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Hoisin Glazed Baked Ham: A Culinary Journey

My grandmother, a woman whose cooking was as comforting as a warm hug, always had a ham simmering away in her oven for special occasions. The aroma of sweet and savory glazes mingling with the rich scent of the pork filled her home, creating a sense of anticipation and joy. While her recipe was a closely guarded family secret, this Hoisin Glazed Baked Ham brings back those cherished memories, capturing the essence of her festive spirit with a distinctly Asian-inspired twist. It’s a dish that elevates the humble ham to something truly spectacular.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

9 – 10 lb bone-in ham
1 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon mustard

Equipment Needed

Sharp knife
Roasting pan
Small, heavy saucepan
Aluminum foil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
Using a sharp knife, score the ham by making shallow cuts, about 1/3 inch deep, into the fat. Cut a diamond pattern across the surface. This scoring not only looks attractive, but it also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat and creates crispy edges.
Place the scored ham in a roasting pan. Make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate the ham comfortably, with enough room for air to circulate.
In a small, heavy saucepan, combine the hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and mustard. The combination of these ingredients creates a complex sweet, savory, and tangy flavor profile that perfectly complements the richness of the ham.
Bring the mixture to a soft boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Simmering intensifies the flavors of the glaze, creating a richer, more complex sauce.
Generously glaze the ham with the hoisin sauce mixture, making sure to fill in the diamond crevices created by scoring. This ensures that every bite is infused with the delicious glaze.
Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the ham from the oven and re-glaze it with more of the hoisin sauce mixture. Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes. This double glazing creates a beautiful, lacquered finish.
Re-glaze the ham once more and then cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents the surface from burning while allowing the inside to cook through. Bake for an additional 1 hour.
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Carve the ham and serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Homemade Hoisin Sauce: For the most authentic and flavorful experience, consider making your own hoisin sauce. Many recipes are available online, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
Basting is Key: The repeated glazing is crucial for achieving that beautiful, glossy finish and deep flavor. Don’t skip these steps!
Don’t Overcook: Overcooked ham can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer and follow the recommended cooking times closely. The foil will help to retain moisture during the final baking stage.
Glaze Consistency: If the hoisin glaze becomes too thick while simmering, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Hoisin Glazed Baked Ham warm, sliced thinly, and arranged attractively on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Storage: Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze sliced ham for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm the ham gently in a skillet or in the oven until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Reheating: To reheat larger portions, wrap the ham in foil with a little liquid (broth or water) and heat in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	823.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	272 g	33%
Total Fat	30.3 g	46%
Saturated Fat	10 g	49%
Cholesterol	266.3 mg	88%
Sodium	8399.6 mg	349%
Total Carbohydrate	14.6 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	3%
Sugars	8.8 g	35%
Protein	115.3 g	230%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hoisin glaze for a touch of heat.
Sweet and Tangy: Incorporate a tablespoon of orange marmalade or pineapple juice into the glaze for added sweetness and acidity.
Smoked Ham: Use a smoked ham for a deeper, richer flavor.
Honey Glaze: Substitute honey for some of the hoisin sauce for a milder, sweeter glaze.
Vegetarian Option: While this recipe is designed for ham, a similar glaze could be used on a roasted portobello mushroom for a vegetarian alternative.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the hoisin glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes! The hoisin glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before using.

Q: What if I don’t have rice wine vinegar?
A: You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
A: Basting the ham frequently with the glaze and covering it with foil during the final baking stage will help to prevent it from drying out.

Q: Can I use a pre-cooked ham?
A: Yes, you can use a pre-cooked ham. Simply reduce the baking time accordingly and focus on glazing the ham to achieve the desired flavor and appearance.

Q: What’s the best way to carve a ham?
A: Use a sharp carving knife and slice against the grain for the most tender slices.

Final Thoughts

This Hoisin Glazed Baked Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories with family and friends. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is sure to impress, and the beautiful presentation will make it the centerpiece of any gathering. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experiences with me. Feel free to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. Consider pairing it with a crisp Riesling or a light-bodied Pinot Noir to complement the rich flavors of the ham. Happy cooking!

Hoisin Glazed Baked Ham Recipe