Hoisin sauce has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where it’s used as a flavorful glaze, dipping sauce, or condiment. The word “hoisin” comes from the Cantonese word for “seafood,” though the sauce itself doesn’t contain seafood. Its history traces back to southern China, particularly in Cantonese cooking, though it’s now widely used in many Chinese regional cuisines.
Flavor Profile
Hoisin sauce is known for its bold, complex flavor. It has a rich, dark, and thick consistency, often compared to barbecue sauce but with a distinctively Asian twist. Its flavor is a balanced mix of:
- Sweetness (from sugar or honey)
- Saltiness (from soy sauce)
- Tanginess (from vinegar)
- Umami (from fermented soybeans)
- Subtle spiciness (from garlic and chili) It’s aromatic and has a deep, slightly smoky flavor, with hints of Chinese five-spice powder, which can include cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns.
Why Hoisin Sauce is a Good Match for Baked Ham
Hoisin sauce pairs beautifully with baked ham for several reasons:
- Sweet and Savory Balance: Ham, with its inherent sweetness, particularly when glazed, matches well with the sweet and salty nature of hoisin. The sauce enhances the ham’s natural flavors while adding depth with its umami richness.
- Tanginess and Acidic Brightness: The mild vinegar tang in hoisin sauce cuts through the fattiness of ham, balancing out the richness and keeping each bite more refreshing.
- Caramelization: When baked, hoisin sauce caramelizes beautifully, forming a glossy, sticky glaze on the ham. This adds a visually appealing sheen and a satisfying texture.
- Exotic and Bold Flavors: Using hoisin sauce on ham introduces a unique Asian flair to a traditionally Western dish, creating an exciting fusion. The combination of sweet, salty, and aromatic spices elevates the ham, giving it more complexity and intrigue.The interplay of flavors makes hoisin sauce an excellent and slightly unconventional but delicious choice for a baked ham glaze.
This ham features a bold, sweet, and savory flavor from the hoisin glaze, with a slight tang from the rice vinegar and mustard. The caramelization of the glaze adds a sticky, rich texture to the ham, complemented by the crispy skin from the scoring.
Enjoy this Asian-inspired twist on a classic baked ham for a flavorful and visually stunning centerpiece!
This is what you will need for this recipe:
Hoisin Glazed Baked Ham
Serves: About 16
Ingredients:
1 (8 to 9-pound) bone-in ham
1 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the ham:
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham by cutting about 1/3 inch deep into the fat, creating a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate and make the skin crispy. Place the ham in a roasting pan. - Make the glaze:
In a small, heavy saucepan, combine the hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and mustard. Stir continuously and bring to a soft boil. Lower the heat and simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. - Glaze the ham:
Generously coat the ham with the glaze, making sure to get it into the diamond crevices. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. - Re-glaze and continue baking:
After 30 minutes, apply another layer of glaze to the ham and bake for an additional 30 minutes. - Final glazing and baking:
Re-glaze the ham once more, then loosely cover it with foil. Bake for another hour. - Rest and serve:
Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per 1/16th serving):
Calories: 493.14
Fat: 31.53g (Saturated: 10.25g, Monounsaturated: 14.14g, Polyunsaturated: 4.34g)
Protein: 41.71g
Fiber: 0.48g
Carbohydrates: 10.66g
Cholesterol: 148.46mg
Iron: 1.82mg
Sodium: 2858.69mg
Calcium: 28.99mg
Print the Hoisin Glazed Ham Recipe Here
VEA ESTE VIDEO EN ESPAÑOL:
