Sous vide ham is a delicious and innovative way to prepare ham, ensuring that it remains juicy and flavorful. Here’s a guide on how to cook ham using the sous vide method.

Ingredients

Ham: Bone-in or boneless, fully cooked (if you prefer)

Glaze (optional): Choose from options like brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, mustard, or a combination. You can also add spices such as cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg.

Equipment

Sous vide immersion circulator

Large pot or container for the water bath

Resealable bags or vacuum-seal bags

Skillet or broiler (for finishing)

Instructions

Prepare the Ham:

If using a fully cooked ham, you can simply season it or add a glaze. If you prefer a raw ham, you may want to brine it for extra flavor and moisture.

Vacuum Seal:

Place the ham in a resealable bag or vacuum-seal bag. If you’re using a glaze, brush it onto the ham before sealing.

If using a resealable bag, use the water displacement method to remove air: seal the bag almost all the way, immerse it in water (submerging the part that’s not sealed), then seal it completely.

Set Up Sous Vide:

Fill your pot with water and set the sous vide immersion circulator to 140°F (60°C) for reheating a fully cooked ham or 165°F (74°C) if starting with an uncooked ham.

Cook the Ham:

Submerge the bagged ham in the water bath, ensuring it’s completely underwater. Cook for 6 to 12 hours depending on the size of your ham. A larger ham can benefit from longer cooking times for more tender results.

Finish the Ham:

Once cooked, remove the ham from the bag. You can either serve it directly or add some caramelization.

Optional Glaze: If you want a glazed finish, brush the ham with your glaze and place it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or use a broiler, watching closely to prevent burning.

Slice and Serve:

Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

Tips

Flavoring: Feel free to experiment with different spices and glazes to infuse your ham with unique flavors.

Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for later use.

Safety: Ensure your sous vide setup maintains a consistent temperature to avoid any food safety issues.

Sous vide ham is a great way to enjoy a holiday favorite with minimal fuss and maximum flavor! Enjoy your perfectly cooked ham!