Irresistible Gochujang-Honey Glazed Ham Recipe Perfect for Holidays

The blend of sweet and spicy flavors in this irresistible Gochujang-Honey Glazed Ham recipe will leave your tastebuds singing and your guests begging for seconds. Imagine the caramelized glaze dripping over a tender, juicy ham, infused with the bold kick of Korean gochujang and balanced by the warmth of honey. This recipe is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday celebration—whether it’s Christmas dinner, Easter brunch, or even a cozy Thanksgiving gathering. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a tradition in your home!

My love for this recipe started when I wanted something different from the classic brown sugar glaze we’ve all grown up with. Don’t get me wrong; those recipes are nostalgic and delicious, but I craved something with a little more personality—a glaze with depth, heat, and sweetness all in one. That’s when I stumbled upon the magic of gochujang. Paired with honey, soy sauce, and a few simple spices, it transforms a humble ham into a show-stopping dish that takes center stage at any feast.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or hosting your first holiday dinner, this recipe is foolproof and utterly satisfying. It’s all about bold flavors and easy preparation, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones. Let’s get started on this unforgettable glazed ham recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The pairing of spicy gochujang and sweet honey creates a glaze that’s bold, balanced, and unforgettable.
• Perfect for Holidays: This recipe is designed for special occasions, bringing a modern twist to traditional glazed ham.
• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that tastes gourmet without the stress.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: The glossy, caramelized glaze creates a stunning look that will have everyone reaching for their cameras (and their plates!).
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and sweetness to suit your family’s taste buds.
• Kid and Adult Approved: The flavor profile is crowd-pleasing, making it a hit with all ages.

Unlike store-bought glazes or overly sweet recipes, this Gochujang-Honey Glazed Ham brings something fresh to the table. It’s the kind of dish people talk about long after the holiday season has passed. Plus, it’s versatile—you can pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes or use the leftovers to create sandwiches that rival your favorite deli. Trust me, this recipe will be a game-changer for your holiday menu!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple yet impactful ingredients to create a glaze bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bone-in Ham: Choose a fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham (around 8–10 pounds) for convenience and tenderness.
• Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a spicy, umami-rich kick. Look for it in the international aisle of your grocery store.
• Honey: The sweetness balances the heat from the gochujang and creates a beautifully caramelized finish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and a savory flavor to the glaze.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that brightens the glaze.
• Garlic Powder: For an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Ginger Powder: Adds warmth and complements the gochujang beautifully.
• Sesame Oil: A touch of sesame oil brings nuttiness and richness to the glaze.

If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute with Sriracha or another chili paste, though the flavor profile will differ slightly. Feel free to use maple syrup instead of honey for a different kind of sweetness. And for those sticking to gluten-free diets, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce!

Equipment Needed

• Roasting Pan: Essential for cooking the ham evenly and catching all the drippings.
• Small Saucepan: To prepare the glaze.
• Pastry Brush: For applying the glaze to the ham.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps prevent the ham from drying out during baking.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures the ham is heated through to the perfect temperature.

If you don’t have a roasting pan, you can use a large baking dish with high sides. A silicone brush works just as well as a pastry brush for glazing. And honestly, any saucepan will do for the glaze—you don’t need anything fancy!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
2. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup gochujang, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ginger powder, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Heat over medium-low, stirring until well blended.
3. Brush the ham: Use a pastry brush to generously coat the ham with the glaze, ensuring you get into all the nooks and crannies.
4. Bake covered: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 hours. This step ensures the ham stays moist.
5. Glaze and bake uncovered: Remove the foil, brush the ham with more glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Caramelize the glaze: For extra caramelization, broil the ham for 3–5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
7. Rest and serve: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides!

If your glaze thickens too much while cooking, add a splash of water to loosen it. And don’t skip the broiling step—it’s the magic touch that makes the glaze irresistibly sticky and golden.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t skip the foil: Covering the ham while baking ensures it stays moist and doesn’t dry out.
• Brush generously: Apply the glaze liberally for maximum flavor and caramelization.
• Use a thermometer: The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
• Broil with care: Keep a close eye on the ham during broiling to avoid burning the glaze.
• Make extra glaze: Serve leftover glaze on the side for drizzling over the ham or your sides.

One mistake I made early on was under-glazing the ham—it turned out good, but not great. Now I always make extra glaze and slather it on without holding back. Trust me, you want every bit of that sweet and spicy goodness!

Variations & Adaptations

• Low-Spice Option: Reduce the gochujang to 1/4 cup or swap it with mild chili paste for less heat.
• Maple-Ginger Twist: Replace honey with maple syrup and double the ginger powder for a warming twist.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use the glaze on roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower instead of ham.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Seasonal Adaptation: Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy holiday vibe.

I’ve tried the maple-ginger version on roasted sweet potatoes, and it was a hit—perfect for vegetarians or anyone who loves bold flavors!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Gochujang-Honey Glazed Ham warm and sliced thinly, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw. For beverages, a crisp white wine or sparkling cider complements the flavors beautifully.

To store leftovers, wrap tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.

Pro tip: The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving of this Gochujang-Honey Glazed Ham (about 4 ounces) is approximately 300 calories, with 25g of protein, 12g of fat, and 15g of carbs. The gochujang offers antioxidants and capsaicin, which may boost metabolism, while honey provides natural sweetness without refined sugar.

This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy flavorful holiday staples with a spicy twist. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and consume smaller servings.

Conclusion

This Irresistible Gochujang-Honey Glazed Ham is truly a holiday game-changer. The bold, sweet, and savory flavors make it a standout dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting an elaborate feast or a cozy dinner, this recipe will shine as your main attraction.

Feel free to tweak the glaze to suit your taste, and don’t forget to share your variations in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own!

So, go ahead—add this bold and delicious glazed ham to your holiday menu. Trust me, your guests will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just warm it up before brushing it on the ham.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover ham?

Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil.

Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a boneless ham, but keep in mind that a bone-in ham tends to be more flavorful and juicy.

What can I serve with this ham?

This ham pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad. For beverages, try a crisp white wine or sparkling cider.

Can I make this glaze less spicy?

Yes, reduce the gochujang to 1/4 cup or substitute it with a milder chili paste. You can also add an extra tablespoon of honey to balance the flavors.

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