The festive season always brings back memories of family gatherings and the special dishes that grace our tables. This year, I decided to shake things up with a unique twist on the traditional centerpiece: Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham. The moment the savory-sweet aroma of ginger and soy wafts through the kitchen, it’s impossible not to feel the warmth of holiday cheer. You’ll find that every bite delivers a delightful fusion of rich flavors that will have your guests raving.
With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe transforms a simple ham into a stunning showstopper. Perfect for holiday celebrations, this gorgeous dish not only captivates with its vibrant glaze but also offers impressive simplicity—making your holiday cooking a breeze! So let’s dive in and create a memorable feast that blends tradition with a dash of Asian-inspired flair, setting the stage for unforgettable moments around your dining table.
Why will you love Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham?
Irresistible Flavor Fusion: The blend of ginger, soy, and honey creates a unique taste that elevates your holiday meal.
Stunning Presentation: The glossy, caramelized exterior not only looks beautiful but also invites everyone to dig in!
Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your festivities.
Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is sure to impress guests, making it the talk of the table!
Versatile Leftovers: Use any remaining ham for delicious sandwiches or salads, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Get ready to create cherished memories with this show-stopping holiday centerpiece that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham Ingredients
Get ready to elevate your holiday feast with these essential ingredients!
For the Ham
• 8-10 kg whole ham – This will be the stunning centerpiece of your table, so bring it to room temperature for easier handling.
• Whole cloves (optional) – For studding the ham, they add an aromatic touch that enhances the flavor.
For the Glaze
• 1 cup light soy sauce – Adds a salty depth that complements the ham perfectly.
• 1 cup honey – Brings sweetness to the glaze and helps achieve that glossy finish.
• 2/3 cup sweet chilli sauce – Infuses a delightful kick of spice mixed with sweetness.
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar – Balances the glaze’s sweetness; apple cider vinegar works as a great substitute.
• 1/3 cup hoisin sauce – Adds richness and depth; if you’re out, more soy sauce can do the trick.
• 2 Tbsp sesame oil – Provides a lovely nutty flavor; olive oil can be swapped in when needed.
• 2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger – Elevates the glaze’s aroma, bringing in that unmistakable warmth.
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed – Intensifies the flavor of the glaze; feel free to use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
• 4 star anise pods – Optional yet recommended for a unique, sweet flavor infusion.
• 2 tsp Chinese five spice – Adds complexity; cinnamon and nutmeg can work if you don’t have it.
• 2 tsp chilli flakes (optional) – Kick up the heat to taste with these bold flakes.
Let’s create this amazing Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham—a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will make your holiday celebrations even more special!
How to Make Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham
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Prepare the Ham: Start by bringing your whole ham to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly. Cut through the rind about 10cm from the shank and carefully peel it back. Score the surface fat in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to seep in.
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Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine all your glaze ingredients—soy sauce, honey, sweet chilli sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, crushed garlic, star anise, Chinese five spice, and chilli flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until slightly thickened and cooled.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Place the ham on a wire rack in a roasting pan, ensuring there’s a small amount of water at the bottom to prevent burning and drying during the bake.
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Glaze the Ham: Generously brush the surface of the ham with your prepared glaze. If using, stud the ham with whole cloves for added flavor and a beautiful look. Cover the ham loosely with greased foil to keep it moist.
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Bake the Ham: Bake the ham for about 50 minutes, basting it with glaze every 15-20 minutes to keep it flavorful and juicy. After this initial bake, remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (180°C fan-forced), and bake for an additional 40 minutes until it’s beautifully caramelized and glossy.
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Rest and Serve: Once it’s done baking, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve it up with the reserved glaze on the side for extra flavor.
Optional: For a touch of freshness, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham
Feel free to customize this delightful dish to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
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Maple Syrup: Replace honey with maple syrup for a unique, deep sweetness. This brings a slightly different flavor profile while retaining that caramelized finish.
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Citrus Zest: Add fresh citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, to the glaze for a bright twist. This will add a refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully.
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Sriracha Kick: Stir in a touch of sriracha for a spicy kick in the glaze. This adds heat while complementing the rich flavors—perfect for those who love a bit of spice!
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Dijon Mustard: Mix in some Dijon mustard for a tangy balance against the sweetness. It introduces an intriguing depth that enhances the overall flavor experience.
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Brown Sugar: Swap out honey for brown sugar if you prefer a molasses flavor. It will also contribute to the rich, glossy glaze while keeping those sweet notes.
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Chili Garlic Sauce: Use chili garlic sauce instead of sweet chili sauce for more heat and robust garlic flavor. This variation is excellent for spice lovers looking to elevate their ham!
