Can serrano ham be fried?
Serrano ham is a delicious Spanish delicacy that can be used in many recipes, whether cured, fried, or cooked. Because of this, many people ask: can Serrano ham be fried? The answer is YES. You can fry or cook cured ham, but before doing so, there are a few tips to keep in mind. At Enrique Tomás, we will show you how to use it in different dishes and when it is best to cook it.
How to Use Serrano Ham in Different Dishes
Serrano ham is a key ingredient in many traditional recipes, such as huevos rotos (fried eggs and potatoes with ham) or lentil stew. However, the preparation method depends on the dish. For lentil stew, it is simple: just add the ham during the cooking process to infuse flavor into the broth. For other recipes, the approach is different.
How to Make Huevos Rotos with Ham
To prepare huevos rotos, fry the potatoes first and place them in a clay dish or serving bowl. Top them with fried eggs, and finish by adding cured ham cut into cubes (taquitos) or shavings (virutas). There is no need to fry the ham beforehand—the heat from the other ingredients will bring out its full flavor!
Spaghetti Carbonara with Ham
If you want to make spaghetti carbonara using cured ham instead of bacon or pancetta, frying it is recommended. Cut the ham into small pieces and cook it in a pan over low heat without adding oil. It will crisp up in its own natural fat, adding a rich flavor and crunchy texture to your pasta.
Making Ham Croquettes?
When making ham croquettes (croquetas), the technique is similar. Keep one key detail in mind: avoid adding too much salt. The natural curing process already gives the ham enough saltiness to season the entire mixture.
For Pizza Lovers
To top a pizza, you have two options: lightly pan-fry the ham first to make it crispy, or place the slices directly onto the dough before baking so they heat through in the oven. Both options work well—though at Enrique Tomás, we prefer enjoying it uncooked!
Why We Recommend Not Frying Serrano Ham
While Serrano ham can easily be fried or cooked, at Enrique Tomás we believe it is best enjoyed naturally—cured and unheated! To experience its full depth of flavor and aroma, simply open one of our vacuum-sealed packs, let the ham breathe at room temperature for a few minutes, and serve it on crusty bread with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Alternatively, pair it with crunchy picos sevillanos for an authentic Spanish gourmet experience.
Buy Spanish ham and enjoy it at its finest!
