shelf life. There are different types of cured hams, including:
– Wet-cured or brined ham (soaked in a salty solution)
– Dry-cured ham (rubbed with salt and spices)
– Smoked ham (cured then smoked for flavor)
Each type may require slightly different cooking methods, but the basics are similar.
Preparing Your Cured Ham for Cooking
1. Check if Your Ham Needs Soaking
Some cured hams, especially dry-cured or older home-cured ones, can be very salty. To reduce saltiness:
– Soak the ham in cold water for 8 to 24 hours, changing the water once or twice.
– For mild saltiness, rinsing under warm water may be enough.
– If mold is present, wash the ham with a mixture of one cup vinegar to a gallon of water to clean it safely.
Most store-bought hams today don’t require soaking, but it’s good to check the packaging or ask your butcher.
Cooking Methods for Cured Ham
Baking a Cured Ham
Baking is one of the easiest and most popular ways to cook cured ham.
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
– Place the ham fat side up in a large roasting pan.
– Add about 2 cups of water or enough to reach half an inch up the sides of the pan.
– Cover the pan tightly with foil to keep the ham moist.
– Bake for about 10 minutes per pound. For example, a 10-pound ham will take roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Glazing the Ham:
– About 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
– Brush the ham with your favorite glaze-popular options include a mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, and orange juice.
– Return the ham to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
– Brush again with glaze and bake for another 15 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and golden.
Roasting with a Glaze
For a slightly different flavor, add a cup of honey, brown sugar, or sorghum to the water in the roasting pan. This infuses the ham with a subtle sweetness as it cooks. After roasting, apply glaze and finish under the broiler or at a higher oven temperature to get a beautiful crust.
Smoking a Cured Ham
If you have a smoked ham or want to add smoky flavor:
– Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
– Place the ham directly on the smoker grates.
– Smoke until the internal temperature reaches about 115°F (46°C).
– Begin glazing and baste every 30 minutes as the ham cooks to 140°F (60°C).
– Increase smoker temperature to 325°F (160°C) and cook until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).
– Let the ham rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Internal Temperature and Resting
The key to juicy, tender ham is cooking it to the right internal temperature:
– Aim for 155°F to 160°F (68°C to 71°C) for fully cooked cured ham.
– Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham without touching bone.
– After cooking, let the ham rest at least 20 to 30 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
Carving and Serving
– Remove the skin and excess fat if desired.
– Slice the ham against the grain into thin slices.
– Save the bone for making flavorful soups like split pea and ham soup.
Tips for a Perfect Cured Ham
– Don’t rush the cooking time. Slow and steady heat ensures tenderness.
– Use a glaze to add sweetness and a beautiful caramelized finish.
– Keep the ham moist by covering it during most of the cooking and adding water to the pan.
– Let it rest before carving to keep it juicy.
– Save the bone for soups or stocks-nothing goes to waste!
Cured ham is a treat that’s easy to prepare with a little patience and care. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious centerpiece that your family and friends will love.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked cured ham!