When it comes to cooking ham, many people think of the traditional oven-baked method. However, grilling ham on the BBQ can take this classic dish to a whole new level. The convection cooking provided by the grill not only ensures a perfectly cooked interior but also gives the ham a delightful browned and caramelized crust. In this article, we will explore the steps to create a mouth-watering BBQ smoked ham that will impress your family and friends.
Can You Cook Ham on the BBQ?
Absolutely! Cooking ham on the BBQ is a fantastic way to infuse it with a smoky flavor and achieve that perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness. To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 5kg Smoked Ham Leg
- 1 Cup Honey
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 60g Unsalted Butter
- 2 Tbsp. Worcester Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Wholegrain Mustard
- 2 Zest and Juice of Orange
- 1/4 Cup Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tin Pineapple Rings
- Cloves
Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Take the ham out of the fridge 45 minutes before cooking. Remove the skin and carefully peel away the thin layer under the skin, leaving the cloudy white fat layer intact for flavor and moisture. Using a small, sharp knife, make diagonal slices about 3cm apart and a few millimeters deep through the fat layer, creating rough diamond shapes. Insert cloves into the ham, leaving gaps between them. Optional: Use toothpicks to secure pineapple rings around the ham.
Step 2: Set up the BBQ
Prepare a covered barbecue for indirect cooking. For a gas barbecue, heat one burner on medium-high and leave the other burners off. For a charcoal barbecue, build a fire on one side of the charcoal grate and let it burn until the coals are covered with white ash. Do not spread out the coals.
Step 3: Cook the Ham
Place the ham on a tray and set it on the side of the barbecue that is turned off. Close the lid and let it cook at a temperature of about 190°C for 1 and a half hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham registers 42°C.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
In a medium heavy saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, unsalted butter, Worcester sauce, wholegrain mustard, zest and juice of orange, and Dijon mustard. Cook until everything has melted. Remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside.
Step 5: Glaze and Caramelize the Ham
When the ham is warmed through, increase the barbecue temperature slightly to about 200°C. Using a pastry brush, brush some of the glaze all over the ham. Cook the ham, basting it every 5 minutes with the glaze, for a further 45 minutes or until the thickest part of the ham registers 52°C on the meat thermometer and the ham is evenly caramelized.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the barbecue and let it rest on a carving board for 10 minutes. Pour off the juices from the baking tray into a tall and narrow heatproof container, allowing the fat to settle on top. Skim off as much fat as possible. In a serving bowl, combine equal parts of the skimmed juices and remaining glaze. Serve the ham with the barbecue sauce.
How Do You BBQ a Precooked Ham?
If you have a precooked ham, you can still enjoy the benefits of grilling it on the BBQ. Follow these simple tips to elevate your holiday meal:
- Do not change the cooking time on the recipe. Stick to the recommended cooking time for a precooked ham, which is approximately 12-15 minutes per pound when the grill temperature stays between 225-250 degrees. Use a meat thermometer to track the temperature.
- Apply the glaze 10-15 minutes before removing the ham from the grill. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and brown, adding a delicious flavor and texture to the ham.
- Let the ham rest for 30-45 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful ham.
Remember to savor each bite and save the ham bone for making a delicious split pea soup.
Grilling a BBQ smoked ham is a fantastic way to elevate this classic dish. The smoky flavor, tender interior, and caramelized crust create a mouth-watering experience that will impress your guests. Whether you are cooking a fresh or precooked ham, following the steps outlined in this article will ensure a delicious and memorable meal. So fire up your BBQ, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delectable BBQ smoked ham!
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