Quick & Easy Pan-Fried Whole Ham: Simple & Delicious!
Nutritional value per serving
Calories500kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat30gram
Protein45gram
Ingredients
- Whole precooked ham (approx. 1kg) - choose a ham with a smooth, shiny surface and a pleasant smell1 piece
- Vegetable oil or butter - for frying, use fresh oil or unsalted butter for best flavor3 tbsp
- Ground black pepper - freshly ground for best taste1 tsp
- Honey or brown sugar (optional) - for a sweet glaze2 tbsp
- Garlic powder (optional) - enhances flavor1 tsp
This recipe shows you how to fry a whole ham quickly and easily to create a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for any occasion. With clear steps, safe internal cooking temperatures, and simple ingredients, even beginner cooks can achieve great results. The ingredients cost approximately $15 (€14, £12, ₹1200) with a total caloric content around 1500 kcal for the whole ham. This recipe suits a standard omnivorous diet, is easy in complexity, and takes about 40 minutes including prep and frying time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Ham
1Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear. If the ham has a thick fat layer, score it lightly in a crosshatch pattern for better flavor absorption. This should take about 5 minutes.
Heat the Pan
2Place a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil or butter. Let it heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes. This prepares the pan for even cooking.
Fry the Ham
3Place the whole ham in the hot pan carefully to avoid oil splashes. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, turning carefully with tongs or a spatula, until nicely browned. Continuously monitor to avoid burning and maintain medium heat for even cooking.
Check Internal Temperature
4Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham to check the internal temperature. Since this ham is precooked, reheat until it reaches 60°C (140°F) to enjoy it warm and safe. If baking a raw ham instead, cook until 63°C (145°F) is reached, followed by a 3-minute rest.
Add Sweet Glaze (Optional)
5If you like, during the last 2 minutes of frying, add honey or brown sugar and sprinkle garlic powder on the ham. Carefully baste to coat the ham with the glaze and fry until it caramelizes slightly for enhanced flavor.
Rest and Serve
6Remove the ham from the pan and let it rest on a plate loosely covered with foil for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender ham. Then slice and serve warm.
Cooking Tips
1Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness for food safety and best texture.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked meat.
3If you do not have a meat thermometer, ensure the ham is piping hot in the center before serving.
4Use medium heat to avoid burning the outside while ensuring even warming throughout.
5Score the fat layer to help render fat and enhance flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife for scoring
- Paper towels
- Plate and foil for resting
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole precooked ham (approx. 1kg) - Approx. $12: choose one with a fresh smell and no surface stickiness.
- [ ] Vegetable oil or unsalted butter - Approx. $1: use fresh oil or butter for best taste.
- [ ] Ground black pepper - Approx. $0.50: freshly ground is best.
- [ ] Honey or brown sugar (optional) - Approx. $1: adds nice sweetness if desired.
- [ ] Garlic powder (optional) - Approx. $0.50: for extra flavor.
Total estimated cost: $15
FAQ
Is this recipe safe since the ham is precooked?
Yes, the ham is precooked. Frying it until internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F) is sufficient to ensure it is hot and safe to eat.
How do I check if my ham is cooked properly without a thermometer?
Without a thermometer, ensure the ham is steaming hot in the center. However, a meat thermometer is strongly recommended for safety.
Can I use a raw whole ham in this recipe?
This recipe is designed for precooked ham. If using raw ham, you must cook it until it reaches 63°C (145°F) internally and rests for at least 3 minutes before serving.
How to avoid burning the ham while frying?
Maintain medium heat and monitor the ham frequently, turning often to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.