Are you tired of the same old beef jerky? Why not switch things up and try making your own ham jerky in the oven?
It’s a delicious and protein-packed snack that’s perfect for curbing your cravings. And the best part? It’s easy to make!
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make your own ham jerky in the oven, from selecting the right cut of meat to choosing the perfect seasoning.
Plus, we’ll introduce you to some mouth-watering flavor options that will have you coming back for more.
So, let’s get started on this ham jerky adventure!
How To Make Ham Jerky In The Oven?
The first step in making ham jerky in the oven is selecting the right cut of meat. We recommend using one pound of ham slices that are 1/4 inch thick.
Next, remove any excess fat from the ham slices with a sharp knife. Then, flash freeze the ham for 30-45 minutes so that it’s frozen on the outside but still soft on the inside. This will make it easier to slice the ham thinly.
Once the ham is partially frozen, slice it against the grain into 1/8-inch thick strips. Place the ham strips in a large zip bag and add your desired seasoning or marinade. Shake and massage the bag so that the seasoning coats every strip of ham.
Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 175 degrees F. Line 2-3 large rimmed baking sheets with foil and place baking racks on top of them.
Drain any excess marinade off the ham and lay the strips in a single layer across the baking racks. Bake the ham jerky for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches your desired texture.
At the 3-hour mark, take one piece out of the oven and let it cool before testing for texture. If needed, continue baking until you reach your desired texture.
Once done, allow the ham jerky to cool before storing it in an airtight container. If you’ve completely trimmed all fat from the ham, it will keep well at room temperature for up to two weeks. However, if there is still fat on your cuts, store the jerky in the fridge.
Selecting The Right Cut Of Ham
To make the best ham jerky in the oven, it’s important to select the right cut of meat. While any cut of ham can be used, we recommend using one pound of ham slices that are 1/4 inch thick.
It’s also important to remove any excess fat from the ham slices with a sharp knife. This will help the ham jerky to dry evenly and prevent it from spoiling quickly.
To make slicing easier, we suggest flash freezing the ham for 30-45 minutes so that it’s frozen on the outside but still soft on the inside. This will make it easier to slice the ham thinly and evenly.
When slicing the ham, make sure to slice against the grain into 1/8-inch thick strips. This will help to ensure that the ham jerky is tender and easy to chew.
Once sliced, place the ham strips in a large zip bag and add your desired seasoning or marinade. Shake and massage the bag so that the seasoning coats every strip of ham.
After marinating for at least 2 hours, but up to 12 hours for maximum flavor, you can start baking your ham jerky in the oven.
By selecting the right cut of ham and properly preparing it for baking, you can make delicious and flavorful ham jerky that will be a hit with your family and friends.
Preparing The Meat For Jerky
To prepare the ham for jerky, it’s important to remove any excess fat with a sharp knife. Fat can cause the jerky to spoil faster, so it’s best to trim as much as possible. Once trimmed, flash freeze the ham for 30-45 minutes so that it’s frozen on the outside but still soft on the inside. This makes it easier to slice the ham thinly and uniformly.
When slicing the ham, be sure to cut against the grain into 1/8-inch thick strips. This will help give the jerky a more tender texture. Place the ham strips in a large zip bag and add your desired seasoning or marinade. Be sure to shake and massage the bag so that every strip is coated evenly.
After marinating for at least 2 hours, drain any excess marinade off the ham and lay the strips in a single layer across baking racks on top of foil-lined baking sheets. Bake the ham jerky at 175 degrees F for 3-4 hours or until it reaches your desired texture. Be sure to test for texture before removing from the oven, and if needed, continue baking until you reach your desired result.
Once done, allow the ham jerky to cool before storing it in an airtight container. If you’ve completely trimmed all fat from the ham, it will keep well at room temperature for up to two weeks. However, if there is still fat on your cuts, store the jerky in the fridge to prevent spoilage.
Choosing The Perfect Seasoning
Choosing the right seasoning for your ham jerky can make all the difference in the final product. While there are many different flavor combinations to choose from, we recommend starting with a basic marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder.
For those who prefer a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mix. For a smokier flavor, add liquid smoke or smoked paprika. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or cumin.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning choices! Just remember to balance the flavors and not overpower the natural taste of the ham. It’s also important to note that some seasonings may affect the texture of the jerky, so be mindful of how much you use.
Storing And Enjoying Your Homemade Ham Jerky
After making your homemade ham jerky, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its freshness and longevity. The ideal method is to store the ham jerky in an airtight container away from heat, humidity, and direct light. The most reliable and convenient option is to use a resealable plastic freezer bag. Other options like mason jars or Tupperware are acceptable, but they have some shortcomings.
A plastic bag creates an air-tight and vapor-proof seal that prevents contact with ambient air or humidity. It also allows for the removal of any extraneous air inside the bag, minimizing the jerky’s exposure to air and moisture. Moreover, a plastic bag is portable enough to store away from direct light in a backpack, pantry or kitchen drawer. It’s also sturdy enough to deter most potential pests.
If you’re planning to consume the ham jerky in the near future, you can use Ziplock or paper bags for storing. This method will keep your jerky fresh for 3-4 weeks. However, if you want to extend the shelf life of your ham jerky, vacuum-sealed packaging is the best option. This type of packaging removes all the air from the bag, which prevents the growth of bacteria and keeps the jerky fresh for longer.
In addition to vacuum-sealed packaging, you can use oxygen absorbers to remove oxygen from the bag. This can help prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the jerky fresh for longer. If you’re using paper or Ziplock bags, you can add a food-grade desiccant bag if you find that your jerky is a bit too moist.
Unopened ham jerky should be stored in a cool, dry place like a pantry or a drawer. Sunlight and heat can affect ham jerky’s freshness and flavor, so anywhere dark and cool will help extend the life of your favorite treat. If you don’t have access to a refrigerator or freezer, you can store ham jerky in your pantry. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container or bag and avoid exposing it to moisture or heat.
Flavor Options To Try
Ham jerky is a versatile snack that can be customized with a variety of flavors to suit your taste buds. Here are some flavor options to try:
1. Sweet and Spicy: Mix brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, chili powder, and red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy marinade.
2. Teriyaki: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired teriyaki marinade.
3. Smoky: Add liquid smoke, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for a smoky flavor.
4. Honey Mustard: Mix honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper for a tangy and sweet marinade.
5. BBQ: Combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder for a classic BBQ flavor.
6. Garlic Herb: Add minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, and black pepper for a savory and herbaceous flavor.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own unique ham jerky flavor. With these flavor options and the easy oven method above, you’ll have delicious ham jerky in no time!
