When it comes to cooking ham, there are countless recipes and techniques that can be used. However, one unique and delicious method is cooking ham with coke. Yes, you read that right! Using coke as a cooking ingredient can add a unique twist to the traditional ham recipe, resulting in a sweet and flavorful dish.
Why coke?
Using coke as a cooking ingredient may come as a surprise to many, but it actually has a scientific explanation. The carbonation in coke can help tenderize the meat and give it a caramelized crust. In addition, the sugars in coke can create a sweet glaze, enhancing the flavor of the ham.
How to cook a ham with coke:
- Start with a fully cooked ham. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham in a roasting pan.
- Score the surface of the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This will allow the coke and glaze to penetrate the meat.
- Pour a can of coke over the ham, making sure to evenly coat the surface. The coke will add moisture and flavor to the ham.
- Next, create a glaze by combining brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and cloves. Spread the glaze over the surface of the ham.
- Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Once cooked, let the ham rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.
Try cooking a ham with coke for your next holiday meal or special occasion. The combination of the carbonation and sugars in coke will create a unique and tasty dish that is sure to impress your guests!
Preparation for cooking a ham with coke
Before you begin cooking a ham with coke, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that the ham is prepared properly and ready to be cooked.
1. Choose the right ham:
When selecting a ham, choose one that is fully cooked and not sliced. This will allow the coke to penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor. Look for a ham that has a good amount of fat for added juiciness.
2. Remove the packaging and excess fat:
Unwrap the ham and remove any plastic packaging or netting. Trim off any excess fat, leaving a thin layer to keep the ham moist during cooking
3. Score the ham:
Using a sharp knife, score the fat on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will help the coke glaze to penetrate and flavor the meat.
4. Marinate the ham:
Place the scored ham in a large container or ziplock bag. Pour enough coke over the ham to cover it completely. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the coke to soak into the ham and infuse it with its unique flavor.
5. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure that it is hot enough to thoroughly cook the ham.
6. Remove the ham from the marinade:
Take the ham out of the marinade and discard the coke. Pat the ham dry with paper towels.
7. Prepare the coke glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of coke, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly.
8. Apply the glaze:
Using a basting brush, generously brush the coke glaze all over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
9. Cook the ham:
Place the glazed ham on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
10. Rest and carve the ham:
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make slicing easier.
Now that you have prepared the ham, it is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as the main dish for a holiday gathering or any special occasion.
Ingredients and tools needed
Before starting to cook a ham with coke, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here is a list of what you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked ham (any size you prefer)
- 1 can of Coca-Cola or any other cola drink (12 ounces)
- Whole cloves (optional)
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Tools:
- Oven
- Oven-safe roasting pan
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
- Sharp knife
- Meat thermometer
Having all these ingredients and tools ready will ensure that you can successfully cook a delicious ham with coke.
Choosing the right ham
When it comes to cooking a ham with coke, choosing the right ham is essential. There are a few factors to consider when selecting the perfect ham for this recipe.
1. Type of ham
There are different types of ham available, such as bone-in or boneless, smoked or unsmoked, and pre-cooked or raw. For cooking a ham with coke, it is recommended to use a pre-cooked ham that is smoked. The smoky flavor complements the sweet taste of coke nicely.
2. Size of ham
The size of the ham will depend on how many people you plan to serve. As a general guideline, calculate about 1/2 pound (225 grams) of ham per person. However, it’s always good to have some leftovers for sandwiches or other dishes. So, you might want to consider getting a slightly larger ham.
Tip: If you are unsure about the size, it’s better to have a larger ham rather than a smaller one. You can always adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s cooked through.
By considering the type and size of the ham, you can choose the perfect one for cooking a delicious ham with coke. The right ham will ensure that the flavors blend well together and result in a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy.
Note: Before proceeding with cooking, make sure to read the packaging instructions provided with the ham as cooking times and temperatures may vary.
Preparing the ham
Before cooking the ham with coke, it is important to properly prepare the ham to ensure it is tender and flavorful. Follow these steps to prepare the ham:
Step 1: |
Remove the packaging from the ham and place it on a clean cutting board. |
Step 2: |
Rinse the ham thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt or brine that may be present. |
Step 3: |
Pat the ham dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. |
Step 4: |
If desired, score the surface of the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat. |
Step 5: |
Place the ham in a roasting pan or a large oven-safe dish. Smithfield, Anytime Favorites Hickory Smoked Fully Cooked Diced Ham, 8 oz
Amazon.com
|
Now that the ham is prepared, you are ready to move on to the next step of cooking it with coke.
Cooking the ham with coke
One interesting twist on cooking a ham is to use coke as a key ingredient. The acidity and sweetness of the coke can add a unique flavor to the ham, while also helping to tenderize the meat. Here are some steps to follow when cooking a ham with coke:
Ingredients:
- 1 ham (approximately 5-7 pounds)
- 2 liters of coke
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the ham in a large baking dish, fat side up.
- Pour the coke over the ham until it is half submerged.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the ham.
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake the ham in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, remove the foil and baste the ham with the coke mixture from the bottom of the baking dish.
- Continue to bake the ham, uncovered, for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This cooking method with coke can add a delicious and unique twist to your traditional ham recipe. The coke helps to keep the ham moist and infuses it with a sweet and tangy flavor. Give it a try for your next special occasion or holiday meal!
Marinating the ham
Marinating the ham is an essential step in adding flavor and tenderness to the meat. The combination of Coke and other ingredients in the marinade will infuse the ham with sweet and savory flavors.
To marinate the ham:
- Remove the skin from the ham, if desired.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 2 cups of Coke, 1 cup of pineapple juice, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce.
- Add any additional seasonings or spices you prefer, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
- Place the ham in the bag and seal it tightly, making sure the marinade covers the entire ham.
- Refrigerate the ham in the marinade for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally to ensure the ham is evenly coated.
The longer the ham marinates, the more flavorful it will become. The Coke and other ingredients will work together to break down the proteins in the meat and create a tender and delicious ham.
Note: Before cooking the ham, make sure to remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard any leftover marinade.
Marinating the ham is a crucial step to achieve a flavorful and succulent dish. Take your time and let the flavors meld together for the best results.
Q&A
What ingredients do I need to cook a ham with coke?
To cook a ham with coke, you will need a fully cooked ham, coke or cola, brown sugar, and optional spices like cloves or cinnamon.
Can I use any kind of coke or cola to cook the ham?
Yes, you can use any kind of coke or cola to cook the ham. Regular cola or coke works well, but you can also experiment with different flavors like cherry cola or vanilla coke for added taste.
How long does it take to cook a ham with coke?
The cooking time for a ham with coke will depend on the size of the ham. As a general rule, you can calculate around 20 minutes of cooking time per pound of ham. So, if you have a 5-pound ham, it will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook.
Can I cook a ham with coke in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a ham with coke in a slow cooker. Place the fully cooked ham in the slow cooker, pour coke over it, add brown sugar and spices, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ham is heated through and flavorful.
What can I serve with a ham cooked with coke?
A ham cooked with coke goes well with a variety of side dishes. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, glazed carrots, or a fresh salad. Some people also like to serve it with pineapple slices for a sweet and savory combination.