Cooking a ham on a gas grill can be a delicious and unique way to prepare this classic dish. While many people are familiar with baking or boiling ham, grilling it can add a smoky flavor and a crispy texture that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to cook a ham on a gas grill, including the benefits, equipment needed, and a step-by-step guide to get you started.
The Benefits of Grilling a Ham
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of cooking a ham on a gas grill, let’s explore some of the benefits of this cooking method. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider grilling your next ham:
- Unique flavor: Grilling a ham adds a smoky flavor that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. This is especially true if you’re using a gas grill with a smoker box or wood chips.
- Crispy texture: Grilling a ham can help create a crispy, caramelized exterior that’s perfect for slicing and serving.
- Easy to serve: Grilled ham is easy to slice and serve, making it a great option for large gatherings or special occasions.
- Less mess: Grilling a ham can be less messy than baking or boiling, as the juices and fat are contained within the grill.
Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started:
- A gas grill with a lid (preferably with a smoker box or wood chip tray)
- A ham (preferably a bone-in, smoked, or cured ham)
- A meat thermometer
- A grill brush
- A pair of tongs or a spatula
- A cutting board and knife (for slicing and serving)
Choosing the Right Ham
When it comes to choosing a ham for grilling, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are a few tips to help you select the perfect ham:
- Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in hams are generally more flavorful and tender, but boneless hams are easier to slice and serve.
- Smoked or cured: Smoked or cured hams have a more robust flavor and a firmer texture, making them perfect for grilling.
- Size: Choose a ham that’s large enough to feed your guests, but small enough to fit on your grill.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking a Ham on a Gas Grill
Now that we’ve covered the benefits and equipment needed, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking a ham on a gas grill:
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Before you start cooking, make sure your grill is clean and preheated. Here’s how to prepare your grill:
- Preheat your grill to 325°F (160°C), using the medium-low heat setting.
- Clean the grates with a grill brush to remove any debris or food residue.
- If you’re using a smoker box or wood chip tray, add your preferred type of wood chips or chunks.
Step 2: Score the Ham
Scoring the ham helps create a crispy, caramelized exterior. Here’s how to score your ham:
- Use a sharp knife to score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
- Make sure to score the fat layer, as this will help create a crispy exterior.
Step 3: Season the Ham
Seasoning the ham adds flavor and helps create a crispy exterior. Here’s how to season your ham:
- Use a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices to create a glaze.
- Apply the glaze to the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Ham
Now it’s time to grill the ham. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the ham on the grill, fat side up.
- Close the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- If you’re using a smoker box or wood chip tray, you can add more wood chips or chunks as needed to maintain a smoky flavor.
Step 5: Glaze the Ham (Optional)
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor and sweetness, you can glaze the ham during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and spices to create a glaze.
- Apply the glaze to the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Close the lid and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Once the ham is cooked, it’s time to let it rest. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the ham from the grill and place it on a cutting board.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Use this time to slice and serve the ham.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your grilled ham to the next level:
- Use a ham with a built-in glaze: Some hams come with a built-in glaze, which can save you time and effort.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, you can add some heat to your ham by using hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Try a different type of wood: Different types of wood can add unique flavors to your ham. Try using hickory, apple, or cherry wood for a delicious and smoky flavor.
- Add some aromatics: You can add some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to the grill while cooking the ham. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the ham.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking a ham on a gas grill:
- Overcooking: Overcooking can make the ham dry and tough. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Undercooking: Undercooking can make the ham raw and unappetizing. Make sure to cook the ham to an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).
- Not scoring the ham: Scoring the ham helps create a crispy, caramelized exterior. Make sure to score the ham before cooking.
- Not letting it rest: Letting the ham rest helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender and flavorful. Make sure to let the ham rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
Cooking a ham on a gas grill can be a delicious and unique way to prepare this classic dish. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a crispy, caramelized exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Remember to choose the right ham, prepare the grill, score the ham, season the ham, grill the ham, and let it rest. With a little practice and patience, you can become a master of grilled ham.
What are the benefits of cooking a ham on a gas grill?
Cooking a ham on a gas grill offers several benefits, including a crispy, caramelized exterior and a juicy, tender interior. The high heat of the grill helps to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the ham, while the even heat distribution ensures that the inside remains moist and delicious.
Additionally, cooking a ham on a gas grill allows for a high degree of control over the cooking process. With a gas grill, you can easily adjust the heat to achieve the perfect level of browning and crisping on the outside of the ham. This level of control is difficult to achieve with other cooking methods, making a gas grill an ideal choice for cooking a ham.
What type of ham is best suited for grilling?
When it comes to grilling a ham, it’s best to choose a ham that is specifically labeled as “grilling” or “smoking” ham. These hams are typically bone-in and have a thicker layer of fat, which helps to keep them moist and flavorful during the grilling process.
You can also use a spiral-cut ham or a boneless ham, but keep in mind that these may dry out more easily during grilling. It’s also important to choose a ham that is not too large, as this can make it difficult to achieve even cooking. A ham that is around 5-7 pounds is a good size for grilling.
How do I prepare a ham for grilling?
Before grilling a ham, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Start by removing any packaging or wrapping from the ham, and then pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Next, score the fat layer on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
You can also apply a glaze or rub to the ham before grilling, which can add flavor and help to create a crispy exterior. Some popular glaze ingredients include brown sugar, honey, and mustard, while rubs can be made with spices, herbs, and other seasonings.
What is the best way to grill a ham?
To grill a ham, start by preheating your gas grill to medium-high heat. Place the ham on the grill, fat side up, and close the lid. Cook the ham for about 20-30 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
During the grilling process, it’s essential to keep an eye on the ham and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or overcooking. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham reaches a safe internal temperature.
How do I achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior on my grilled ham?
Achieving a crispy, caramelized exterior on a grilled ham is a matter of creating a flavorful crust on the surface of the ham. To do this, you can apply a glaze or rub to the ham before grilling, as mentioned earlier. You can also use a technique called “basting,” where you brush the ham with a sweet or savory liquid during the grilling process.
Another key to achieving a crispy exterior is to cook the ham at a high enough temperature. This will help to create a caramelized crust on the surface of the ham, which is both flavorful and visually appealing.
Can I grill a ham at a low temperature for a longer period of time?
Yes, you can grill a ham at a low temperature for a longer period of time. This method is often referred to as “low and slow” grilling, and it can be a great way to cook a ham if you’re looking for a more tender, fall-apart texture.
To grill a ham at a low temperature, preheat your gas grill to around 225-250°F. Place the ham on the grill, fat side up, and close the lid. Cook the ham for about 1-2 hours per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
How do I store and serve a grilled ham?
Once your grilled ham is cooked, it’s essential to store it properly to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices to redistribute, making the ham more tender and flavorful.
You can store a grilled ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. When serving, you can slice the ham thinly and serve it on its own, or use it in a variety of dishes such as sandwiches, salads, and soups.