Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a ham in your convection microwave oven?
Look no further! With the right techniques and tips, you can ensure that your ham is cooked evenly and to perfection.
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or simply craving a hearty meal, cooking a ham in a convection microwave oven is a great option.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook a ham in your convection microwave oven, including cooking times, glazing tips, and more.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook A Ham In A Convection Microwave Oven?
First things first, preheat your convection microwave oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, place the ham on a rack in a shallow pan and add 1/2 cup of water or stock to the pan. This will prevent any sugar in the glaze from sticking to the pan and burning.
Next, estimate the cooking time based on the weight of your ham. Allow 10 minutes per pound to heat the ham or use the oven meat probe programmed to 130 degrees.
If your ham doesn’t have specific temperature directions on it, the USDA FSIS recommends setting a conventional oven no lower than 325 F to reheat a pre-cooked ham — which translates to 300 F for a convection microwave oven.
Once the oven is preheated, slide the pan into its center and cook for the estimated time. It’s important to keep the ham covered until you add the glaze, as direct heat can have a drying effect on the ham.
Expert recommendations vary on how often you should glaze your ham; some say to coat it every 10 to 20 minutes and baste it with juices from the pan while you’re at it, while others say a single glaze, about 20 minutes before the ham is done, is enough.
For a sensational, caramelized crust on your glazed ham, glaze it frequently and then, at the tail end of the cooking time, remove the foil tent or lid from your ham and set the oven to broil for a couple of minutes. Watch carefully to make sure the ham doesn’t burn.
Choosing The Right Ham
When it comes to choosing the right ham for your convection microwave oven, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, consider the type of ham you want to cook. There are different types of ham available in the market, such as bone-in or boneless, smoked or unsmoked, and spiral-cut or whole. Each type of ham requires a different cooking time and temperature, so it’s important to read the packaging instructions carefully.
If you’re looking for a pre-cooked ham, make sure to choose one that has been packaged in a federally inspected plant. These hams can be consumed cold, but if you want to serve them hot, they should be heated to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
On the other hand, hams that don’t originate from a federally inspected plant should be heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you may need to tack on a couple of extra minutes to the recommended cooking time.
When cooking ham in a convection microwave oven, it’s recommended to cook it at 25% less than the recommended temperature. For example, if the package says to cook the ham at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cook it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit instead.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your ham in a convection microwave oven, it’s important to properly prepare it. One important factor to consider is the size of your ham. Make sure it fits comfortably in your oven before starting the cooking process.
Another crucial step is to thaw the ham properly. You can thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking, or you can place it in a large pot of cold water and change the water every 30 minutes until it’s thawed. It’s important to never thaw a ham at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Once your ham is thawed, remove any excess fat and score the surface with a knife. Scoring helps the glaze penetrate the meat and adds an attractive presentation. You can also add cloves or other seasonings to the scored surface for added flavor.
If your ham comes with a glaze packet, follow the instructions on the packet to prepare it. Alternatively, you can create your own glaze by mixing together ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices.
Before cooking the ham, place it on a rack in a shallow pan and add a small amount of liquid to the bottom of the pan. This will help keep the ham moist during cooking and prevent any glaze from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Once you’ve prepared your ham, you’re ready to start cooking it in your convection microwave oven. Follow the steps outlined above for cooking time and glazing frequency, and enjoy a deliciously cooked ham that’s sure to impress your guests.
Setting Up Your Convection Microwave Oven
To set up your convection microwave oven for cooking a ham, start by pressing the Convection button on the control panel. Then, select the desired temperature by pressing 6 (325 F) or 7 (350 F). If you are not following a convection recipe but using a recipe that was written for a standard oven, lower the temperature setting by 25 F to adjust for the convection cooking method.
Once you have set the temperature, press the Start button and wait for the oven to beep when it reaches the set temperature. Place the convection oven rack on the turntable and place the ham on a rack in a shallow pan with water or stock added to prevent sticking.
Estimate the cooking time based on the weight of your ham and allow 10 minutes per pound to heat the ham or use the oven meat probe programmed to 130 degrees. Once you have estimated the cooking time, slide the pan into the center of the oven and cook for the estimated time.
It’s important to keep the ham covered until you add the glaze, as direct heat can have a drying effect on the ham. When it’s time to add the glaze, expert recommendations vary on how often you should glaze your ham. Some say to coat it every 10 to 20 minutes and baste it with juices from the pan while you’re at it, while others say a single glaze about 20 minutes before the ham is done is enough.
For a sensational, caramelized crust on your glazed ham, glaze it frequently and then remove the foil tent or lid from your ham at the tail end of cooking time and set the oven to broil for a couple of minutes. Watch carefully to make sure the ham doesn’t burn.
Cooking Times And Temperatures
When cooking a ham in a convection microwave oven, it’s important to estimate the cooking time based on the weight of your ham. As mentioned earlier, allow 10 minutes per pound to heat the ham or use the oven meat probe programmed to 130 degrees.
For whole bone-in cooked hams, cook them for 11 to 13 minutes per pound. Half bone-in hams require 13 to 18 minutes per pound. Boneless canned hams should be heated for 11 to 15 minutes per pound, while vacuum-packed boneless ham requires seven to 10 minutes per pound. Whole and half spiral-cut hams need seven to 13 minutes per pound. A boneless arm picnic shoulder requires 19 to 22 minutes per pound.
It’s important to note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and shape of your ham. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and cook the ham for slightly longer than the recommended time.
Once your ham is cooked, remove it from the oven when its internal temperature reaches 155° F. Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes before carving. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 160° F after resting.
Glazing Your Ham For Extra Flavor
Glazing your ham is the perfect way to add extra flavor and texture to your dish. A glaze for ham should be a balance of sweet and tangy, with the ham providing the savory saltiness. The best glazes for baked hams contain ingredients such as honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup for sweetness and mustard, vinegar, or juice for tanginess.
To make a glaze for your ham, whisk together a combination of ingredients such as orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, warm spices, and pineapple juice. You can also add spices like ground cinnamon and cloves to your glaze for an extra layer of flavor. Once your glaze is prepared, wait until the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking to apply it to your ham. This will prevent the sugar in the glaze from burning and ensure that it caramelizes perfectly on the surface of the ham.
To apply the glaze, use a basting brush or spoon to coat the ham evenly. Be sure to brush it on frequently for maximum flavor and texture. If you want an even more sensational flavor boost, you can apply a layer of pineapple rounds to the surface of the ham before brushing on the glaze. Roasted pineapple is scrumptious with ham and holds the glaze well.
Remember to prepare at least one cup of glaze per five to 10 pounds of ham. Also, keep in mind that if you taste the glaze by itself, it may taste quite sweet. However, when combined with the salty flavor of the ham, it will create a taste bud magic that is both savory and sweet.
Letting Your Ham Rest And Serve
Once your ham is cooked, it’s important to let it rest before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender ham.
Remove the ham from the oven when its internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes before carving. The ham should reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit after resting.
While the ham is resting, you can prepare any additional sides or dishes you plan on serving alongside your ham. Once the ham has rested, you can begin carving it into slices and serving it to your guests.
If you have any leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.
With these simple steps, you can cook a delicious and perfectly glazed ham in your convection microwave oven and impress your guests with your culinary skills.