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Vegan Option: For a plant-based twist, opt for a vegan ham substitute and use agave syrup or maple syrup for the glaze. This way, everyone can enjoy a festive dish!
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Pineapple Juice: Incorporate pineapple juice into the glaze for a tropical sweetness. This pairs wonderfully with the savory soy sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile.
With these variations, you’re all set to personalize Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham to make it your own!
How to Store and Freeze Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham
Fridge: Store leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It ensures the flavors remain intact while preventing spoilage.
Freezer: To freeze, slice the ham and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the ham overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through, basting with reserved glaze for added flavor.
Room Temperature: While serving, avoid leaving the ham out for more than 2 hours to keep it safe and delicious for your guests.
What to Serve with Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham?
The perfect meal is all about balance, and with flavors as vibrant as this succulent ham, the sides should sing in harmony with its sweet and savory allure.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture provides a comforting base, allowing the flavors of the ham to shine. A scoop of garlic-infused mash complements the glaze beautifully.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These little green gems, caramelized to perfection, mirror the ham’s roasted notes and add a nice crunch.
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Crispy Apple Salad: Fresh apples with mixed greens bring a refreshing crunch, cutting through the glaze’s richness and offering a bright pop of flavor.
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Savory Fried Rice: Use leftover rice to create a savory dish that captures the Asian essence of the ham, rich in aromatics and vegetables.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, these carrots enhance the sweetness of the ham while adding a splash of vibrant color to your plate.
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Spicy Ginger Beer: A fizzy drink that echoes the ginger in the glaze while offering a refreshing kick to balance the meal’s richness.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, this airy confection provides a decadent finish while playing off the ham’s sweet notes without overwhelming the palate.
Pairing these sides with Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham will create a harmonious feast that celebrates the flavors and warmth of the holiday season!
Expert Tips for Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham
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Score Smartly: Ensure that you cut just through the fat layer without piercing the meat. This allows the glaze to properly seep in for maximum flavor.
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Baste Regularly: Keep your ham juicy and flavorful by basting it every 15-20 minutes during baking. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham.
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Watch the Caramelization: During the last baking stage, closely monitor your ham to avoid burning. A deep golden color is what you want!
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Cool It First: Always bring your ham to room temperature before starting. It helps the ham cook evenly and enhances the texture.
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Use Leftovers Wisely: Don’t let any ham go to waste! Use leftovers for delicious sandwiches or toss in salads for a quick meal later on.
Make Ahead Options
These Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to streamline their holiday meal planning! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance; simply combine all the glaze ingredients and refrigerate in an airtight container. The ham can be scored and studded with cloves up to 24 hours ahead—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge to maintain its flavor and moisture. When you’re ready to bake, brush on the glaze, follow the baking instructions, and enjoy the same delicious taste without the last-minute stress. Having components prepped ahead allows you more time to focus on enjoying your gathering!
Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs
What kind of ham should I use for Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham?
A whole ham weighing between 8-10 kg works best for this recipe. Look for a ham that has a good layer of fat, as it will help keep the meat moist during cooking. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before starting to ensure even cooking.
How long can I store the leftover glazed ham in the fridge?
Leftover glazed ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just remember to keep it well-wrapped to maintain its flavor and prevent any unwanted drying out.
Can I freeze Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham?
Absolutely! To freeze, slice the ham into individual portions and tightly wrap each piece in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This method helps to maintain the quality. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen ham?
To reheat, begin by thawing the ham overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Place the ham slices in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm through, basting with any reserved glaze for extra flavor, for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply choose gluten-free soy sauce, ensuring that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free. This little swap will allow you to enjoy Clarissa’s Asian Glazed Ham without any gluten concerns. Just check labels to be safe!
What should I do if my glaze is too thick?
If your glaze becomes too thick while cooking, you can simply add a splash of water or extra rice vinegar to thin it out gradually. Whisk well until you achieve your desired consistency—aim for a syrupy texture that still clings beautifully to the ham!
Clarissa's Asian Glazed Ham: Sweet and Savory Holiday Star
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by bringing your whole ham to room temperature and cut through the rind about 10cm from the shank,
- Carefully peel it back and score the surface fat in a diamond pattern.
- In a medium saucepan, combine all your glaze ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and place the ham on a wire rack in a roasting pan.
- Generously brush the surface of the ham with your prepared glaze.
- Cover the ham loosely with greased foil and bake for about 50 minutes, basting every 15-20 minutes.
- After baking, remove the foil and increase the temperature to 200°C (180°C fan-forced) for an additional 40 minutes.
- Once done, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve with the reserved glaze on the side for extra flavor.