Ham is a staple on many holiday tables, and for Filipinos, Majestic Ham is the star of their Noche Buena feast.
This time-honored tradition has been enjoyed by families since 1956, with its unique flavor and texture that can’t be replicated by any other brand.
But how do you cook this beloved ham to perfection?
In this article, we’ll share tips and techniques on how to cook Majestic Ham that will make your holiday spread even more festive and delicious.
From water cooking to baking with an amazing glaze, we’ve got you covered.
So let’s get started!
How To Cook Majestic Ham?
There are several ways to cook Majestic Ham, but the most popular methods are water cooking and baking. Here’s how to do it:
Preparing The Ham
Before cooking your Majestic Ham, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure a flavorful and moist end result. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Thaw the ham: If your ham is frozen, make sure to thaw it properly before cooking. The best way to do this is to place it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking.
2. Score the skin: Using a sharp knife, score the outside of the ham through the skin and fat in a diamond pattern. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor.
3. Add water: Place a roasting rack in a roasting pan and pour water, star anise, and cloves into the bottom of the pan. This will create steam as the ham cooks, keeping it moist.
4. Place the ham on the rack: Put the ham, flat-side down, on the rack in the roasting pan.
5. Apply glaze: Whisk together your desired glaze ingredients and brush it over the ham, repeating every 20 minutes until the glaze is golden-brown and the internal temperature reads 130 degrees F (the temperature will continue to rise for a little while after its out of the oven).
6. Bake or roast: Depending on your cooking method, bake or roast your ham in a preheated oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare your Majestic Ham for cooking and ensure a delicious end result that will impress your guests.
Water Cooking Method
Water cooking method is a faster way to thaw the ham compared to the refrigerator method, but it is not recommended due to the increased risk of bacterial growth. However, if you need to use this method, there are precautions that you should take to ensure a safe environment for thawing. Fill the sink with enough cold tap water to cover the cut of meat, place the ham in a leak-proof bag and put it into the cold water. Ensure that the meat is sealed tightly so that it is not exposed to the water. Meat that is exposed to the water will result in flavor and color loss and will have a greater chance of bacterial growth.
The water should be changed every 30 minutes to ensure that it stays cold. Do not use warm or hot water, even though it will thaw the meat faster, as it will encourage the growth of bacteria. Also, do not use the sink for other purposes during the thawing period, and make sure that the water does not splash onto other preparation surfaces or food.
Once the ham is thawed, remove it from the sink and sanitize all utensils and surfaces affected during the thawing period. The ham should be cooked immediately after thawing and should not be stored for any period of time. Do not refreeze the meat that has been thawed using this method unless it has been cooked first.
Baking Method
To bake a Majestic Ham, you will need a 2.5-kilo bone-in ham that is already cured, smoked, and pre-boiled. Pick one that is skinless but has a layer of fat to ensure moist and tasty meat. Scoring the ham not only makes for a majestic presentation but also allows the flavors of the glaze to seep into the meat. To score, slice the fat on top of the ham in a crosshatch or diamond pattern, going 1/2 inch deep, using a sharp paring knife.
Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare a shallow roasting pan fitted with a sturdy metal rack. Place scored ham on top of the rack and pour 2 cups water into the pan. Divide glaze between 2 bowls; reserve 1 bowl for serving. Brush ham with glaze, then cover loosely with foil. Bake for 1 hour.
Remove foil and continue baking for 40 more minutes, brushing twice with glaze. Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part (not touching bone) registers 135°F. Transfer ham to a chopping board and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra glaze and pan juices.
For an amazing Pineapple-Caramel Rum Glaze, place 1 cup sugar in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Let sugar melt and caramelize until amber in color. Lower heat to medium and add 1 (240-ml) can unsweetened pineapple juice. Let mixture boil until sugar melts, about 15 minutes. Add 1/4 cup rum and continue to boil. Once syrupy, add 2 teaspoons molasses and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let cool.
Pair your Majestic Ham with a cheesy cauliflower side dish or any other side dish of your choice to make your holiday spread more festive.
Glazing Techniques
Once your ham is fully cooked, it’s time to add some flavor with a delicious glaze. But glazing can be tricky, as the sugar in the glaze can cause it to burn if applied too early. To avoid this, wait until the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking before applying the glaze.
To prepare the glaze, you’ll need at least one cup per five to 10 pounds of ham. You can use a heatproof spatula or a silicone pastry brush to apply the glaze. For thicker glazes, use a spatula to smear it over the ham. For more liquid glazes, use a brush to apply it evenly.
For larger hams, apply the glaze in stages. For example, if you have a 15-pound ham, mix up a one-cup batch of your preferred glaze recipe and apply 1/3 cup about an hour before the ham is done. Then apply another 1/3 cup 20 minutes later, and the remaining 1/3 cup 15 minutes after that.
For smaller hams, it’s fine to apply the glaze all at once. But for a sweeter and more glossy finish, brush the glaze with honey or maple syrup after about 30 minutes of baking.
Remember to keep an eye on your ham while it’s in the oven, as glazing can burn easily. Once your ham has reached an internal temperature of 140°F, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving with additional glaze for extra flavor.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free option, Earle’s Delicatessen offers a premium signature ham that is naturally smoked and served with pineapple glaze. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations or special family meals. And don’t forget about the leftovers – they can be used in a variety of dishes like ham and cheese bread rolls, pasta salads, and soups!
Carving And Serving Tips
Once your Majestic Ham is cooked to perfection, it’s time to carve and serve it. Follow these tips to ensure your guests are impressed:
1. Let it rest: Before carving, let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist ham.
2. Find the bone: Locate the bone in the center of the ham. Use a sharp carving knife to cut around the bone, separating it from the meat.
3. Slice thin: For best results, slice the ham thinly against the grain. This will ensure that each slice is tender and easy to chew.
4. Serve with glaze: If you made a glaze for your ham, serve it on the side or drizzle it over the sliced meat for added flavor.
5. Pair with sides: Majestic Ham pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls.
By following these carving and serving tips, you can ensure that your Majestic Ham is not only delicious but also beautifully presented.