Hairy Bikers Gammon In Coke Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Gammon In Coke is a tender and sweet-savory recipe, which uses gammon joint and Coca-Cola. It’s a unique comfort food recipe, ready in about 4 to 8 hours, plus roasting and resting time.

Hairy Bikers Gammon In Coke Ingredients

• 2 kg (2.2 lb) unsmoked gammon joint
• 2 litres full-fat Coca-Cola
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Glaze:
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

How To Make Hairy Bikers Gammon In Coke

1. Prepare slow cooker: Place the chopped carrot and chopped onion into the slow cooker pot. Add the unsmoked gammon joint on top.
2. Add liquid and spice: Pour enough full-fat Coca-Cola over the gammon to almost cover it. Sprinkle in the cinnamon.
3. Slow cook: Cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours, until the internal temperature of the gammon reaches 145°F (63°C).
4. Prepare for roasting: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Carefully remove the cooked gammon from the slow cooker and place it in a roasting tin.
5. Score fat: Remove the skin from the gammon, being careful to leave as much of the underlying fat layer intact as possible. Score the remaining fat in a diamond pattern.
6. Apply first glaze and roast: Mix the honey, dark brown sugar, and wholegrain mustard together in a small bowl to create the glaze. Brush half of this glaze evenly over the scored gammon. Roast the gammon in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
7. Apply second glaze and final roast: Brush the gammon with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and roast for a final 15 minutes, or until the glaze is crispy and golden brown.
8. Rest and carve: Remove the gammon from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

Recipe Tips

• Choose full-fat Coke: Using full-fat Coca-Cola is important as its sugar content contributes significantly to the flavor and caramelization of the gammon. Diet versions will not yield the same result.
• Don’t skip the sear: While not explicitly in the method, a quick sear of the gammon before slow cooking can add a deeper flavor. This is optional but recommended for an extra layer of taste.
• Internal temperature for doneness: Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) ensures the gammon is perfectly cooked and tender.
• Scoring the fat: Scoring the fat helps it render and crisp up beautifully during the roasting phase, creating a delicious crust.
• Resting after roasting: Allowing the gammon to rest after roasting helps redistribute the juices, making the meat more tender and moist when carved.

What To Serve With Gammon In Coke

This uniquely flavored gammon pairs well with classic comforting sides that balance its sweet and savory notes.

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Glazed carrots or roasted root vegetables
• Steamed green beans or peas
• Homemade coleslaw
• Crispy roast potatoes

How To Store Gammon In Coke

• Refrigerate: Store leftover gammon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s delicious cold in sandwiches or reheated gently.
• Freeze: Cooked gammon can be sliced or diced and frozen in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the crispiness of the glaze might diminish after freezing and thawing.

FAQs

• Can I use a different soft drink? While Coca-Cola is traditional for this recipe, other dark colas might work, but the flavor profile could change. Sweetness levels will also vary.
• Why is the gammon cooked in a slow cooker first? Slow cooking makes the gammon incredibly tender and infused with flavor before it’s roasted to develop a crispy, glazed crust.
• Can I skip the roasting step? You can, but you’ll miss out on the crispy, caramelized glaze that makes this dish so special. The slow-cooked gammon will still be tender, but without the roasted finish.
• How do I make sure the gammon isn’t too salty? Using an unsmoked gammon joint helps. Some people also prefer to soak the gammon in fresh water for a few hours before cooking to draw out excess salt, although this recipe relies on the initial slow cook to balance the saltiness.
• What if I don’t have a meat thermometer? The gammon should be very tender and easily shredded with two forks when cooked. However, a thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure it’s done.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Gammon Honey Mustard Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Fish Pie Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Rabbit Stew Recipe

Hairy Bikers Gammon In Coke Recipe

Course: DinnerCuisine: British

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

4

hours 

Calories

380

kcal

A wonderfully tender and flavorful gammon joint, slow-cooked in Coca-Cola with aromatics, then finished with a sticky, sweet-savory honey mustard glaze in the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 kg (2.2 lb) unsmoked gammon joint
  

• 2 litres full-fat Coca-Cola
  

• 1 medium carrot, chopped
  

• 1 medium onion, chopped
  

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Glaze:

• 3 tbsp honey
  

• 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
  

• 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

Directions

• Prep slow cooker: Place chopped carrot and onion in slow cooker. Add gammon joint.
  
• Add liquid: Pour enough full-fat Coke to almost cover gammon. Sprinkle in cinnamon.
  
• Slow cook: Cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  
• Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place cooked gammon in a roasting tin.
  
• Score fat: Remove skin, score remaining fat in a diamond pattern.
  
• First glaze & roast: Mix honey, dark brown sugar, and wholegrain mustard for glaze. Brush half over gammon. Roast for 15 minutes.
  
• Final glaze & roast: Brush with remaining glaze. Roast for a final 15 minutes until crispy.
  
• Rest & carve: Rest gammon before carving and serving.