Yes, it is absolutely possible to fry ham. Frying is a quick and easy cooking method that can give ham a delicious crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender. Fried ham makes for a tasty main dish or addition to various meals and sandwiches. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy the savory flavor of fried ham at home.
What kind of ham is best for frying?
The best cuts of ham to use for frying are:
- Ham steak – Cut from the hind leg, ham steaks contain a good amount of fat which keeps them moist during frying.
- Country ham – Dry-cured and uncooked, country ham has a robust salty flavor that stands up well to frying.
- Prosciutto – The dry-cured Italian ham has a silky texture and concentrated flavor.
- Ham lunchmeat – Deli-style sliced ham fries up crisp and brown.
Thicker cuts like ham steak and country ham work especially well as they can develop a nice crispy crust without overcooking. Leaner hams like deli slices need less cooking time. Avoid boiling or baking ham as it will have already lost much of its natural moisture.
How to fry ham steps
Follow these simple steps for fried ham success:
- Pat ham dry – Remove any excess moisture from the surface of the ham with paper towels. This helps the ham brown better in the oil.
- Season the ham – Coat both sides with spices, salt, pepper, herbs, etc. Common seasonings used are garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne.
- Heat oil in a skillet – Use about 1/4 inch of a high smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, peanut, or lard over medium heat.
- Fry ham – Carefully add the ham and fry for 3-5 minutes per side until deeply browned. Thicker cuts may need longer. Fry in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
- Drain fried ham – Transfer ham to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
- Serve hot – Fried ham is best served immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips for perfect fried ham
- Use a cast iron skillet for even browning.
- Fry over medium to medium-high heat to avoid scorching.
- Add a pat of butter to the pan for extra browning and flavor.
- Take care not to overcrowd the pan which can steam instead of fry.
- Allow oil to reheat between batches to maintain temperature.
- Flip the ham just once during frying.
- Use a meat thermometer to check interior doneness.
- Let the fried ham rest a minute before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
What to serve with fried ham
Crispy fried ham is very versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- On biscuits, sandwiches, or breakfast tacos
- With eggs, hashbrowns, and pancakes
- In salads or wrapped in lettuce
- Diced up in soups or beans
- On top of waffles or french toast
- In rice, pasta, or potato dishes
- Alongside vegetables and potatoes
- Topped with preserves or fruit salsa
Conclusion
Frying ham is an easy way to add flavor and texture that complements a wide array of dishes. Almost any cut of ham can be fried up deliciously brown and crispy in just minutes. With a bit of seasoning and a short stint in a hot skillet, you can enjoy the classic taste of fried ham for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Just pat it dry, fry it up in oil or butter until browned, drain, and serve! What could be simpler?