The Ultimate Guide to How to Cook Ham Stove Top: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Are you tired of dry, flavorless ham? Learning how to cook ham stovetop can unlock a world of juicy, tender, and flavorful possibilities. This versatile method allows you to achieve perfectly cooked ham, whether you’re starting with a bone-in ham, a spiral-sliced ham, or a pre-cooked ham. Get ready to elevate your holiday meals and weeknight dinners with these simple yet effective techniques.

The Power of Stovetop Cooking

Cooking ham on the stovetop offers several advantages over other methods:

• Consistent Heat: The even heat distribution of a stovetop allows for more precise control, ensuring that your ham cooks evenly throughout.
• Flexibility: You can adjust the heat and cooking time based on your ham’s size and desired level of doneness.
• Flavor Infusion: Stovetop cooking allows you to add flavorful ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs directly to the pot, creating a rich and aromatic sauce.
• Convenience: No need for a large oven or special equipment. A simple pot is all you need to achieve delicious results.

Choosing the Right Ham

The first step to a successful stovetop ham is choosing the right cut. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

• Bone-in Ham: Typically a whole ham, bone-in hams offer a rich flavor and a more traditional cooking experience. They require longer cooking times and may be more challenging to slice.
• Spiral-sliced Ham: Pre-cooked and sliced into a spiral shape, these hams are incredibly convenient and cook quickly. They are ideal for smaller gatherings or weeknight meals.
• Pre-cooked Ham: These hams are already fully cooked and require only reheating. They are perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Preparing Your Ham

Once you’ve chosen your ham, it’s time to prepare it for cooking:
1. Remove the Ham from Packaging: Carefully remove the ham from its packaging and discard any plastic wrap or netting.
2. Rinse and Pat Dry: Rinse the ham under cold water to remove any excess salt or preservatives. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels.
3. Score the Ham: For bone-in hams, scoring the fat helps to render it during cooking, creating a more flavorful and juicy ham. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts about 1/2 inch apart across the fat.
4. Prepare the Flavoring: For added flavor, you can create a simple glaze or marinade. Common ingredients include brown sugar, honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and spices like cloves and nutmeg.

Stovetop Cooking Techniques

Now, let’s explore the different methods for cooking ham on the stovetop:

Method 1: Simmering in Liquid

This method is ideal for bone-in hams and yields a tender and flavorful result:
1. Choose Your Liquid: Select a flavorful liquid like apple cider, chicken broth, or water. You can also add aromatics like onions, garlic, and bay leaves to the liquid for added depth.
2. Place the Ham in a Dutch Oven: Place the ham in a large Dutch oven or pot that can comfortably hold it.
3. Add Liquid: Pour enough liquid into the pot to cover the ham by about 1 inch.
4. Simmer Gently: Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the ham is tender and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Glaze the Ham: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, you can create a glaze by combining your chosen flavoring ingredients with some of the cooking liquid. Baste the ham with the glaze every 10 minutes for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
6. Rest and Slice: Remove the ham from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Method 2: Braising for Maximum Flavor

Braising is a great way to cook a ham slowly and evenly, resulting in a rich and tender product:
1. Sear the Ham: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a few tablespoons of oil and sear the ham on all sides until browned. This step adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the ham.
2. Add Aromatics and Liquid: Add onions, garlic, and any other desired aromatics to the pot. Pour in enough broth or other liquid to cover the bottom of the pot by about 1 inch.
3. Braise Gently: Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and braise for 2-3 hours, or until the ham is tender.
4. Glaze and Rest: Follow the glazing and resting instructions from Method 1 for a delicious finish.

Method 3: Quick and Easy Reheating

For pre-cooked hams, stovetop reheating is a quick and easy option:
1. Place the Ham in a Pot: Place the ham in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add Liquid: Pour enough water or broth into the pot to cover the bottom by about 1 inch.
3. Simmer Gently: Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the ham is heated through.
4. Glaze and Serve: You can glaze the ham during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Your Stovetop Ham

Your perfectly cooked ham is ready to be enjoyed! Here are some serving ideas:

• Classic Ham Dinner: Serve the ham with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a simple gravy.
• Ham and Cheese Sandwiches: Slice the ham thinly and layer it on toasted bread with your favorite cheese and condiments.
• Ham and Bean Soup: Use the leftover ham to create a hearty and flavorful soup.
• Ham Salad: Combine diced ham with mayonnaise, celery, and onion for a delicious salad.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked ham can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe and delicious results.
• Glaze Strategically: Glazing during the last part of cooking helps to create a beautiful and flavorful crust. Don’t glaze too early, as the sugar in the glaze can burn.
• Let the Ham Rest: Allowing the ham to rest before slicing helps to redistribute the juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product.

Time to Embrace the Stovetop

Cooking ham on the stovetop is a simple yet rewarding technique that can elevate your culinary skills and create delicious meals for any occasion. From classic simmering to flavorful braising, explore the different methods to find your favorite way to enjoy this versatile and delicious protein. So, put on your chef’s hat, gather your ingredients, and let the stovetop transform your ham into a culinary masterpiece!

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I cook a ham from frozen on the stovetop?
A: It is not recommended to cook a ham from frozen on the stovetop. Freezing can affect the texture and cooking time of the ham. It is best to thaw the ham completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Q: What can I do with leftover ham?
A: Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, soups, and casseroles. You can also freeze leftover ham for later use.
Q: How do I know when the ham is done?
A: The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The ham should also be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Q: Can I add different flavors to my ham?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavor combinations by adding ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and spices to your glaze or marinade. Get creative and find your favorite flavors!
Q: How long can I keep cooked ham in the refrigerator?
A: Cooked ham can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying.