This Hairy Bikers Gammon in Coke Recipe is a sweet and succulent recipe, which is made with a whole gammon joint and full-fat Coca-Cola. It’s the perfect Christmas centerpiece, ready in about 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Hairy Bikers Gammon in Coke Recipe Ingredients
For the Gammon:
- 2 kg (2.2 lb) gammon joint, unsmoked
- 2 litres (67 fl oz) Coca-Cola, full fat
- 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
How To Make Hairy Bikers Gammon in Coke
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Roughly chop the carrot and onion and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the gammon joint on top of the vegetables.
- Slow Cook in Coke: Pour in enough Coca-Cola to almost completely submerge the gammon. Sprinkle the cinnamon into the liquid. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours, until the gammon is tender and cooked through.
- Prepare for Roasting: Once cooked, carefully remove the gammon from the slow cooker and place it in a roasting tin. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C / 200°C Fan).
- Score the Fat: Use a sharp knife to remove the tough outer layer of skin and most of the fat from the top of the joint, leaving a thin layer. Score this remaining fat in a criss-cross diamond pattern.
- Glaze the Gammon: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, dark brown sugar, and wholegrain mustard. Use a pastry brush to baste the top and sides of the gammon with half of this glaze.
- Roast Until Crispy: Roast in the hot oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, pour over the remaining glaze, and roast for a final 15 minutes until the fat is sticky, caramelized, and crispy. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Recipe Tips
- How do I know when the gammon is cooked? The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. The gammon is fully cooked and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Do I have to use full-fat Coke? Yes. The sugar in full-fat Coca-Cola is essential for this recipe. It tenderizes the meat and adds a unique sweetness that balances the saltiness of the gammon. Diet or zero-sugar versions will not work.
- Why score the fat? Scoring the fat not only looks beautiful but also serves a purpose. It allows the sweet and tangy glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat and helps the fat to render and become wonderfully crispy in the oven.
- What if I don’t have enough Coke? You need enough liquid to almost cover the joint. If you run out of Coke, you can top it up with water to ensure the gammon cooks evenly.
What To Serve With Gammon in Coke
This sweet and savory gammon is a fantastic centerpiece for a special meal. Serve it with:
- Crispy Roast Potatoes
- Creamy Cauliflower Cheese
- Steamed green beans or Brussels sprouts
- A rich gravy made from the cooking liquids
How To Store Gammon in Coke
- Refrigerate: Allow the gammon to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serving Leftovers: Leftover gammon is delicious served cold in sandwiches with a sharp mustard or chutney. It can also be diced and used in soups, pastas, or fried rice.
Gammon in Coke Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 577 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 73g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 303mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
It depends on the cure. Unsmoked gammon joints, like the one in this recipe, are generally less salty and don’t require soaking. If you use a smoked joint, check the butcher’s or packaging instructions, as it may need to be soaked in cold water overnight to remove excess salt.
Don’t throw it out! You can strain the liquid, reduce it in a saucepan on the stove until it thickens, and serve it as a delicious, sweet and savory gravy.
Yes. You can slow cook the gammon a day in advance. Let it cool and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply glaze it and roast it in the oven as directed.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine Recipe
Hairy Bikers Gammon in Coke Recipe
Description
A succulent gammon joint slow-cooked in Coca-Cola until fall-apart tender, then finished in a hot oven with a sticky honey and wholegrain mustard glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chopped carrot and onion in the slow cooker. Add the gammon joint.
- Pour over enough Coke to almost cover the gammon and sprinkle in the cinnamon.
- Cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the cooked gammon in a roasting tin.
- Remove the skin and score the remaining fat.
- Mix the glaze ingredients and brush half over the gammon. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Brush with the remaining glaze and roast for a final 15 minutes until crispy. Rest before carving.
Notes
- Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the gammon is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- It is essential to use full-fat Coca-Cola, as the sugar is a key ingredient for the flavor and tenderizing process.
- Scoring the fat allows the glaze to penetrate and helps it become wonderfully crisp in the oven.
- The leftover cooking liquid can be strained and reduced on the stovetop to create a delicious gravy.
