# Incredible Char Siu Honey Baked Ham: A Tasty Reimagining of a Tradition
This holiday season, rather than opting for the usual honey baked ham, consider enhancing your festive meal with an incredible char siu honey baked ham! If you’ve never tried glazing your own ham or have only tasted dry, bland versions, this recipe will completely transform your view. The blend of salty and sweet flavors, paired with the deep umami undertones, results in a ham that is simply unforgettable.
## What is Char Siu Ham?
Though traditional honey baked hams are truly delightful, glazing your own ham allows for creativity. If you’ve savored Chinese BBQ or fried rice, you’re likely acquainted with char siu—smoky, sweet Chinese BBQ pork. This char siu honey baked ham draws inspiration from those flavors, merging the best of both culinary worlds.
The honey baked char siu ham has a wonderful equilibrium of sweetness and umami, courtesy of a glaze that includes brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of five spice. It’s a delicious thrill that will have your guests singing its praises.
## How to Prepare Honey Baked Ham
### Ingredients
To whip up this tasty char siu honey baked ham, gather the following ingredients:
– **Ham**: A bone-in spiral cut ham (fully cooked)
– **Brown Sugar**: ½ cup, firmly packed
– **Honey**: ½ cup
– **Hoisin Sauce**: 2 tablespoons
– **Soy Sauce**: 1 tablespoon (low sodium recommended)
– **Shaoxing Wine**: 1.5 tablespoons (optional but advisable)
– **Five Spice Powder**: 1 teaspoon (optional)
– **White Pepper**: 1 teaspoon (optional)
– **Garlic**: 4 cloves, lightly crushed
– **Ginger**: 4 slices
### Instructions
1. **Select a Ham**: Opt for a bone-in spiral cut ham to maximize flavor and juiciness.
2. **Allow the Ham to Rest**: Let the ham sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours prior to cooking. This ensures even heating.
3. **Prepare the Glaze**: Mix all glaze ingredients in a saucepan and heat gently until it simmers.
4. **Set Up Your Pan**: Pour 1 cup of water and place a rack in a roasting pan. The steam will help keep the ham moist.
5. **Cook the Ham**: Position the ham cut side down in the pan and bake at 250°F, glazing every 20 minutes until heated through.
6. **Caramelize**: In the last few minutes, apply additional glaze and raise the oven temperature to 450°F to caramelize it. Allow it to rest before slicing.
## Common Questions
### How Long Should You Bake Honey Baked Ham?
Bake the ham for 12-15 minutes for each pound at 250°F, then elevate the temperature to 450°F for 5-10 minutes to achieve a caramelized glaze.
### Bone-In vs. Boneless Ham
– **Boneless Ham**: Easier to slice but typically less flavorful and juicier.
– **Bone-In Ham**: More flavorful and keeps its moisture, making it the ideal choice for this recipe.
### Suggested Sides for Honey Baked Ham
Pair your char siu honey baked ham with traditional sides like green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to offset the richness of the ham.
### Ideas for Leftover Honey Baked Ham
Leftover ham is extremely versatile! Incorporate it into sandwiches, salads, or even a hearty breakfast scramble.
## Final Thoughts
This char siu honey baked ham offers a charming twist on a holiday classic that will captivate your family and friends. With its ideal mix of sweet and savory tastes, it’s destined to become a new staple in your holiday cooking. Happy cooking, and relish the sticky, saucy delight of this wonderful ham!