If you have a craving for a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet requires minimal effort, the Easy Sriracha Ham in the Slow Cooker Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines the smoky richness of a bone-in picnic ham with the spicy kick of Sriracha and the sweet caramel notes of brown sugar, all tenderly cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable, melt-in-your-mouth feast that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward with just a handful of key ingredients, each playing a unique role in building flavor and texture. The balance between spicy, sweet, and savory is what makes this dish so irresistible.
- 1 & 1/3 cup brown sugar (divided): Adds caramel sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze that perfectly coats the ham.
- 5 pound smoked ham (bone-in picnic): The star of the dish, providing deep, smoky flavor and juicy texture.
- 2-3 tablespoons Sriracha: Brings a vibrant spicy heat that cuts through the richness of the ham.
- Cooking liquid: Helps keep the ham moist during the slow cooking process and infuses subtle flavors.
- 1-3 tablespoons Sriracha (for sauce): Used again to adjust the heat level of the finishing sauce.
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the glaze into a luscious sauce perfect for serving.
- Water: Needed to dissolve the cornstarch and create the sauce consistency.
How to Make Easy Sriracha Ham in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham and Glaze
Start by patting your ham dry to ensure the glaze sticks beautifully. Mix about two-thirds of the brown sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of Sriracha to create a spicy-sweet paste. Carefully rub this mixture all over the ham, focusing on every nook and cranny to maximize flavor.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the glazed ham in your slow cooker and add a little cooking liquid—this could be water or a bit of pineapple juice to enhance sweetness and moisture. Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together while the ham becomes tender and juicy.
Step 3: Make the Sriracha Glaze Sauce
Remove the ham and set aside. Mix the remaining brown sugar with 1-3 tablespoons of Sriracha, adjusting the spice level to your liking. Combine cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker juices along with the glaze mixture. Heat gently, stirring until your sauce thickens into a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Step 4: Glaze and Serve
Brush or drizzle the sizzling glaze generously over the ham slices. This final touch adds a sticky, spicy-sweet finish that will make your Easy Sriracha Ham in the Slow Cooker Recipe absolutely crave-worthy.
How to Serve Easy Sriracha Ham in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up each plate with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness that beautifully contrasts the rich ham. Thin slices of green onions or toasted sesame seeds also add subtle texture and an appealing visual pop.
Side Dishes
Pair this spicy ham with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob to balance the heat. Sweet roasted carrots or a simple coleslaw can add crunch and sweetness, rounding out your meal with vibrant textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, carve the ham into thick slices and arrange it on a wooden board alongside fresh fruit like pineapple or mango chunks. You can also build sliders using soft dinner rolls and a dollop of the spicy glaze for an irresistible handheld feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal just as enjoyable, if not more. Leftover slices are perfect for quick sandwiches or salads.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the ham and freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags. This recipe freezes wonderfully, and thawing gently in the refrigerator helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices gently in a pan or microwave, brushing with extra glaze to keep things moist and flavorful. Slow and steady reheating preserves the tender texture you love from the original dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a bone-in picnic ham is ideal for its smoky flavor and tenderness, you can use any smoked ham you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different cuts may vary in thickness and fat content.
How spicy is the Easy Sriracha Ham in the Slow Cooker Recipe?
The recipe balances heat with sweetness, thanks to the brown sugar and Sriracha blend. If you prefer it milder, reduce the Sriracha quantity. For heat lovers, feel free to add a bit more—this recipe is very flexible!
Do I need to add liquid to the slow cooker?
Yes, adding a bit of cooking liquid like water or pineapple juice helps the ham stay juicy and creates the base for the delicious glaze sauce. It ensures the ham doesn’t dry out during the slow cooking process.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Definitely! The glaze can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply warm it up and brush over the ham for that perfect sticky finish.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Without a doubt. The Easy Sriracha Ham in the Slow Cooker Recipe lends itself beautifully to holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or any time you want a show-stopping dish with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Easy Sriracha Ham in the Slow Cooker Recipe, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. The combination of smoky ham with a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this dish is a delicious way to bring warmth and flavor to your table without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Easy Sriracha Ham in the Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 185 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Sriracha Ham recipe offers a deliciously sweet and spicy twist on a classic slow-cooked ham. The ham is cooked low and slow in the slow cooker with a combination of brown sugar and Sriracha sauce that creates a sticky, flavorful glaze. It’s perfect for gatherings or holiday meals and requires minimal prep with maximum taste.
Ingredients
Ham and Glaze
- 5 pound smoked ham (bone-in picnic)
- 1 1/3 cup brown sugar (divided)
- 2–3 tablespoons Sriracha (for glaze)
Cooking Liquid
- 1–3 tablespoons Sriracha (for cooking liquid)
Thickening Sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Water (enough to mix with cornstarch and thin sauce as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham and Glaze: Begin by patting the ham dry if needed. In a small bowl, combine about one cup of the brown sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of Sriracha to create the spicy-sweet glaze. Rub this mixture evenly over the surface of the ham, coating it thoroughly.
- Cook the Ham in the Slow Cooker: Place the glazed ham into the slow cooker. Add the remaining brown sugar and 1 to 3 tablespoons of Sriracha into the cooking liquid to enhance flavor and moisture. Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours (180 minutes) or until the ham is heated through and tender.
- Make the Thickened Sauce: Once the ham is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and keep warm. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry, then stir this into the saucepan. Heat gently, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Serve: Slice the ham and serve with the thickened Sriracha sauce spooned over the top for added flavor and moisture. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a milder spice, reduce the amount of Sriracha used in the glaze and cooking liquid.
- For a smokier flavor, consider using a ham with a natural smoke ring or adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid.
- The cornstarch slurry is key for thickening the sauce; make sure to mix it well to avoid lumps.
- Leftover ham and glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This recipe can be adapted for a smaller ham by adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
