Gordon Ramsay Honey Glazed Ham: A Showstopper for Any Occasion
When it comes to holiday feasts or Sunday dinners, nothing beats a perfectly cooked ham. This Gordon Ramsay Honey Glazed Ham is not just a dish; it’s a centerpiece that’ll have your guests raving. With a sweet, sticky glaze and a juicy interior, this recipe is your ticket to impressing everyone at the table. In this post, I’ll walk you through my favorite tips and tricks to make this dish a breeze, even if you’re a home cook like me.
Dylan’s Story + The Ramsay Technique
The First Time I Ruined This Dish
Let me take you back to my first attempt at making ham. I was excited, but I ended up with a dry, flavorless hunk of meat. I learned the hard way that cooking ham isn’t just about throwing it in the oven. It’s about technique. That’s when I turned to Gordon Ramsay’s methods. His approach to brining and glazing transformed my cooking game.
The One Ramsay Technique That Changed Everything
One technique that really stood out to me was the brining process. Ramsay emphasizes the importance of infusing flavor into the meat before cooking. I simplified it for my kitchen by using a quick simmer method with spices and vegetables. This not only saves time but also ensures your ham is juicy and packed with flavor.
The Must-Have Ingredients (and My Smart Swaps)
Here’s what you’ll need to create this stunning dish:
- 3kg unsmoked boneless gammon joint
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 leek, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 bay leaves
- Whole cloves
- 100g demerara sugar
- 50ml Madeira
- 25ml sherry vinegar
- 125g honey
These ingredients are essential for that rich flavor. If you can’t find Madeira, a good red wine works just as well. And if you’re short on time, skip the brining and go straight to roasting—just make sure to baste well!
How I Prep This Dish Without Losing My Mind
Prep is key to a smooth cooking experience. Start by soaking the gammon in cold water for a few hours to remove excess salt. While that’s happening, chop your veggies and gather your spices. This way, when it’s time to cook, everything’s ready to go.
My Ramsay-Style Cooking Walkthrough
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a flawless ham:
| Step | Tip |
|---|---|
| 1. Place gammon in a large pot. Cover with cold water. Add veg and spices. | Simmer gently for 3 hours. Skim often to keep the broth clear. |
| 2. Let it cool slightly or leave in stock if prepping ahead. | This helps the flavors meld. |
| 3. Heat glaze ingredients in a pan until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. | Keep an eye on it; you want a syrupy consistency. |
| 4. Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F. | Don’t skip this step; a hot oven is crucial for a good glaze. |
| 5. Remove skin from ham, score fat in diamonds, and stud with cloves. | This creates a beautiful presentation and allows the glaze to penetrate. |
| 6. Place in roasting tin. Brush with half the glaze. Roast for 15 minutes. | Watch it closely; you want it caramelized, not burnt. |
| 7. Pour on remaining glaze. Roast another 25–35 minutes, basting every 10. | Basting keeps it moist and flavorful. |
| 8. Rest for 15 minutes. Slice and serve. | Resting is key for juicy slices! |
Serve This Like You’re Hosting Hell’s Kitchen
Presentation matters! Serve your ham on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and seasonal fruits. A drizzle of the leftover glaze on top adds a nice touch. Pair it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Leftovers That Actually Get Better the Next Day
Don’t let any of that delicious ham go to waste! Use leftovers in sandwiches, or chop it up for a hearty breakfast hash. You can also toss it into a creamy pasta dish for a quick weeknight dinner. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While this recipe is for a boneless gammon joint, you can use any type of ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type.
How do I know when the ham is done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 70°C (160°F) for safe consumption.
Can I make this ham ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ham a day in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving. Just keep the glaze separate until you’re ready to roast.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, and you can freeze them for longer storage.
Cook Bold Like Ramsay
Cooking this Gordon Ramsay Honey Glazed Ham is all about confidence and flavor. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Whether you add a splash of your favorite spirit or throw in some extra spices, make it your own. Remember, cooking is an adventure—so embrace it! Cook bold like Ramsay.
Gordon Ramsay Honey Glazed ham Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Place gammon in a large pot, cover with water, add veg and spices, and simmer for 3 hours. Skim often.
- Let it cool slightly or keep in stock if prepping ahead.
- Heat honey, sugar, Madeira, and sherry vinegar until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Remove skin, score fat, stud with cloves.
- Place in roasting tin, brush with half the glaze, and roast 15 minutes.
- Pour remaining glaze over ham, roast 25–35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.
- Rest for 15 minutes, then slice and serve.
