Tired of dry, boring ham? Prepare yourself for a revelation! This sous vide ham recipe delivers unbelievably juicy, tender, and flavorful ham, every single time. It's surprisingly easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can elevate even the simplest ingredients. Say goodbye to disappointing ham and hello to a delicious dish that's sure to impress. This easy recipe is a quick dinner idea, perfect for healthy meals, and adds to your collection of best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound bone-in ham (city ham or country ham work well)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment:
- Sous vide immersion circulator
- Large, sealable sous vide bag
- Large pot or container for water bath
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. This simple glaze is the key to incredible flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from its packaging. If there's a netting on the ham, you can leave it on. Place the ham in the sealable sous vide bag. Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s coated evenly. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.
Step 3: Sous Vide Cooking
Fill your large pot or container with enough water to fully submerge the bag. Set your sous vide circulator to 145°F (63°C). Place the bag in the water bath and cook for 6-8 hours, or even longer for an exceptionally tender result.
Step 4: Browning (Optional)
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the ham from the bag. For a beautiful browned crust, preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the ham on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Remove the ham from the oven (if broiled) and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Slice and serve.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the bag: Ensure there’s enough space in the bag for the ham to cook evenly.
- Use a good quality ham: The better the starting ingredient, the better the final result.
- Adjust cooking time: For a more tender ham, increase the cooking time. For a slightly firmer ham, decrease it.
- Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Variations:
- Spicy Ham: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.
- Sweet & Savory Ham: Increase the honey in the glaze for a sweeter flavor.
- Herb-Infused Ham: Experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, or paprika.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of the ham and the number of servings. Use a nutrition calculator for a more precise estimate based on your specific ingredients and portion size. Generally, ham is a good source of protein.
This sous vide ham recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional methods. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!