Learn how to cook a ham steak cooked to perfection in a skillet, seared in butter, pineapple juice, and the sweetness of maple syrup. This recipe is a blend of savory and sweet that is both comforting and indulgent. With the sizzle of the skillet and the aroma of this delicious combo, you’ll transform a simple ham steak into a dish that’s requested time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ham steaks offer the ideal combination of convenience and richness that is hard to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting out in the kitchen, cooking ham steaks opens up the possibilities for creating an amazing dish with minimal effort.
Picture this – a juicy, tender slice of ham, seared to perfection and infused with a medley of flavors that gets better with each bite. Plus, only compliments from your family enjoying the meal around the dinner table!
We showcase how to make this pan-fried ham steak recipe, list options for seasoning ham steaks, offer a variety of side dishes and leave you with instructions on how to store and reheat leftovers.
We promise this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to have dinner or even a breakfast ham steak ready to serve in under 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 ounce ham steak
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Ingredient Swaps: The pineapple juice can be replaced with orange juice, apple juice, water or broth while honey, agave nectar or molasses are other options for the maple syrup.
When substituting, the flavor or sweetness levels may vary so adjust the quantity based on taste preferences.
Instructions
In a skillet over medium heat combine the pineapple juice, butter, and maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is simmering. Simmer for 1 minute stirring occasionally. This will help to thicken the sauce and combine the flavors before the ham is added.
Next, add the ham steak to the skillet. Cook over medium to medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Flip then cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it has reached 145°F. Every ham steak will differ in thickness so verifying the temp with a meat thermometer is the best way to know ham is cooked safely.
Serve hot or cut up to use in your favorite recipes.
What to Serve with Ham?
The balance of flavors and textures when meal planning is something to consider, especially when it comes to ham steaks. Here are some ideas for what to do with a ham steak after cooking:
- Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the savory flavor of ham. We enjoy Microwave Mashed Potatoes for convenience or a batch of Cheesy Mashed Potatoes for a boost of flavor. You also cannot go wrong with Instant Pot Red Potatoes, Pan Fried Sliced Potatoes or Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes.
- Mac and cheese: For a comforting option, Low Sodium Mac and Cheese, Gluten-Free Crockpot Mac and Cheese, and Veggie Mac and Cheese and never disappoint.
- Salad: Create everything from a leafy green salad to Fruit Salad With Watermelon, Gluten Free Pasta Salad and Gluten Free Potato Salad. Keep in mind that our Broccoli Salad without Mayo is especially popular among guests!
- Vegetables: Pair with vegetables such as Roasted Frozen Vegetables, Air Fryer Broccolini, Roasted Frozen Broccoli and Roasted Cauliflower Steaks to add a variety of nutrients to the dinner table.
- Rice: Fluffy Instant Pot Wild Rice, Long Grain White Rice (Instant Pot) or Basmati Rice (Instant Pot) make a complementary side dish for ham.
Expert Tips
- Choose the right ham steak: Look for steaks with a good balance of lean meat and a thin layer of fat, as it will contribute to the flavor and juiciness.
- Bring to room temperature: Take the steaks out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Score the fat: If the ham steak does have a layer of fat, consider scoring it in a diamond pattern. This helps the fat during cooking and adds texture to the meat.
- Cook over high heat: Add ham steaks to a stovetop over high heat to help sear the meat quickly. This seals in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. Always preheat the skillet with any ingredients such as liquids or glazes before adding the meat.
- Avoid overcooking: Ham steaks are typically fully cooked when purchased. Avoid overcooking by focusing on high-heat cooking methods that include a liquid or sauce for added moisture.
- Pair with side dishes: Keep reading to find a list of delicious sides that complement ham steaks. If enjoying at breakfast, consider adding ham steak between two slices of toast with cheese or other toppings for a homemade breakfast sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
A ham steak is a thick slice of ham cut from a whole ham. It can be a convenient way to enjoy ham year-round by either grilling, pan-frying, baking or even broiling. If you have leftover ham from a holiday, you can slice ham steaks or look at purchasing a package at the grocery store. Pair ham slices with delicious sides or incorporate into a recipe such as a casserole or soup.
