Stove Top Shoulder Ham
A savory, tender shoulder ham simmered with sweet syrup, vinegar, and cloves, offering rich flavors perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the shoulder ham in a large pot.
- Add white Karo syrup, vinegar, whole cloves, and water on top of the ham.
- Bring the pot to a boil on high heat.
- Reduce to low heat after boiling begins.
- Simmer and boil for 2 hours or until the ham is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter glaze, consider adding brown sugar or honey to the syrup mixture. If you prefer a more acidic flavor, increase the vinegar slightly. Whole cloves can be substituted with ground cloves if needed, but adjust the quantity as ground spices are more potent. Keep an eye on the water level during cooking to ensure the ham stays moist and tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stove top shoulder ham sliced with some of the delicious glaze drizzled on top. It pairs beautifully with sides like Many Layer Salad or Azalea'S Spanish Baked Beans for a complete meal. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice the ham and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual slices, covered, for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stove Top Shoulder Ham contains roughly 207 calories, with 4g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts of pork, such as a picnic shoulder or a bone-in ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of meat, ensuring it reaches a tender state. The flavor from the glaze will complement various pork recipes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the glaze mixture. Alternatively, you can add some black pepper or spicy mustard to the pot for a subtle kick. Adjust the spices to your taste preference.
What should I do if the ham is too salty?
If your ham turns out too salty, try soaking it in water for a couple of hours before cooking. This can help draw out some of the saltiness. Additionally, serving it with sweet sides like bacon-cheese soup can help balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).