How To Sous Vide A Pre Cured Ham

How to Sous Vide a Pre-Cured Ham

Are you looking for a delicious and foolproof way to prepare a pre-cured ham? Sous vide cooking is the perfect method to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results. By cooking the ham in a precisely controlled water bath, you can ensure that it is cooked to perfection without the risk of overcooking or drying out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of sous vide cooking a pre-cured ham, so you can impress your guests with a mouthwatering dish.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have the following items on hand:

• A pre-cured ham
• Sous vide machine
• Vacuum sealer or resealable bags
• Herbs and spices of your choice
• Large pot or container
• Meat thermometer

Preparing the Ham

Begin by removing the pre-cured ham from its packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. If the ham comes with a skin or rind, you can choose to remove it or leave it on, depending on your preference. Next, season the ham with your favorite herbs and spices. This is your chance to get creative and customize the flavor profile of the ham to your liking.

Vacuum Sealing

Once the ham is seasoned, place it in a vacuum-sealable bag or a resealable bag. If using a resealable bag, use the water displacement method to remove the air from the bag before sealing it. For the water displacement method, simply lower the bag with the ham into a pot of water, allowing the pressure to push the air out of the bag before sealing it tightly.

Sous Vide Cooking

Fill a large pot or container with water and attach the sous vide machine, setting the temperature to 140°F (60°C). Once the water reaches the desired temperature, carefully lower the sealed ham into the water bath, ensuring that it is fully submerged. Cook the ham for 6-8 hours to allow the flavors to infuse and the meat to become tender.

Finishing the Ham

After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the ham from the water bath and take it out of the bag. At this point, the ham is fully cooked, but it may lack the appealing golden-brown exterior that is often associated with traditional ham. To achieve this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the ham on a baking sheet. Roast the ham in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the exterior is nicely caramelized.

Serving the Sous Vide Ham

Once the ham is finished, allow it to rest for a few minutes before carving and serving. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a special meal at home, this sous vide pre-cured ham is sure to impress your guests with its succulent texture and rich flavor. Pair it with your favorite sides and sauces for a memorable dining experience.

With this simple yet effective sous vide method, you can elevate the flavor and texture of a pre-cured ham to new heights. The precise temperature control of sous vide cooking ensures that the ham retains its natural juices and flavors, resulting in a truly delectable dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a mouthwatering ham that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, consider trying the sous vide method. Your taste buds will thank you!