Weeknight dinners just got easier. If you’ve got a frozen ham sitting in the freezer, you don’t need to stress about defrosting it before cooking. With the right techniques, you can boil that frozen ham to juicy, flavorful perfection.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to successfully boil a frozen ham. We’ve got simple step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and troubleshooting advice to help you nail this easy, budget-friendly meal. Let’s get cooking!
Is It Safe to Boil a Frozen Ham?
First things first, is it even safe to boil meat that’s frozen solid? The short answer is yes. While thawing is ideal, boiling a frozen ham is perfectly safe. The USDA confirms that it’s fine to cook meat directly from frozen using a wet cooking method like boiling.
As the ham heats up the outside will thaw first, allowing heat to gradually penetrate inward and cook the innermost parts. Just be sure to adjust your cook times monitor temperature closely with a meat thermometer, and boil thoroughly until the ham reaches a food-safe internal temperature.
Why Boil a Frozen Ham?
Skipping the thawing step and boiling straight from frozen offers several advantages:
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It’s faster – No waiting around for the ham to defrost! Get dinner cooking in under an hour
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Adds flavor – The ham soaks up seasoning from the boiling liquid.
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Leaner meat – Fat melts away, resulting in a healthier final product.
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Easy cooking method – Boiling is straightforward and beginner-friendly
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Great for small spaces – You don’t need a ton of oven space to boil.
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Handy for unexpected guests – Always have an instant meal ready in your freezer!
Step-By-Step Instructions for Boiling Frozen Ham
Follow these simple steps for foolproof frozen ham every time:
1. Prepare the Ham
- Remove ham from freezer and unwrap completely.
- Rinse under cool water to remove any ice crystals. Pat dry.
- Place in large stockpot or Dutch oven with tight-fitting lid.
2. Cover with Liquid
- Pour enough cold water, broth, or other liquid to just cover ham.
- For flavor, try apple juice, wine, ginger ale, herbs, onions, garlic, etc.
- Liquid should move freely around the ham.
3. Bring to a Boil
- Set pot over high heat and bring to a rolling boil.
- This may take 30-60 minutes if ham is very frozen.
4. Reduce Heat and Simmer
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cover and let simmer 20-25 minutes per pound.
5. Check Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp of the thickest part.
- Minimum safe temp is 145°F for fresh ham, 140°F for pre-cooked.
6. Cool and Finish
- Turn off heat and allow ham to cool in liquid 2-3 hours.
- Remove skin and trim fat to 1⁄4 inch thickness.
- Glaze and bake optionally.
And that’s all there is to it! Low-fuss, freezer-to-table cooking.
Troubleshooting Frozen Ham in 3 Simple Steps
Follow this handy troubleshooting guide if your boiled frozen ham turns out undercooked, dry, bland, or overcooked:
1. Check the Temperature
Be sure to actively monitor temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness. Under 145°F = undercooked. Over 160°F = dried out.
2. Adjust the Liquid
Too little liquid causes dryness. Too much dilutes flavor. 1-2 inches over the ham is ideal.
3. Mind the Cook Time
Cooking times vary based on size, bone-in vs boneless, and frozen state. Stick to 20-25 minutes per pound.
With these easy tips, you can perfectly reboot a boiled ham gone wrong!
Tips for Maximizing Flavor
Besides basic water, use these flavor-boosting liquids to make your boiled frozen ham irresistible:
- Broths – Chicken, beef, or ham bone broth.
- Wine or beer – Red wine, white wine, ginger ale, cola.
- Fruit juices – Apple, pineapple, orange.
- Herbs and spices – Bay leaves, peppercorns, garlic, onions, rosemary.
Get creative mixing and matching to make each boiled ham unique!
Serving Suggestions
Once boiled, frozen ham can be served warm right away or used later in recipes. Here are some mouthwatering ideas:
- Sliced ham with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies
- Diced ham in potato salad, pasta salad, or fried rice
- Ham sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, and mustard
- Hearty ham and bean soup loaded with vegetables
- Quiches, frittatas, omelets, and stratas
- Ham and pineapple pizza or flatbreads
The possibilities are endless! And leftovers will keep 4-5 days refrigerated.
Storing Cooked Ham
Make your frozen ham go the extra mile by properly storing leftovers:
- Let ham cool completely, then carve remaining meat from the bone.
- Refrigerate sliced ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze slices or diced ham in freezer bags for 2-3 months.
- Use the bone to make smoky ham broth!
With proper storage, one frozen ham equals a week or more of quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about boiling frozen ham? Here are answers to the most common queries:
How long does it take to boil a frozen ham?
Plan on 20-25 minutes per pound once the liquid reaches a simmer. A 10 lb. frozen ham takes 3-4 hours.
Can you boil an uncooked fresh ham from frozen?
Yes! Fresh hams labeled “cook before eating” need to reach 145°F. They may take more time.
Is it OK to refreeze boiled frozen ham?
Absolutely! Refreezing previously frozen and thawed meat is safe.
What if my ham won’t fit in a pot?
No problem! Cut the ham in half or use a roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil to steam.
Can you bake or slow cook a frozen ham instead?
Yes, you can bake or slow cook a frozen ham. The boiling method is just faster.
The Takeaway on Boiling Frozen Ham
From prep to finish, boiling a fully frozen ham is simple, quick, and delicious. In about an hour, you can have a hearty protein ready to become the star of tonight’s dinner or stock your fridge with grab-and-go ham all week long.
Next time you’re in a pinch for time, don’t let that frozen hunk of meat in the freezer stress you out. Toss it in a pot, let it boil, and enjoy your perfectly cooked ham – no thawing necessary!