Depending on the cooking method, the key is finding moisture-retaining ways to heat quickly. If baking, cover the ham steak with foil before placing in a dish. If cooking on the stovetop, add a liquid or sauce to keep it moist. In this recipe, the pineapple juice is used for flavor and moisture. Ham should also only be cooked until the internal temperature is 145°F. Then, allow the ham steak to rest for a few minutes. If reheating, follow similar steps to heat quickly and with liquid to prevent drying it out.
One benefit of ham steaks over a whole ham is that they heat and reheat extremely quickly. When initially cooking ham steak, heat for roughly 3 minutes on each side over high heat. Then, verify the internal temperature has reached 145°F. If so, the cooking process is complete!
When it comes to seasoning for ham steak, there are numerous possibilities. From savory to sweet, you can customize the flavor based on dietary needs and preferences. Beyond this maple syrup and pineapple juice glaze, you can consider combining marmalade with Dijon mustard, mixing a blend of spices and herbs, pairing apple cider vinegar with brown sugar or simply sprinkling with salt and pepper.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- After purchasing or cooking ham steaks, promptly refrigerate them. For leftovers or if the ham steaks are not individually wrapped, store in airtight containers or wrap in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
- Hold unopened packaged ham steaks in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Once the package is open, consume the ham within 3-5 days.
- If you have a surplus of ham steaks or need to store for an extended period of time, consider freezing. Wrap the ham in plastic wrap or aluminum foil then place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label to track storage time.
- For optimal quality, use frozen ham within 3 months.
- When ready to thaw, place in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature for food safety reasons.
- Reheat this ham steak recipe in the oven around 325°F, in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, on the grill until warmed through.
Remember that these are general guidelines for storing. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for the best results. Also, always use your best judgment when assessing the freshness of leftover ham.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Pre-measure ingredients to have them ready before you start searing ham steaks. This makes the cooking process smoother and prevents overcooking the ham.
- Consider any ingredients for toppings or garnishes. Things like herbs, grated cheese or even diced pineapple chunks can be a fun way to serve ham.
- Ask your kitchen helper for a meat thermometer to test the ham before serving. Aim for the thermometer to read a minimum of 145°F before removing the ham from the skillet.
More Ham Recipes
- How To Cook A Spiral Ham
- Pineapple Glaze For Ham
- Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Rice Skillet
- Easy Ham and Bean Soup
- Gluten Free Ham Tetrazzini Casserole
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Ham Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounce ham steak
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Make the sauce. In a skillet over medium heat combine the pineapple juice, butter, and maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is simmering. Simmer for 1 minute stirring occasionally.
- Cook the ham steak. Add the ham steak to the skillet. Cook over medium to medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Flip then cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Serve. Serve hot or cut up to use in your favorite recipes.
Notes
- Choose the right ham steak: Look for steaks with a good balance of lean meat and a thin layer of fat, as it will contribute to the flavor and juiciness.
- Bring to room temperature: Take the steaks out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Score the fat: If the ham steak does have a layer of fat, considering scoring it in a diamond pattern. This helps the rat during cooking and adds texture to the meat.
- Cook over high heat: Add ham steaks to a stovetop over high heat to help sear the meat quickly. This seals in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. Always preheat the skillet with any ingredients such as liquids or glazes before adding the meat.
- Avoid overcooking: Ham steaks are typically fully cooked when purchased. Avoid overcooking by focusing on high heat cooking methods that include a liquid or sauce for added moisture.
- Pair with side dishes: Keep reading to find a list of delicious sides that complement ham steaks. If enjoying at breakfast, consider adding ham steak between two slices of toast with cheese or other toppings for a homemade breakfast sandwich.
Nutrition
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