Aug 26 2026

Presunto Recipe

Time55m
Serves6

Rodizio Grill's Presunto is one of our signature grilled items. A lean cut of ham that is trimmed and grilled flawlessly to perfection then basted in our signature raw sugar glaze. Presunto is best accompanied with a piece of our signature grilled glazed pineapple, but it’s also good by itself.

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Ingredients

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Presunto and Glaze

Grilled Glazed Pineapple (optional, signature accompaniment)

Method

Presunto and Glaze

  1. 1

    Trim and prep the ham

    If using a whole lean ham leg, remove excess fat and silver skin so the exterior is mostly lean meat with a thin layer of fat remaining for flavor. If using a boneless ham steak, pat dry with paper towels. Score the surface lightly in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep to help the glaze adhere and to promote even grilling.

  2. 2

    Make the raw sugar glaze

    In a small bowl whisk together the raw sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and hot water until smooth. Add the coarse sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder and whisk again. The glaze should be pourable but slightly thick; adjust with an extra teaspoon of hot water if needed.

  3. 3

    Season the ham

    Brush a thin coat of olive oil over the ham to prevent sticking. Lightly sprinkle additional salt and pepper over the surface (use care with salt as ham can be already seasoned). Let the ham sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes while you prepare the grill.

  4. 4

    Preheat grill

    Prepare a grill for medium-high heat (about 375–425°F / 190–220°C). If using charcoal, bank coals to create an area of direct heat and an area of medium indirect heat. Oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.

  5. 5

    Initial sear

    Place the ham over direct-medium heat and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until grill marks form and the surface begins to caramelize. Watch closely to avoid burning the sugar in the glaze when you apply it later.

  6. 6

    Move to indirect heat and baste

    Transfer the ham to indirect heat (or reduce to medium-low). Using a basting brush, apply a generous coat of the raw sugar glaze to all sides. Close the lid and cook for 10 minutes. Open lid and baste again, repeating every 8–10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 60–63°C (140–145°F) for a lean ham that remains moist but fully cooked. Total grilling time will be 25–35 minutes depending on thickness.

  7. 7

    Final glaze and caramelize

    During the last 5 minutes of cooking, increase heat to medium-high slightly or move briefly over direct heat and apply a final thick coat of glaze. Turn frequently and watch for deep caramelization without charring. Remove when the glaze is glossy and the internal temp is reached.

  8. 8

    Rest and slice

    Transfer the presunto to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 8–10 minutes so juices redistribute. Slice thinly across the grain into 1/8–1/4-inch slices and arrange on a platter. Spoon any reserved glaze that remained in the pan over the slices.

Grilled Glazed Pineapple (optional)

  1. 9

    Prepare pineapple

    Peel, core, and cut the pineapple into 1/2–3/4-inch thick rings or long wedges, depending on preference. Pat dry to remove excess juice so the glaze sticks.

  2. 10

    Make pineapple glaze

    In a small bowl combine the raw sugar, melted butter and cinnamon. Stir to make a loose glaze.

  3. 11

    Grill pineapple

    Place pineapple directly over medium-high heat and grill 2–3 minutes per side until good grill marks form and it begins to caramelize. Brush the sugar-butter glaze on each side once when you flip. Remove from grill when tender and glossy.

  4. 12

    Serve

    Serve one slice or wedge of grilled glazed pineapple alongside 2–3 slices of presunto per person. The sweet caramelized pineapple complements the savory glazed ham.

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