How to Cook a Ham: Removing the Skin

How to Cook a Ham: Removing the Skin
Published: May 12, 2011
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
1 minute read
Man slicing Dalmatian prosciutto
gsermek/iStock/Getty Images

Ham comes from the hind legs of the pig. It is often served on holidays and other special occasions. Hams are generally available in whole or partial form, with the bone in or out and with a skin, or rind, on or off. If you have a ham with the outer skin intact, it is possible for you to remove it fairly easily by using a knife and your hands.

Cut through the skin of the ham in a zig-zag motion, all the way around the hock, near one end. Turn the ham as you go to make the process easier.

Slide your fingers and thumb under the skin that you've loosened and gently pull it away from the flesh. Peel the skin away a little at a time. Use your knife to help if you reach a spot that won't come up with your hands.

Move the ham into different positions as you peel and cut, until the skin has been completely removed. Leave a thin layer of fat on the surface of the ham as you peel the skin away. This helps protect the meat from drying out when you cook it.

Cover any leftover ham in the fridge with the skin you cut off. This will help keep the ham moist.

Tips

Use a size knife that you find most comfortable to remove the skin.

Stand the ham on end and cut the skin away in a spiral pattern if peeling it off doesn't work for you. You might also be able to remove more fat this way.

Photo Credits

gsermek/iStock/Getty Images

Joshua McCarron

Joshua McCarron has been writing both online and offline since 1995. He has been employed as a copywriter since 2005 and in that position has written numerous blogs, online articles, websites, sales letters and news releases. McCarron…

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