How to Cook Purefoods Fiesta Ham Without an Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide

Purefoods Fiesta Ham is a popular processed ham product in the Philippines that is traditionally baked in the oven. But what if you want to enjoy this delicious ham without access to an oven? Not to worry – there are several easy methods for cooking Purefoods Fiesta Ham using just your stovetop grill or even a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

In this comprehensive guide we will walk through various foolproof techniques for cooking up tender flavorful Purefoods Fiesta Ham without ever turning on your oven.

Purefoods Fiesta Ham is a type of processed and cured ham sold by Purefoods Hormel Company in the Philippines. It comes packaged in a rectangular plastic container with a sweet pineapple-based glaze.

This deli-style ham is precooked but benefits from additional cooking to enhance its flavor. It has a salty, smoky pork flavor complemented by the fruitiness of the glaze.

Traditionally, Fiesta Ham is baked in the oven as a holiday centerpiece, like Christmas ham. But this specialty ham can be prepared in various ways even if you don’t have access to an oven.

Methods for Cooking Fiesta Ham Without an Oven

Here are some of the most popular and effective methods for cooking Purefoods Fiesta Ham without using an oven

Stovetop Pan-Frying

Pan-frying is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook Fiesta Ham without an oven.

• Start by trimming the skin and outer layer of fat from the ham slices. Leave some of the fat intact for flavor.

• Pat the slices dry thoroughly with paper towels.

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil or butter if needed.

• Cook the ham slices in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.

• Lower heat if slices brown too quickly. Cook until heated through.

Boiling

For a simple stovetop method, you can boil slices of Fiesta Ham:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add whole cloves, apple juice, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and bay leaves.

• Add ham slices and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 7-10 minutes until heated through.

• Remove slices and brush with glaze. Can crisp up under broiler if desired.

Grilling

If you have access to a grill or want to cook outdoors, grilling is a great oven-free option:

• Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for direct high-heat grilling.

• Lightly oil the grates once hot. Add ham slices and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

• Brush with glaze during last few minutes of grilling. Serve warm.

Slow Cooking

For effortless hands-off cooking, a slow cooker or Instant Pot is ideal:

• Place 1 ham in a multi-cooker/slow cooker. Add apple juice, brown sugar, cloves, and peppercorns.

• Cook on low heat for 1-2 hours in a slow cooker or high pressure for 30 minutes in an Instant Pot.

• When done, brush with glaze. Broil to caramelize if desired.

Poaching

Poaching the ham in liquid on the stovetop infuses it with flavor:

• In a pot, bring apple cider, chicken broth, brown sugar, cloves, and peppercorns to a boil.

• Add ham slices, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

• Remove ham and pat dry. Brush with glaze and broil to caramelize.

Helpful Tips and Suggestions

• When buying Fiesta Ham, look for a size that will fit your cooking method. Opt for slices for stovetop cooking.

• Remove the plastic wrapper and netting before cooking. Discard any included packets.

• Pat ham dry before pan frying or grilling to ensure browning.

• Use tongs or a spatula to flip ham slices. Avoid piercing with a fork.

• If ham slices curl while cooking, use a bacon press or another pan to weigh it down.

• Add spices like cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaves to cooking liquid for extra flavor.

• Brush ham with glaze near the end of cooking to prevent burning.

• Let ham rest 5 minutes before slicing for juicier results.

Serving and Storing Leftover Ham

Purefoods Fiesta Ham makes for delicious leftovers when properly stored:

• Allow cooked ham to cool slightly before storing.

• Refrigerate leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

• Frozen ham will keep for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

• Reheat ham slices in the microwave or pan-fried until warm. Avoid boiling or cooking ham once more.

• Add leftover ham to omelets, fried rice, pasta dishes, and more.

• Garnish ham with extra glaze, pineapple slices, or maraschino cherries when serving.

With this handy guide, you can enjoy the signature sweet and salty flavor of Purefoods Fiesta Ham anytime – no oven required. Whether pan-fried, grilled, or slow cooked, these easy stovetop and oven-free cooking methods will satisfy your cravings. So give one a try for your next special occasion or holiday dinner!