How To Cook A Ham In A Steam Oven

One of the most delicious and versatile ways to prepare a ham is by using a steam oven. Steam ovens cook food evenly and help to retain moisture, resulting in a juicy and tender ham that will impress your family and guests. Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner or simply craving a comforting ham dish, using a steam oven can take your cooking to the next level.

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking a ham in a steam oven, including the best seasoning options and cooking times to ensure a perfectly cooked ham every time. We will also provide tips for achieving that beautiful golden glaze on the outside of your ham, making it an irresistible centrepiece for any meal.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking your ham in a steam oven, it’s important to prepare the ingredients properly. This will ensure that your ham turns out delicious and flavorful. Here are the steps you should follow:

Thaw the ham if it’s frozen. Make sure the ham is completely thawed before cooking.
Trim excess fat from the ham. While a little fat adds flavor, too much can make the ham greasy.
Score the skin of the ham. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat during cooking.
Prepare any seasonings you want to use. Whether it’s a simple glaze or a more complex marinade, have the ingredients ready to go.

By taking the time to prepare your ingredients properly, you’ll set the stage for a delicious and tender ham that your family and friends will love.

Choosing the Right Ham

When it comes to cooking a ham in a steam oven, the type of ham you choose will have a big impact on the final result. There are several options to consider, including:

1. Type of ham	There are various types of ham available, including bone-in, boneless, cooked, and uncooked. Each type will require different cooking times and methods, so it’s important to select the right one for your recipe.
2. Size of ham	The size of the ham will also affect the cooking time and method. Larger hams will take longer to cook, so be sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly.
3. Quality of ham	It’s important to choose a high-quality ham for the best flavor and texture. Look for hams that are labeled as “premium” or “natural” for the best results.

By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose the right ham for your steam oven cooking needs.

Seasoning the Ham

Before cooking the ham in the steam oven, it’s important to season it to add flavor. You can create a simple seasoning mixture using ingredients like brown sugar, mustard, honey, and spices. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the surface of the ham, making sure to cover it evenly.

Ingredients for Seasoning:

Brown Sugar	1/2 cup
Mustard	2 tablespoons
Honey	1/4 cup
Spices (such as cloves, allspice, or black pepper)	As per taste

Allow the ham to marinate in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the steam oven.

Setting Up the Steam Oven

Before you start cooking your ham, it’s important to properly set up your steam oven to ensure even and efficient cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up your steam oven:

Step 1:	Fill the water reservoir of the steam oven with clean, filtered water to the recommended level. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate water level.
Step 2:	Turn on the steam oven and preheat it to the specified temperature for cooking your ham. This will allow the steam oven to reach the desired cooking environment for your ham.
Step 3:	Place a shallow oven-safe dish or tray in the steam oven to catch any drippings from the ham. This will help keep your steam oven clean during the cooking process.
Step 4:	Once the steam oven has reached the desired temperature and is properly preheated, you are ready to start cooking your ham according to the recipe instructions.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your steam oven is set up and ready to cook a delicious and succulent ham.

Preheating the Oven

Before you start cooking your ham in the steam oven, it’s important to preheat the oven to the correct temperature. Set the steam oven to the recommended temperature for ham, and allow it to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes, or until the temperature indicator shows that it has reached the desired level.

Preheating the oven ensures that the ham will cook evenly and thoroughly, and that it will have the best texture and flavor when it’s done.

Adding Water to the Oven

Before you start cooking the ham in the steam oven, it’s important to add water to the water reservoir or water tray of the oven. This water is essential for creating the steam that will cook the ham to perfection.

Make sure to fill the water reservoir or tray according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some steam ovens have a specific water level indicator, while others may require you to fill it to a certain capacity. Properly adding water to the oven ensures that the ham will be moist and tender when cooked.

Cooking the Ham

1. Remove the ham from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

2. Preheat your steam oven to 325°F (163°C).

3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan.

4. Cover the ham with foil and place it in the steam oven.

5. Cook the ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Adding Glaze (optional)

If you want to add a glaze, remove the ham from the oven about 20 minutes before it’s done. Remove the foil, apply the glaze, and return the ham to the oven to finish cooking.

Resting the Ham

Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the ham to firm up for easier slicing.

Placing the Ham in the Oven

Once you have prepared the ham by scoring the fat and applying any desired glaze or seasoning, it’s time to place it in the steam oven for cooking. Before placing the ham in the oven, make sure to preheat the steam oven to the recommended temperature.

Carefully place the prepared ham on a wire rack or in a roasting pan, ensuring that there’s enough space around the ham for the steam to circulate evenly. If your steam oven has different rack positions, choose the one recommended for cooking meat.

If you’re using a roasting pan, cover it with a lid or tightly with foil to trap the steam inside. This will help keep the ham moist during the cooking process. If you’re using a wire rack, you can place a pan of water on the lower shelf of the oven to create additional steam and moisture.

Setting the Cooking Time

Once you have prepared your ham and placed it in the steam oven, it’s important to set the cooking time correctly. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the ham and the specific steam oven model you are using. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the appropriate cooking time for your ham.

FAQ

What is a steam oven and why should I use it for cooking ham?

A steam oven is an appliance that uses hot, pressurized steam to cook food. It is an excellent choice for cooking ham because the gentle, moist heat helps the meat retain its juicy texture and prevents it from drying out, resulting in a tender and succulent ham.

Do I need to add any liquid when cooking ham in a steam oven?

It is not necessary to add additional liquid when cooking ham in a steam oven. The natural moisture in the meat combined with the steam generated in the oven is sufficient to keep the ham moist and delicious.

How long does it take to cook a ham in a steam oven?

The cooking time for a ham in a steam oven will vary depending on the size and type of the ham. As a general guideline, a fully cooked, bone-in ham will take approximately 15-18 minutes per pound to cook in a steam oven at 325°F. It’s important to always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.

Can I use a steam oven to glaze the ham?

Yes, you can use a steam oven to glaze the ham. Once the ham has reached an internal temperature of 110°F, you can apply your desired glaze and continue cooking until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. The steam oven will help the glaze to caramelize and adhere to the surface of the ham.

What are some tips for cooking a ham in a steam oven?

When cooking a ham in a steam oven, it’s important to use a shallow roasting pan or rack to allow the steam to circulate around the ham evenly. You can also add aromatics such as cloves, bay leaves, or citrus slices to the pan to infuse the ham with extra flavor. Lastly, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is fully cooked to the recommended internal temperature.