This Sticky Glazed Asian Ham is a flavorful twist on the classic holiday centerpiece. Infused with fresh ginger, star anise, and cloves, and lacquered in a sweet, sticky honey, orange, and Chinese five-spice glaze, it’s a showstopper for any festive meal. The combination of aromatic spices and a caramelized glaze creates a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Ham:

5 lb fresh ham (smoked if preferred)
¼ cup black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1 knob of fresh ginger (about 2 tablespoons), finely grated
2 star anise
1 large handful of cloves

For the Sticky Glaze:

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
½ orange, zested and juice reserved
⅔ cup honey
1 ½ cups brown sugar
1 red jalapeño pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
½ cup soy sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

If using a fresh ham, soak it in cold water overnight to remove excess salt. Alternatively, cook the ham in a large stockpot of water for 30 minutes over medium heat. Discard the salted liquid.
Place the ham in a large, clean stockpot and cover completely with water. Add the peppercorns, bay leaves, ginger, star anise, and half the cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 25 minutes per pound of ham.
About 30 minutes before the ham is done cooking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a small saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the glaze is reduced and thickened.
Remove the ham from the water and pat dry with paper towels. If the ham has a net, remove it. Use a sharp knife to score the meat diagonally, then score again in the opposite direction to form a diamond pattern. Insert the remaining cloves into the intersections of the cuts.
Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour the glaze evenly over the meat, reserving some glaze for serving. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top begins to caramelize.
Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the reserved glaze.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, serves 10)

Calories: 774 kcal
Protein: 51 g
Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Sugars: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Cholesterol: 141 mg
Sodium: 3352 mg
Potassium: 838 mg
Vitamin A: 64 IU
Vitamin C: 6 mg
Calcium: 81 mg
Iron: 3 mg

The Origin of Sticky Glazed Ham

While ham has been a staple at holiday meals for centuries, the trend of glazing ham with sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy sauces has become a more recent innovation. The sticky glaze creates a caramelized exterior that complements the richness of the ham, adding a layer of complexity to its flavor profile. Over time, the glaze has evolved, incorporating a variety of ingredients, such as honey, brown sugar, mustard, and various fruit juices, to balance the savory and sweet elements of the dish.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of incorporating international flavors into traditional dishes. The Sticky Glazed Asian Ham is a perfect example of this fusion. By combining classic glazing techniques with Asian-inspired ingredients, this dish offers a unique twist on a beloved favorite, bringing new textures and flavors to the table.

Why Choose Sticky Glazed Asian Ham?

There are several reasons why you should consider adding Sticky Glazed Asian Ham to your next celebration or holiday meal. First and foremost, this dish stands out due to its bold and complex flavor profile. The combination of soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and five-spice powder results in a sweet, salty, and slightly spicy glaze that perfectly complements the ham’s natural richness.

Moreover, the sticky glaze adds a beautiful, caramelized finish to the ham, creating a delightful contrast between the tender, juicy meat and the slightly crisp exterior. The glaze also acts as a flavor enhancer, soaking into the ham during cooking and infusing the meat with a rich, savory sweetness.

Another advantage of this recipe is its versatility. While it’s perfect for special occasions, such as holiday dinners or family gatherings, it can also be adapted for smaller meals or weeknight dinners. Whether you’re preparing a large roast for a crowd or a smaller ham for a more intimate gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Key Ingredients that Make the Glaze Special

The star of the Sticky Glazed Asian Ham is, of course, the glaze. The ingredients that make up this glaze are both traditional and unique, giving the dish its signature flavor.

Soy Sauce: A staple in Asian cuisine, soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor to the glaze. It helps balance the sweetness of the other ingredients and infuses the ham with a savory depth that complements the meat’s natural flavor.
Honey: The use of honey provides a natural sweetness that helps caramelize the ham, giving it that characteristic sticky and glossy finish. The honey also adds a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
Brown Sugar: The rich, molasses flavor of brown sugar enhances the sweetness of the glaze while also contributing to the caramelization process. It creates a deep, rich sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Chinese Five-Spice Powder: This aromatic blend of spices (typically consisting of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns) adds complexity and depth to the glaze. It’s the key ingredient that gives the dish its signature Asian flavor, providing a balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.
Ginger and Garlic: Both ginger and garlic add a fresh, zesty kick to the glaze. Their bold, aromatic flavors complement the sweetness and umami, giving the dish a lively, layered taste.
Jalapeño Pepper: For a touch of heat, thinly sliced jalapeño peppers are added to the glaze. They bring a subtle spiciness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar, offering a balance of heat and sweetness that elevates the overall flavor.

Cooking Method: How the Ham Gets Its Sticky Glaze

The process of making Sticky Glazed Asian Ham is a combination of braising and roasting, which allows the flavors to develop and intensify. First, the ham is simmered with aromatic ingredients such as peppercorns, bay leaves, ginger, and star anise. This simmering process infuses the ham with a delicate, savory flavor, allowing the meat to become tender and juicy.

Once the ham has been simmered and is fully cooked, it is transferred to the oven where it is glazed and roasted. The glaze is brushed over the ham, allowing it to coat the meat evenly and slowly caramelize as the ham roasts. This roasting process is key to developing that sticky, sweet exterior, creating a beautiful contrast with the tender and moist interior of the ham.

The ham is roasted at a high temperature, ensuring that the glaze bubbles and thickens, turning into a glossy, sticky coating. The result is a ham with a rich, golden-brown crust that is infused with all the flavors of the glaze. The final step involves allowing the ham to rest before slicing, which ensures that the meat retains its juiciness.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Sticky Glazed Asian Ham

Sticky Glazed Asian Ham is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it is served as the centerpiece of a holiday meal or special gathering, accompanied by a variety of sides. The sticky, flavorful ham pairs beautifully with starchy sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or rice. It also complements fresh, crisp vegetables, such as sautéed greens, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a light salad.

For a more Asian-inspired meal, you can serve the ham alongside stir-fried vegetables, steamed rice, or noodles. The richness of the ham pairs well with the freshness and crunch of these dishes, creating a well-rounded meal.

If you have leftover ham, it can be used in a variety of creative ways. You can slice it thinly and serve it on sandwiches, toss it into salads, or use it as a filling for wraps and tacos. The sweet and savory flavors of the ham make it a perfect addition to many dishes, allowing you to enjoy the leftovers in a new and exciting way.

The Appeal of Sticky Glazed Asian Ham

One of the main reasons why Sticky Glazed Asian Ham is so appealing is the balance of flavors. The combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and savory elements makes each bite complex and satisfying. The glaze is the star of the show, adding a layer of flavor and texture that elevates the entire dish. The stickiness of the glaze creates a rich, caramelized crust on the ham, while the juicy, tender meat remains the perfect contrast.

Conclusion

Sticky Glazed Asian Ham is a perfect example of how traditional recipes can be reimagined by infusing them with bold, exciting flavors from different culinary traditions. By incorporating ingredients such as soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and jalapeño peppers, this dish brings a whole new level of depth and complexity to the classic holiday ham. The sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze adds a sticky, caramelized finish to the ham, creating a dish that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor.

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