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how long to deep fry a ham per pound

how long to deep fry a ham per pound

3 min read 15-01-2025
how long to deep fry a ham per pound

Deep-fried ham is a game-changer: a juicy, crispy, and flavorful alternative to traditional oven-baked ham. But achieving that perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness requires understanding how long to fry your ham per pound. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your next deep-fried ham is a resounding success.

Understanding Deep Frying Time

The key to perfectly deep-fried ham is understanding that cooking time isn't solely determined by weight. While the weight provides a baseline, other factors influence the frying time:

  • Ham Size and Shape: A larger, thicker ham will take longer to cook than a smaller, thinner one, even if they weigh the same.
  • Starting Temperature: A fully thawed ham will cook faster than one that's still partially frozen. Never fry a frozen ham.
  • Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial. Too low, and the ham will be greasy; too high, and it will burn before cooking through.
  • Type of Ham: Spiral-sliced hams tend to cook faster than bone-in hams due to their increased surface area and reduced thickness.

Prepping Your Ham for Deep Frying

Before you even think about the fryer, proper preparation is essential:

Thaw Completely: Ensure your ham is fully thawed before frying. A partially frozen ham will cook unevenly and may result in a raw interior.

Score the Fat: Scoring the fat cap helps render the fat and allows for crispier skin. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts, about 1/4 inch deep, across the fat in a crosshatch pattern.

Prepare the Brine (Optional): Brining your ham before frying adds incredible moisture and flavor. A simple brine of water, salt, sugar, and aromatics (such as peppercorns, bay leaves, and garlic) can significantly enhance the taste. Soak for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.

Pat it Dry: Before frying, thoroughly pat the ham dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will cause the oil to splatter violently and may prevent the ham from crisping properly.

Deep Frying Your Ham: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Heat the Oil: Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer. Fill it with enough oil to fully submerge the ham. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.

  2. Lower the Ham: Carefully lower the ham into the hot oil. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.

  3. Fry Time: This is where the "per pound" guideline comes in. Here's a general guideline:

    • Bone-in Ham: Approximately 12-15 minutes per pound.
    • Spiral-Sliced Ham: Approximately 10-12 minutes per pound.

Important Note: These are estimations. Always check the internal temperature. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

  1. Monitor Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the temperature from dropping too much or rising too high.

  2. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the ham. Avoid piercing the skin unnecessarily.

  3. Remove and Rest: Once the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), carefully remove it from the oil. Allow the ham to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Troubleshooting Common Deep-Frying Issues

  • Ham is Burning: Your oil temperature might be too high. Reduce the heat.
  • Ham is Greasy: Your oil temperature might be too low or the ham wasn't patted dry enough.
  • Ham is Unevenly Cooked: The ham wasn't fully thawed or the oil temperature wasn't consistent.

Serving Your Deep-Fried Ham Masterpiece

Deep-fried ham is incredibly versatile. Serve it as the star of your holiday spread, alongside traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or mac and cheese. It's also delicious sliced and served on sandwiches or as part of a breakfast platter. Enjoy the crispy, juicy perfection of your deep-fried ham!

Remember, these are guidelines; the best way to ensure perfectly cooked ham is to use a meat thermometer and monitor the internal temperature closely. Happy frying!

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