Grilled Ham Recipe

Ham: Thick-cut slices of ham are ideal for grilling as they hold up well and develop beautiful grill marks.

Olive oil: Used to brush the ham slices, adding a subtle richness and preventing them from sticking to the grill.

Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the overall flavor of the ham.

To enhance the flavor of your ham, consider marinating it for a few hours before grilling. A simple marinade of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a touch of soy sauce can add a delightful sweetness and depth. Make sure to pat the ham dry before brushing with olive oil and seasoning with black pepper. This will ensure the marinade doesn't burn on the grill.

• thick-cut ham - Substitute with turkey slices: Turkey slices provide a similar texture and can be grilled to achieve a comparable flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for those avoiding pork.

• thick-cut ham - Substitute with grilled tofu: Grilled tofu can mimic the texture of ham and absorb flavors well, making it a great vegetarian or vegan option.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it an excellent substitute for grilling.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can withstand high heat and adds a subtle, unique flavor to the grilled dish.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma, offering a subtle variation.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and a different flavor profile, ideal for those who enjoy a spicier kick.

• Allow the grilled ham to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
• Wrap each slice of ham individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to keep the ham fresh and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the grilled ham within 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, place the wrapped slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents the slices from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the ham in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the grilled ham in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the ham rubbery.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the leftover grilled ham slices on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the ham with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the ham slices in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through.

• Microwave Method: Place the grilled ham slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the ham slices back on the grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the original grill marks and flavor.

• Sous Vide Method: Seal the grilled ham slices in a vacuum-sealed bag. Heat a sous vide water bath to 140°F (60°C). Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30-45 minutes. This method ensures the ham remains juicy and tender.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the ham slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.

• Grill: The primary cooking equipment used to heat and cook the ham slices, providing those desirable grill marks and smoky flavor.

• Tongs: Essential for safely placing the ham slices on the grill and flipping them without piercing the meat.

• Basting brush: Used to evenly brush olive oil onto both sides of the ham slices.

• Pepper grinder: Necessary for freshly grinding black pepper to season the ham slices.

• Plate: For placing the seasoned and cooked ham slices before and after grilling.

• Timer: Helps keep track of the cooking time to ensure the ham slices are grilled for the correct duration.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to prepare and season the ham slices before grilling.

• Knife: Useful for trimming any excess fat or uneven edges from the ham slices before grilling.

Preheat the grill: Start preheating the grill while you prepare the ham to save time.

Use a brush: Use a brush to quickly and evenly coat the ham slices with olive oil.

Grind pepper in advance: Grind the black pepper beforehand to streamline the seasoning process.

Cook in batches: If your grill is small, cook the ham slices in batches to ensure even cooking.

Clean as you go: Clean utensils and surfaces while the ham is grilling to save time on cleanup later.