We’ve all been there when you’re in a hurry to make some sandwiches for lunch, so you start slicing some prosciutto, but instead of getting nice, clean slices, you end up with a big mess. The ham grease is everywhere, your hands are covered, and the kitchen counters are now a disaster.
When it comes to precise prosciutto slices, concentrate on three – a sharp knife, the place to cut, and swiftness. Hold the sharp knife horizontally to cut the prosciutto in your hand – cut it quick. However, if you slice the prosciutto on the cutting board, hold the knife vertically for a neat cut.
If it still sounds scary, don’t worry; we have a solution for you! This article will show you how to separate prosciutto slices without making a mess.
How To Separate Prosciutto Slices
Prosciutto is all about delicate flavor – the salsa of salt and sweetness. This healthy ready-to-go meat can enlighten your breakfast, lunch, or dinner a thousand times. However, preparing a meal with prosciutto needs slicing, and it’s not as easy as it may seem.
In fact, prosciutto slicing is a bit tricky if you don’t know the correct method. There are a few ways to do this.
One way is to hold the prosciutto slice in one hand and use the other hand to use a sharp knife to cut horizontally. Another way is to place the Prosciutto on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut vertically.
There are a few key points to remember when slicing Prosciutto.
- First, use a sharp knife so that you don’t have to apply too much pressure and tear the meat.
- Second, cut against the grain for the most tender slices.
- Finally, try to work quickly, and in one fluid motion so the meat doesn’t warm up and get sticky.
Look at the steps mentioned below for a better understanding.
Equipment
| 1) | Proscuitto |
| 2) | A sharp knife; try German Steel Cutlery, 6.5” Santoku Knife |
| 3) | A cutting board; try Farberware Bamboo Cutting Board |
Step-By-Step Instructions
Here’s how to slice and separate prosciutto-
- Place the prosciutto slices on a cutting board.
- Position the sharp knife parallel to the cutting board and slice the Prosciutto in the opposite direction of the muscle fibers.
- Make a single, clean cut, slicing downwards
- If done correctly, the slices will come apart easily. If it doesn’t slice through smoothly, you can use a gentle back and forth motion to help it along.
- Now you have the pleasantly sliced prosciutto to enjoy!
Techniques For Peeling Apart Prosciutto Slices
You can use a few techniques to peel apart prosciutto slices. The easiest way is to use your hands, but a few other methods are also used.
1. Peeling The Paper
The first is the easiest but also the messiest. Start by peeling the top layer of paper off the Prosciutto. If it’s too sticky or difficult to peel, you can use a knife to help you get under the paper. Be careful not to tear the meat.
Once you’ve removed the top layer, you can start to eat it.
Another option is to cut the Prosciutto into small cubes or small strips. Both are difficult to do but look the neatest.
In all stages, make sure you have a plate or some other surface to catch the pieces of Prosciutto that fall off.
Freezing The Prosciutto
Freeze the Prosciutto before slicing them. Freezing the Prosciutto will make your slicing process easy comparatively. There are a couple of ways to do this. One is to freeze the Prosciutto first and then slice it. The other is to partially freeze the meat so that it’s easier to cut thin slices.
2. Microwave The Prosciutto
Microwaving prosciutto slice is another easiest technique to peel apart into thin slices. There are a few ways to microwave prosciutto slices. The first is to place them on a paper towel and microwave them for about 10 seconds. It will make them pliable and easy to peel apart.
The second is to place them directly on a plate and microwave them for about 20 seconds. It will make them a bit tough, but they will still be edible.
The third is to place them in a bowl and microwave them for about 30 seconds. It will make them very soft and slightly chewy.
3. Using Professional Technique
If you want to achieve a neater slice, use a professional technique. Place the Prosciutto between two pieces of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out gently. It will help keep the slices intact and prevent them from sticking together.
How Do You Cut Prosciutto?
There are a few different ways to go about slicing Prosciutto. You can use a knife, or you can use a meat slicer. But no matter which method you choose, there are a few tips that will help you get the perfect slices
- Use A Sharp Knife
A dull knife will cause the Prosciutto to tear, making it difficult to get even slices. Whereas using a sharp knife will make the process easier and produce cleaner slices.
- Cut Against The Grain
Cutting with the grain will make the Prosciutto tough.
- Take Your Time
If you try to rush through the slicing, you’ll have an unevenly sliced piece of Prosciutto.
- Start With End
Start by cutting off one end of the Prosciutto: This will give you a flat surface to work with.
Cut The Meat In A Downward Motion
keeping the knife at a slight angle. It will help you avoid tearing the meat. Turn the meat and cut it from the other side when you reach the end.
Also, be sure the meat is cold while slicing them apart.
However, once you slice the Prosciutto, you can roll them easily for your cooking convenience.
Start by laying a slice of meat flat on your work surface. Then, fold the bottom end up so that it covers the meat. Next, fold the left side over the meat. And finally, fold the right side over the meat. You can then tie the roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
How Do You Keep Prosciutto From Sticking Together?
There are a few tricks to keeping Prosciutto from sticking together. The first is to make sure that the meat is well-chilled before starting. The fat will melt if it’s too warm, and the Prosciutto will stick together. You can also try coating the slices in a little bit of flour or cornstarch before frying them. It will help to prevent them from sticking to each other.
Can You Eat Prosciutto Straight From Deli?
There are a lot of debates on whether you can eat Prosciutto straight from the deli or not. Some people say it’s an Italian delicacy that should be savored, while others believe it’s meant to be eaten as part of a larger dish. So, what’s the verdict?
If you enjoy the flavor of Prosciutto and want to enjoy it as a standalone snack, then go ahead and eat it straight from the deli.
However, if you’re not particularly keen on the taste, it’s best to add it to another dish. Prosciutto has a salty flavor and a slightly sweet aftertaste that you can eat on, whichever means you prefer exactly!
How Do You Store Prosciutto After Opening?
After opening a package of Prosciutto, you may need to store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. However, there are a few ways to store it properly to last for a while. You can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge if you have a lot of Prosciutto.
Another option is to put it in a container and cover it with olive oil. It will keep it from drying out and allow you to store it for up to two weeks. You can use smooth, gluten-free, non-allergic Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil for flavorful storing.
How Long Will Sliced Prosciutto Keep In The Fridge?
The shelf life of sliced Prosciutto depends on various factors, including the packaging, the storage temperature, and the humidity level. In general, sliced Prosciutto will last in the fridge for about two weeks.
You might be interested to read also our another comprehensive article of: Why Do Prosciutto Smells Like Ammonia? And How to Prevent It
FAQs;
- How do you cut thin slices of Prosciutto?
The best way to cut thin slices of Prosciutto is to use a sharp knife and make quick, smooth strokes. Hold the Prosciutto in one hand and the knife in the other. Place the knife at one end of the Prosciutto and make a slicing motion while applying pressure with your fingers. Try to keep the slices as even as possible.
- How do you store Prosciutto at home?
We recommend storing your Prosciutto in the refrigerator. The best way is to put it in a zip-top bag and press out as much air as possible. This will help to prevent the meat from becoming dry and tough. You can also wrap the Prosciutto in wax paper or butcher paper and then put it in a plastic bag.
Take Away
There you have all about how to separate prosciutto slices! Remember a few factors – use a sharp knife, hold it horizontally, start with the end, and cut against the grain. That’s it; you have perfectly thin prosciutto ready to eat.
Hopefully, this will help you out the next time you’re preparing this delicious Italian ham. Remember, practice makes perfect, so the more you do it, the better you’ll get at it.
