Get ready to transform your ordinary ham into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds! This Sticky Honey Soy Ham is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that blends the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Imagine a glossy, caramelized ham with a gorgeous golden-brown crust that's so irresistible, it'll make your taste buds dance with excitement. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking to impress at a holiday gathering, this Asian-inspired ham will be the star of your table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from refrigeration and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Place the fully cooked ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate and caramelize.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and create a smooth, glossy glaze.
- Brush approximately one-third of the prepared glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting during cooking.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake the ham for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting with additional glaze every 20-25 minutes. This will help create a rich, sticky exterior and enhance the flavor.
- During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful golden-brown crust. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter and brush with any remaining glaze. Slice and serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating and prevent dry edges.
- Scoring Technique: Create shallow diamond-shaped cuts in the fat layer to help the glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully.
- Basting is Key: Don't skip the frequent basting! This ensures a sticky, flavorful exterior and prevents the ham from drying out.
- Glaze Control: Reserve some glaze for the final brushing to maximize flavor and appearance.
- Resting Period: Let the ham rest after cooking for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and tender result.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a beautiful touch of color and a subtle fresh flavor to your finished dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
