Ham nugget is a delicious and convenient option for those who love ham but don’t want to deal with the hassle of cooking a whole ham.
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just want a quick and easy meal, ham nugget is the perfect choice.
But how do you cook it to perfection? In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking ham nugget and share some tips and tricks to ensure that your ham is juicy, flavorful, and ready to impress.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Ham Nugget?
There are several ways to cook ham nugget, depending on your preferences and available equipment. Here are some of the most popular methods:
What Is Ham Nugget?
Ham nugget is a small, boneless piece of ham that is typically pre-cooked and ready to be reheated. It is made from a knuckle of meat derived from a leg of pork and is commonly used for schnitzel. However, there is a growing market for these small hams as they are great for sandwiches and platters. The ham itself is soaked in a special brine for several days and then smoked to perfection with hardwood chips. It is often seasoned with sugar and honey, providing a unique balance of sweetness and tartness. Ham nuggets are usually sold by weight, with an average weight of 1.3 kg. They are very lean and moist, making them a healthy and delicious choice for any meal. Some producers take extra care to ensure their ham nuggets are of the highest quality, using only humanely-raised pork that is fed an all-vegetarian diet and never given antibiotics. Whether you prefer to heat it up in the oven or air fryer, ham nugget is a versatile and tasty addition to any meal.
Choosing The Right Ham Nugget
When it comes to choosing the right ham nugget, there are a few factors to consider. First, you’ll want to decide if you prefer pork or turkey as your protein source. If you’re looking for a traditional ham flavor, pork may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a leaner option or have dietary restrictions, turkey may be a better choice.
Next, consider the seasoning and smoking process. Some ham nuggets are subtly seasoned with honey or maple sugar, while others have a more savory flavor. Additionally, some ham nuggets are smoked over applewood or other hardwoods for a distinct taste.
It’s also important to look for ham nuggets that are free of preservatives, antibiotics, nitrates, and nitrites. This not only ensures a healthier option but also enhances the natural flavor of the meat.
Finally, consider the cooking method you plan to use. If you prefer to bake your ham nugget in the oven, look for one that is fully cooked and ready to serve. If you prefer to use an air fryer or other cooking appliance, make sure to check the cooking times and adjust accordingly based on the size of your ham nugget.
Baking Ham Nugget
Baking ham nugget is a great way to cook it, as it helps to keep the meat juicy and tender. To start, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the ham nugget in a rimmed baking dish or roasting pan with water. This will help to steam the ham and keep it moist during the cooking process.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the ham nugget for about 8 minutes per pound. It’s important to use an internal meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. Once it reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s ready for the next step.
While the ham nugget is baking, you can make a honey glaze to add some extra flavor. To make the glaze, combine butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and water in a small saucepan on the stove. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring regularly until all ingredients are well combined and begin to simmer. Once the glaze starts to bubble, remove it from the heat so it stops cooking.
After about 20 minutes of baking time per pound of ham nugget, remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish and brush the honey glaze over the top of the ham. Continue baking for another 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the ham every 10-15 minutes with the honey glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
When done, remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. This method of baking ham nugget is a great option for those who want a simple yet delicious way to cook this tasty meat.
Frying Ham Nugget
Frying ham nugget is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious meat. To begin, start with thinly sliced country ham, keeping them very thin – less than 1/4 inch thick if possible. You can soak the ham for a couple of hours if you’d like it less salty.
Next, add coconut oil or other frying oil to your skillet. As the ham cooks, it will shrink, soften, and release a bit of liquid. That’s fine – just keep frying. After 8 to 10 minutes, your country ham slices should be crispy and golden. Add additional frying oil of your choice (refined coconut oil works well) if the pan looks dry and to encourage browning.
Alternatively, you can fry pre-cooked ham nuggets that have been coated in cracker crumbs for a tasty snack. Microwave Singles and sour cream in a small microwaveable bowl on HIGH for 40 seconds or until Singles are melted and sauce is blended, stirring after 20 seconds. Peel potatoes, then mash in a medium bowl. Add egg, ham, and cheese sauce; mix until blended. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Shape into 12 nuggets; roll in cracker crumbs until evenly coated. Heat oil in a medium saucepan on medium-high heat. Add potato nuggets, in batches; cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown, turning as needed. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with ketchup.
Frying ham nugget is a great option for those who prefer their meat crispy and flavorful. Whether you’re using thinly sliced country ham or pre-cooked nuggets, this cooking method is sure to please your taste buds.
Grilling Ham Nugget
Grilling ham nugget is a great way to add some smoky flavor to this delicious cut of meat. To get indirect heat on a grill, offset the heat. With charcoal, just push them over to one side. With gas, heat burners on one side but not the other.
To grill ham nugget, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, prepare the ham nugget by scoring the surface and adding whole cloves for extra flavor.
Once the grill is hot, place the ham nugget on the side of the grill that is not directly over the heat source. This will allow the ham to cook slowly and evenly without burning. Close the lid and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes per side, depending on the size of the ham nugget.
While the ham is cooking, you can prepare a glaze to add some extra flavor. A simple honey glaze can be made by combining butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and water in a small saucepan on the stove. Heat the glaze over medium heat until all ingredients are mixed together and begin to simmer.
After about 20-30 minutes of cooking time, brush the ham nugget with the honey glaze and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the ham has reached 140 degrees F.
Once the ham nugget is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Grilled ham nugget pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Serving And Enjoying Ham Nugget
Once you have cooked your ham nugget, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! One popular option is to glaze the ham nugget, which adds a sweet and savory flavor to the meat. You can use a honey glaze, which is easy to make even for inexperienced cooks. Alternatively, you can simply add a sauce to amp up the flavor of the ham nugget.
When it comes to serving ham nugget, there are many options for side dishes. Fingerling potatoes, air fryer sweet potato tots, and fresh peach salad are all great choices. If you’re looking for a heartier side dish, try family-style stuffed shells or another pasta side.
If you have leftovers, you can easily reheat individual slices of ham nugget by wrapping them in aluminum foil and heating them in the oven. However, it’s best to serve the ham nugget directly from the refrigerator if possible.
Remember to keep an eye on portion sizes when enjoying your ham nugget. While it’s okay to indulge in your favorite foods on occasion, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet overall. Enjoy your ham nugget as part of a well-rounded meal, and savor every delicious bite!