Smoked ham is a classic dish that is perfect for any special occasion with friends and family. Whether you have a smoker or an oven, you can achieve a delicious and smoky flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. In this article, we will guide you through the process of smoking a ham on a smoker, and provide you with a mouth-watering recipe that is sure to impress your guests.
Preparing the Ham
Before we begin smoking the ham, it's important to prepare it properly. Start by scoring the surface of the ham about 1/4 inch deep in a diamond pattern on all sides, except for the cut face. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and create a beautiful presentation.
Next, create an injecting liquid by combining 75 ml (1/3 cup) of apple juice, 75 ml (1/3 cup) of maple syrup, and a pinch of dry mustard, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Inject the ham every inch or so with this mixture to infuse it with flavor.
Once the ham is injected, place it in the refrigerator uncovered overnight. This will allow the flavors to develop and enhance the taste of the ham.
Smoking the Ham
Now it's time to fire up your smoker. Set the temperature to 180°F and use hickory pellets for that authentic smoky flavor. If you don't have a smoker, don't worry! You can still achieve great results by cooking the ham in the oven instead.
Place the ham in the smoker and let it cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F. This process can take several hours, so be patient. To add even more flavor, you can use an A-Maze-N Tube Smoker filled with hickory pellets and place it in the chamber.
Creating the Glaze
While the ham is smoking, it's time to prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine 50 ml (1/4 cup) of apple jelly, 25 ml (2 tablespoons) of maple syrup, 25 ml (2 tablespoons) of brown sugar, and spices such as dry mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Heat the mixture over low heat until well mixed.
Smoker vs Oven
Smoking the ham on a smoker is a great way to achieve a deep and smoky flavor, but if you don't have a smoker, you can still enjoy a delicious ham by cooking it in the oven. Simply follow the same steps for preparing and injecting the ham, then cook it at 210°F for 2 hours. Be sure to brush the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
The Verdict
After hours of smoking or baking, your smoked ham is ready to be served. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a tender and flavorful result. The combination of the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors will create a ham that is perfect for any special occasion.
Whether you choose to smoke the ham on a smoker or cook it in the oven, the result will be a delicious and impressive dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds. So, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the mouth-watering flavors of a perfectly smoked ham.
- Can I smoke a ham at 200°F? While the recommended smoking temperature for a ham is 180°F, you can smoke it at 200°F as well. Just make sure to monitor the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer.
- Is a smoked ham double smoked? Yes, when you smoke a ham, it becomes double smoked. This enhances the smoky flavor and adds an extra dimension to the taste.
Smoking a ham on a smoker or baking it in the oven is a fantastic way to create a flavorful and impressive dish. The combination of the smoky flavor, the sweetness of the glaze, and the spices will make your ham the star of any special occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your smoker or preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a mouth-watering smoked ham that will leave your guests wanting more.
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