Fresh Ham - Cooking Ideas?
A large portion of our pig-share this year included many slices of fresh ham. Any ideas about the best way to cook this cut? I've never had it before.
Many thanks.
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8 Comments:
pan fry, cut into chunks and add to beans, julienne and add in an omlet or quiche, small cubes and make ham hash. the possibilities are endless. I sometimes put it in the fp and whizz it really fine and make a ham type potstickers.
huneybumper at 12:11PM on 06/21/09
all the above plus grill them outside, I don't know how thick they are but you can stack them about four inches high, put a glaze on them and bake them like a ham.
goodcooker at 12:20PM on 06/21/09
When you say "fresh ham" I have to make the assumption that it's exactly what you said,"fresh" as in not cured or smoked.You can't really sub fresh ham for smoked,and no offense to huneybumper or goodcooker,but the suggestions you guys made sound great for smoked ham slices,but,unfortunately not for fresh ham.I tried pan frying a fresh ham slice once,like you would a pork chop,and it came out almost too tough to eat.IMHO,you need to braise this particular cut of meat.Try browning a slice,then cooking it in a gravy for an hour or so,and serve over rice or noodles.Braise a slice in some Mojo,with onions an garlic,and serve that over yellow rice,with a nice crusty bread to sop up the juices.Good Luck !
onepercent99 at 2:25PM on 06/21/09
Here's some recipes from various sources:
http://www.askthemeatman.com/pork_ham_cuts.htm
BAKED FRESH HAM
10 lb fresh ham
2 whole garlic clove --
1 minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp ground thyme
1 cup beer
Directions:
Trim excess fat from ham. Mix oil with herbs and rub all over ham.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes per pound of meat, until meat
thermometer registers 185 degrees. Baste occasionally with beer.
12 Servings.
-------
GRILLED FRESH HAM
4 to 5 pound boneless fresh ham pork leg
3/4 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
------------
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/fresh-ham-recipe/index.html
-----------
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/roast-fresh-ham-with-cider-glaze-recipe/index.html
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Prepare covered grill with drip pan in center, bank with medium hot coals. Place ham in center of grill. Grill over slow coals until meat thermometer registers 160 degrees F. about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Mix remaining ingredients; brush ham frequently with sauce during the last hour of grilling time. Let ham stand at least 10 minutes before carving.
CJ McD at 4:00PM on 06/21/09
I agree with @onepercent99 "fresh ham" is unsmoked pork not a cured ham slice. I've never used that cut but I'd go with braising as well.
tapioca at 4:03PM on 06/21/09
I appologize all the "fresh ham" I've seen in the grocery store has been fresh smoked or fresh cured ham. I had to go back and check what I had in the freezer. You are correct onepercent Ive never had occasion to use "raw" fresh ham. good luck. and let us know how things turn out.
huneybumper at 8:29PM on 06/21/09
Hi All,
Thanks for the ideas.
Yes, indeed, I am talking about fresh uncured/unsmoked ham - sliced rather thin and oblong in shape.
I went ahead with a long salt/sugar brine (w/bay leaves, peppercorns, & red pepper flakes) and threw them on the grill. They were very juicy, tender, and flavorful.
Any other ideas will be appreciated!
sugartoast at 9:07AM on 06/22/09
sugartoast-
Brining is the way to go. *brine fan*
Your flavor combo sounds delicious. Happy to hear they turned out so well!
CJ McD at 11:05AM on 06/22/09