Hairy Bikers’ Gammon In Orange Juice Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ Gammon in Orange Juice is a clever, flavor-packed twist on the traditional British gammon joint. This dish merges the rich, savory depth of cured pork with the bright zing of fresh orange juice, transforming a rustic staple into something delightfully unexpected.

Imagine tender slices of gammon, infused with a zesty citrus marinade, subtly spiced and slowly simmered until they’re irresistibly succulent. The orange juice not only helps to cut through the saltiness of the gammon but also caramelizes gently, forming a sweet-savory glaze that clings beautifully to the meat.

Inspired by the Hairy Bikers’ approach – homely yet inventive – this dish is ideal for a family Sunday roast, a festive occasion, or when you simply want to jazz up your weeknight dinner.

Hairy Bikers’ Gammon In Orange Juice Recipe

Ingredients Needed

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the punchy flavors of just a few well-chosen ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 boneless gammon joint (approx. 1.5 – 2 kg)
• 1 litre of fresh orange juice (not from concentrate – you want the brightness!)
• 1 onion, halved
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise (optional, but adds a warming, aromatic note)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey, for a floral touch)
• Zest of 1 orange
• Wholegrain or Dijon mustard (for glazing, optional)
• Black pepper, to taste
• Water, as needed

Optional garnish:

• Orange slices or wedges for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish

Equipment Needed

No need for fancy gadgets here. This dish relies on traditional, no-fuss cookware:

• Large saucepan or stockpot (big enough to hold the gammon joint comfortably)
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Zester or fine grater
• Measuring jug
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Oven-proof dish or roasting tray (if glazing and finishing in the oven)
• Foil (for tenting during roasting, optional)

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Hairy Bikers’ Gammon In Orange Juice

1. ✂️ Prepare The Gammon

   • If your gammon is particularly salty (check the label), you may want to soak it in cold water overnight to mellow the saltiness. Drain and pat dry.

2. 🧅 Infuse The Aromatics

   • Stud the onion halves with the cloves and place in a large pot. Add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and star anise.

3. 🍊 Bathe The Gammon

   • Place the gammon joint into the pot and pour over the orange juice. Add enough water just to cover the meat, if needed. Add the orange zest and brown sugar.

4. 🔥 Bring To A Gentle Simmer

   • Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim any foam off the top and let it bubble away gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the gammon is tender and cooked through (an internal temp of ~70°C or 160°F).

5. 🧪 Glaze And Roast (Optional But Recommended!)

   

   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) / 400°F / Gas Mark 6.
   • Remove the gammon from the liquid and let it rest slightly.
   • If the gammon has a rind, carefully remove it, leaving a layer of fat.
   • Score the fat in a criss-cross diamond pattern and brush generously with mustard and a little brown sugar or honey for a glaze.
   • Roast uncovered for 20-30 minutes until golden and sticky.

6. 🍽️ Slice And Serve

   • Rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with extra orange slices and sprinkle with parsley for a fresh touch.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

• Citrus balance: Use fresh orange juice to avoid added sugars or preservatives – and zest the orange before juicing to make life easier!
• Flavor layering: Add a splash of ginger beer or a spoon of marmalade to the poaching liquid for an extra citrusy, spicy kick.
• Sticky glaze: For an ultra-glossy finish, baste the gammon twice during the roasting phase.
• Storage: Leftovers keep wonderfully – perfect for cold cuts, sandwiches, or a next-day hash.
• Serving suggestions: Try it with buttery mash, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette for contrast.

Hairy Bikers’ Gammon in Orange Juice is more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of contrasts. The salty, robust character of gammon is elegantly offset by the sunny brightness of orange juice and the aromatic spices that make each bite sing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this dish delivers on flavor, tradition, and a touch of culinary flair.

Ready to give your Sunday roast a citrusy twist?

Simple Twists On Hairy Bikers’ Gammon In Orange Juice Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ version of gammon in orange juice is already a nostalgic blend of savory and citrusy – the natural saltiness of the gammon harmonizing with the tangy sweetness of orange juice. But if you’re feeling adventurous, there are some exciting ways to personalize this dish without compromising its soul.

1. Zest it Up with Aromatics:

   • Add a few whole cloves, star anise, or even a cinnamon stick to the poaching liquid. These spices infuse the gammon with warming, aromatic depth – especially perfect for colder months.
   • Try adding a splash of ginger beer or root ginger to the cooking liquid to amplify the sweet-spice factor.

