Ham turkey from a ham cooker is a juicy home-made meat, which I strongly encourage you to prepare. Since I bought my ham cooker, I’ve been eating practically only home-made cold cuts, nowadays I rarely buy ham in the store. I usually make poultry and pork meat in the ham cooker. When it comes to poultry, I mainly use chicken and turkey fillets, and in the case of pork, neck, shoulder and ham work well. You can season each of these meats with your favourite spices. For me, sweet and hot paprika, herbs such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley and onions taste the best.
The recipe for turkey ham from ham cooker, that you can find below is a simple recipe for homemade cold cuts. First, I season the meat with ground paprika, pepper and pickling salt and set it aside for several hours to marinate. Then, I add gelatine and water and put it on a small heat, the temperature all the time 80 degrees Celsius and over 2 hours. Gelatine is not a mandatory ingredient, but I like to add it because the meat releases water during cooking and when cold, a delicious jelly is created on the ham, which I love. Hope you guys try the below recipe for turkey ham from ham cooker.
Turkey ham is a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional pork ham that can be easily made at home With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create flavorful, tender turkey ham that your whole family will love.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering homemade turkey ham, from choosing the right turkey breast to flavoring, cooking methods, and serving ideas Let’s get started!
Picking the Perfect Turkey Breast
The star of any turkey ham is the turkey breast, so choose wisely:
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Boneless turkey breast – Easiest to work with for ham. Avoid pre-brined or seasoned.
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2-3 pounds – Good size for most purposes. Adjust for your needs.
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Organic or free-range – More natural with better texture and flavor.
Once you’ve got your turkey breast, it’s time to prep it.
Preparing and Seasoning the Turkey
Proper prep ensures the flavors penetrate and it cooks evenly:
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Trim excess fat/skin – Leaves just a thin layer over the breast
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Pat dry – Removes moisture for better browning.
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Make shallow cuts – Allows seasonings and smoke to penetrate.
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Coat with spices – Brings big flavor. Use a dry rub of:
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Salt
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Brown sugar
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Paprika
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Pepper
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Refrigerate 2-12 hours – Lets flavor soak in.
Cooking Methods for Juicy, Flavorful Results
You can cook turkey ham several ways, but these two produce the best results:
Oven Baked
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Place seasoned turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan.
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Cook 15-20 minutes per pound until 165°F internal temperature.
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Baste with maple syrup, brown sugar or honey during last 30 minutes if desired.
Smoked
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Soak wood chips of choice like hickory, apple, or maple.
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Prepare smoker or grill for smoking, heating to 225-250°F.
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Add soaked wood chips to smoker box/packet.
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Place turkey directly on grill, turning and basting with mop sauce as it cooks.
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Smoke approximately 15-20 minutes per pound until 165°F.
Slicing, Storing, and Serving Your Turkey Ham
You’ve crafted some fantastic turkey ham. Now, finish strong:
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Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
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Cut into thin slices across the grain.
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Enjoy fresh or refrigerate 3-4 days.
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Freeze up to 2-3 months.
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Serve on sandwiches, with eggs, in salads, and more!
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Pair with cheese, mustard, pickles, or cranberry sauce.
With the steps above, you’ll be impressing family and friends with your stellar homemade turkey ham. Now for some tasty recipe ideas!
Creative Ways to Use Your Turkey Ham
Your turkey ham opens up endless possibilities. Here are just a few delicious ways to put it to use:
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Turkey Ham Breakfast Sandwiches – Egg, cheese, and turkey ham on an English muffin.
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Turkey Ham Panini – With Havarti, spinach, and pesto mayo.
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Turkey Ham Quiche – Diced ham in an eggy quiche packed with veggies.
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Turkey Ham Salad – Thin slices on top of fresh greens.
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Turkey Ham Flatbread Pizza – Top flatbread with ham, mozzarella, and veggies.
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Turkey Ham Pasta – Diced ham and peas tossed with pasta in a Parmesan cream sauce.
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Turkey Ham Omelet – Diced ham and cheddar cheese omelet.
The possibilities are endless with your homemade turkey ham! Get creative in the kitchen.
How to make turkey ham from ham cooker.
Clean the turkey breast, cut the membranes and pat dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, combine sweet and hot paprika, pickling salt and herb pepper. Thoroughly rub the turkey breast with the spices from the bowl, then put it in a bag in which it will be cured. Wrap the bag and put it in the fridge for 20 hours.
Mix the gelatine with water and set it aside for 10 minutes. Next, take the turkey breast out of the fridge, coat it with bloomed gelatine, carefully close the bag and put it in the ham cooker. Close the ham cooker tightly, put it in the pot and pour water over it. Do not pour the water until the top, leave about 3-4 centimetres under the lid. Put the pot on the heat, bring it to a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius and, keeping this temperature, cook for 2 hours and 20 minutes. I have a thermometer in my pot all the time to be sure that the cooking temperature is exactly 80 degrees.
Afterwards, remove the ham cooker from the heat, take it out of the pot and cool it down, then put it in the fridge for at least 12 hours or overnight. After taking it out of the refrigerator, carefully unscrew the lid of the ham cooker, remove the spring and by pulling the bag upwards, remove the ham.
Ingredients for turkey ham from ham cooker.
- 1 kg turkey breast
- 18 g curing salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of herbal pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of spicy paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika powder
- 30 ml water
- 4 g gelatine powder
Turkey ham – A delicious pork ham alternative
FAQ
How is turkey ham made?
Did Jennie O stop making turkey ham?
What makes turkey taste like ham?
Is turkey ham healthier than regular ham?
How to make turkey ham at home?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own turkey ham at home. First, you’ll need to start with a high-quality turkey breast. Make sure the turkey breast is fresh and free from any excess fat. You’ll also need a curing mixture made from salt, sugar, pink curing salt, and any additional spices or herbs you want to add for flavor.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
What is a turkey ham?
A turkey ham is a type of meat that is made from the thigh meat of a turkey. It is similar to regular ham in terms of taste and texture, but it is leaner and typically has less fat and sodium compared to traditional ham. It is a popular alternative for those who prefer a healthier option or do not consume pork.
How do you eat a turkey ham?
Carve the turkey ham into thin slices and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for an added touch of flavor and elegance. Serve the turkey ham with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Don’t forget the condiments!