Grilled ham is a delightful dish that brings out the savory flavors of this beloved meat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe is simple yet satisfying. The combination of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper enhances the natural taste of the ham, while the grill adds a smoky touch. Whether you're serving it with a side of vegetables or incorporating it into a sandwich, this dish is sure to please.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite straightforward and should be easily found in most kitchens or local supermarkets. However, if you don't typically keep thick cut ham on hand, you might need to make a trip to the deli section of your grocery store. Look for slices that are about half an inch thick to ensure they hold up well on the grill. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for its robust flavor, but pre-ground pepper can also be used in a pinch.
Ingredients For Grilled Ham Recipe
Ham: Thick cut slices are ideal for grilling, providing a hearty texture and rich flavor.
Olive oil: Used to brush the ham slices, adding moisture and a subtle fruity flavor.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a bold, spicy kick that complements the savory ham.
Technique Tip for Grilling
To enhance the flavor of your ham slices, consider marinating them for a few hours before grilling. A simple marinade of olive oil, black pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar or honey can add a delightful depth of flavor. This extra step will ensure your grilled ham is not only juicy but also packed with a subtle sweetness and tanginess that complements the smoky grill marks.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
thick cut ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey provides a similar savory and smoky flavor profile, making it a great alternative for those who prefer poultry over pork.
thick cut ham - Substitute with grilled portobello mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, grilled portobello mushrooms offer a meaty texture and can absorb marinades well, mimicking the umami taste of ham.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point similar to olive oil and a mild flavor, making it suitable for grilling.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and also has a high smoke point, which is ideal for grilling.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma, which can add a unique twist to the dish.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and a different kind of spiciness, which can enhance the overall flavor profile of the grilled dish.
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How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the grilled ham to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the ham soggy.
Once cooled, wrap each slice of ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This ensures you can keep track of how long the ham has been stored.
Store the grilled ham in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer.
For freezing, ensure the ham is wrapped and sealed tightly to prevent any exposure to air, which can cause freezer burn and affect the texture.
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps retain the texture and flavor.
Reheat the ham gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at a low temperature. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the ham.
If you prefer a quick option, use the microwave. Place the ham on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
Pair your reheated grilled ham with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of pineapple for a delightful contrast of flavors.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the leftover grilled ham slices in a baking dish, adding a splash of chicken broth or apple juice to keep them moist. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the ham is warmed through.
Stovetop method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the ham slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the ham is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Microwave method: Place the grilled ham slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
Grill method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap the ham slices in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place the foil-wrapped ham on the grill and heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the ham slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the ham is warmed through and slightly crispy.
Essential Tools for Grilling
Grill: A cooking device that provides direct heat from below, perfect for achieving those desirable grill marks and heating the ham slices evenly.
Grill brush: Used to clean the grill grates before cooking, ensuring that the ham doesn't stick and picks up any unwanted flavors.
Tongs: A tool for safely placing the ham slices on the grill and flipping them without piercing the meat, which helps retain juices.
Basting brush: Used to apply olive oil evenly on both sides of the ham slices, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful during grilling.
Pepper grinder: A device for freshly grinding black pepper, which enhances the flavor of the ham with its aromatic oils.
Timer: Helps keep track of the cooking time, ensuring each side of the ham is grilled for the recommended 4-5 minutes.
Cutting board: A surface to rest the grilled ham slices after cooking, allowing them to settle and retain their juices before serving.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Preheat efficiently: Start preheating the grill while you prepare the ham slices to save time.
Use a brush: Quickly coat the ham with olive oil using a brush for even coverage.
Batch seasoning: Season all ham slices at once with black pepper to streamline the process.
Grill in batches: If your grill is small, cook multiple slices at once to reduce cooking time.
Rest while serving: Let the ham rest while you set the table, maximizing efficiency.
Grilled Ham Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices Ham Thick cut
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the ham slices with olive oil on both sides.
- Season the ham with freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the ham slices on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear and the ham is heated through.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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