2. Swap the Citrus:

   • While orange juice provides a bright, mellow acidity, switching it out (or blending it) with pineapple juice can bring a tropical, tangy edge.
   • Blood orange juice is a visual showstopper with a more intense berry-like flavor. It deepens both color and complexity.

3. Glaze Goals:

   • Brush the cooked gammon with a glaze made of marmalade, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a touch of soy sauce. Pop it under a hot grill or in the oven until sticky and caramelized.
   • For a smoky-sweet vibe, mix maple syrup with a drop of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for your glaze.

4. Make it a One-Pot Wonder:

   • Add peeled carrots, baby potatoes, or leeks into the pot in the final 30 minutes of simmering. They’ll absorb the citrusy, salty broth and emerge perfectly tender.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

Got leftovers?

Gammon is one of those meats that gets even better the next day, as the flavors settle and deepen. Here’s how to store it like a kitchen pro:

1. Cool It Down Fast:

   • Once cooked, allow the gammon to cool at room temperature for no more than 1-2 hours before refrigerating. Leaving it out too long risks bacterial growth.

2. Store It Smart:

   • Slice or cube the leftover gammon and place it in an airtight container.
   • Pour a little of the reserved cooking liquid or glaze over the top to prevent it from drying out.

3. Refrigeration Timeframe:

   • Stored properly, gammon will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
   • If you’re not planning to use it soon, gammon freezes like a dream. Wrap slices individually in foil and pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

4. Reheat with Care:

   • Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
   • Avoid microwaving without moisture – it can quickly dry out or toughen the meat.

What To Eat With Hairy Bikers’ Gammon In Orange Juice?

Pairing sides with gammon in orange juice is a culinary adventure in balance – you want dishes that complement the sweet-and-salty profile without overwhelming it.

1. Classic Companions:

   • Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery new potatoes are comforting choices, offering mild, mellow backdrops for the flavorful gammon.
   • Braised red cabbage or sautéed greens (like kale or spring greens with a hint of garlic) provide a welcome earthiness and slight bitterness that contrasts beautifully.

2. Lighter Touches:

   • A citrusy fennel and orange salad can cut through the richness of the gammon with freshness and crunch.
   • Roasted carrots glazed with honey and thyme echo the sweet notes of the orange while introducing herbal complexity.

3. Something Saucy:

   • A mustard cream sauce or a simple parsley sauce adds elegance and a velvety texture.
   • Or go bold with a pineapple and chili salsa – the sweet-heat combo is dynamite with gammon!

4. Bread on the Side:

   • Serve thick slices of the gammon with fresh sourdough or brioche buns for a next-level sandwich, perhaps with a slathering of mustard or chutney.

Conclusion

Hairy Bikers’ Gammon in Orange Juice is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that bridges tradition and creativity. With just a few tweaks – be it an unexpected spice, a switch in juice, or a custom glaze – you can make the dish your own.

And don’t forget the art of leftovers; gammon’s versatility shines long after the first feast, from sandwiches to stir-fries and beyond. Pair it thoughtfully with sides that offer texture, contrast, and color, and you’ve got a meal that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Hairy Bikers’ Gammon In Orange Juice?

To make Hairy Bikers’ Gammon in Orange Juice, you will need the following ingredients: 1. A piece of gammon joint (about 1kg), 2.

Fresh orange juice (from about 2-3 oranges or ready-made), 3. Honey, 4.

Brown sugar, 5. Mustard (optional), 6.

A few sprigs of thyme, and 7. A little olive oil for frying. This recipe brings together a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.

How Do You Prepare The Gammon Before Cooking It In Orange Juice?

Before cooking, you need to score the fat on the gammon joint in a diamond pattern. This helps the flavors to infuse into the meat.

Optionally, you can also rub a little mustard and honey onto the gammon for added flavor. Once prepped, the gammon is seared in a pan to get a lovely golden-brown crust before being slow-cooked with orange juice and other ingredients.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Juice For The Hairy Bikers’ Gammon Recipe?

While the recipe specifically calls for orange juice to provide a sweet and citrusy flavor, you can experiment with other juices such as apple or pineapple juice for a slightly different taste. However, orange juice tends to be the best choice because of its balance of sweetness and acidity, which complements the rich, salty gammon perfectly.