Are you looking for a quick and easy way to cook ham that doesn’t involve firing up the oven? Look no further than your trusty turbo broiler!
This handy kitchen appliance can help you prepare delicious ham slices in just a matter of minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a quick weeknight dinner, the turbo broiler is a great option.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to cook ham in a turbo broiler, as well as share some tips and tricks to ensure your ham comes out perfectly every time.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Ham In Turbo Broiler?
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Slices
Before cooking, it’s important to prepare the ham slices properly. Remove the skin from the edges and trim the fat to a thin layer. Slit the edges at 1 to 1 1/2 inch intervals to prevent curling while cooking.
Step 2: Coat with Oil
If you’re not using a glaze, coat the ham slices with a little oil before cooking to help keep them moist.
Step 3: Preheat and Cook
Preheat your turbo broiler and place the ham slices 3 to 5 inches from the broiler unit. Turn the slices once through the cooking time. The slices are done when the fat on the edges is slightly browned and the meat is heated through to the middle. This should take approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side for 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices.
Step 4: Bake in Turbo Broiler
If you prefer baking your ham in a turbo broiler, preheat it to 350°F. 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. Allow 10 minutes per pound to heat the ham or use the oven meat probe programmed to 130 degrees. Estimate the cooking time and add any glaze for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once your ham is cooked, it’s time to enjoy! Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious meal.
What Is A Turbo Broiler And How Does It Work?
A turbo broiler, also known as a halogen oven, is a portable convection oven that includes a large glass pot and a fan in the lid. The fan blows heated air throughout the oven, resulting in even and efficient cooking. The turbo broiler uses halogen light heat that emits infrared heat for heat transfer. This method of cooking is similar to cooking with an air fryer, except the food cooked in turbo broilers is more similar to food cooked in a conventional oven. The elevated wire rack in the turbo broiler is how the super-heated air flows around the food you’re cooking, ensuring the heat is consistent throughout the chamber. This efficient air circulation allows for faster and more even cooking compared to an ordinary countertop oven. The hot air melts the fatty parts of the meat, leaving the meat tender and juicy. The meat cooks in its own juices, with no added cooking oil needed. Overall, using a turbo broiler is an easy way to prepare meat, and it’s perfect for fast food items such as fried chicken, fried pork chops, and even French fries.
Choosing The Right Ham For Your Turbo Broiler
When choosing a ham to cook in your turbo broiler, it’s important to consider the size and type of ham. A boneless ham is easier to cook in a turbo broiler than a bone-in ham. It’s also important to choose a ham that is not too thick, as it may not cook evenly in the turbo broiler.
Another factor to consider is the type of ham you want to use. A cured ham is a popular choice for cooking in a turbo broiler because it has already been seasoned and flavored. However, if you want to use fresh ham, make sure to season it well with your favorite spices and herbs before cooking.
Lastly, consider the amount of fat on the ham. A leaner cut of ham will require more oil or liquid during cooking to prevent it from drying out. A fattier cut may not need as much added moisture, but be careful not to let the fat burn during cooking.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right ham for your turbo broiler and ensure a delicious and evenly-cooked meal.
Preparing Your Ham For Cooking
Preparing your ham properly is the key to a delicious meal. Here are some important steps to follow when preparing your ham for cooking in a turbo broiler:
Step 1: Thaw the Ham
If you’re using a frozen ham, make sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before cooking. This will ensure that the ham cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Trim the Ham
Remove any excess fat from the ham and trim it down to a thin layer. This will prevent the ham from becoming too greasy and will allow the flavors of any glaze or seasoning to penetrate the meat.
Step 3: Score the Ham
Scoring the ham means making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the surface of the meat. This helps to create more surface area for any glaze or seasoning to adhere to, and also helps the ham cook more evenly.
Step 4: Add Seasonings or Glaze
If you’re using a glaze, apply it generously to the scored surface of the ham. You can also add other seasonings, such as herbs or spices, at this time. Make sure to spread them evenly over the surface of the meat.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Before cooking, let the ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow it to cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming dry.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your ham is prepared properly and ready for cooking in a turbo broiler. With a little bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can create a delicious and flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Seasoning And Flavoring Options For Your Ham
When it comes to seasoning and flavoring your ham, there are endless options to choose from that can elevate the taste of your dish. Spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg add a sweet and warming flavor that complements the salty savoriness of ham. You can create a simple spice blend using ground allspice and brown sugar or ground cloves for a more pungent warmth. Cinnamon can be applied with a little honey to create a sweet and spicy ham glaze.
Herbs like parsley, thyme, bay leaf, and sage can also be used to add an earthy and woody flavor to your ham. Fresh or dried parsley can be used for a mild bitter taste while thyme makes a great herb rub alone or paired with other herbs. Bay leaves have a unique woody flavor punctuated with hints of menthol while sage adds a bright herbal taste to ham.
Both white and brown sugar can be applied to create a sweet balance to salty, savory ham, though brown sugar adds more complexity with hints of molasses. Spices like garlic powder and onion powder offer a savory complement to ham without adding unwanted saltiness. Try combining with brown or white sugar to create a sweet yet savory spice rub.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try using peach preserves, hot pepper jelly, or maple syrup as a sweet base for glazes that add sheen as well as distinct flavor. Tasty additions such as aromatics, herbs, and spices switch up a traditional ham and make it truly memorable.
Cooking Your Ham In The Turbo Broiler: Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking ham in a turbo broiler is a great way to get a delicious meal with minimal effort. Here are step-by-step instructions to help you cook your ham to perfection in a turbo broiler.
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Slices
To prepare the ham slices, remove the skin from the edges and trim the fat to a thin layer. Slit the edges at 1 to 1 1/2 inch intervals to prevent curling while cooking.
Step 2: Coat with Oil
If you’re not using a glaze, coat the ham slices with a little oil before cooking to help keep them moist.
Step 3: Preheat and Cook
Preheat your turbo broiler and place the ham slices 3 to 5 inches from the broiler unit. Turn the slices once through the cooking time. The slices are done when the fat on the edges is slightly browned and the meat is heated through to the middle. This should take approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side for 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices.
Step 4: Bake in Turbo Broiler
If you prefer baking your ham in a turbo broiler, preheat it to 350°F. 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. Allow 10 minutes per pound to heat the ham or use the oven meat probe programmed to 130 degrees. Estimate the cooking time and add any glaze for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once your ham is cooked, it’s time to enjoy! Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious meal. With these simple steps, you can cook your ham in a turbo broiler and enjoy a tasty meal with minimal effort.
Checking Your Ham For Doneness
It’s important to check your ham for doneness to ensure that it’s safe to eat and cooked to your desired level. One way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham slice and make sure it reaches 140°F. Cover the ham with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. During this time, the temperature will rise an additional 5°F.
If you’re not using a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by looking for visual cues. The edges of the ham should be slightly browned, and the meat should be heated through to the middle. You can also use a fork or knife to cut into the thickest part of the ham slice and make sure there are no traces of pink or red meat.
Always make sure to check your ham for doneness before serving it to ensure that it’s safe and cooked to your liking. With these tips, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and perfectly cooked ham in your turbo broiler.
