Move over burgers and chicken – it’s time to fire up flavorful, juicy grilled ham steaks! While not an obvious grilling choice, ham steaks are ideal candidates for kisses of smoky char A quick glaze seals in moisture and adds sweet, savory or spicy notes. Grilling imparts that quintessential summertime flavor to transform ordinary ham into an extraordinary meal.
What Exactly is a Ham Steak?
Ham steaks are thick slices cut from the leg portion of a fully cooked ham. They are significantly meatier than a pork chop but smaller and more manageable than cooking a whole ham roast. Ham steaks usually range from 1/2 to 2 inches thick and weigh around 1 to 2 pounds each.
Bone-in ham steaks are often more succulent and tender. The bone insulates the meat and prevents drying out over the grill’s direct heat. Choosing a steak with some fat marbling through it also keeps it juicy.
Fresh vs. Cured Ham Steaks
Ham steaks come in both fresh and cured/smoked varieties:
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Fresh – Uncooked pork steaks, like a center-cut pork chop. Need to be cooked to 145°F for safety.
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Cured – Fully cooked and smoked during processing. Just need reheating to 140°F.
Cured ham steaks offer convenience but tend to be saltier Fresh steaks have a milder pork flavor Either work beautifully on the grill.
How to Grill Perfect Ham Steaks
Grilling ham steaks is easy. Follow these simple steps:
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Prep – Choose fresh or cured ham steaks 1 to 2 inches thick. Defrost if frozen.
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Season – Rub cured ham lightly with oil or glaze. Season fresh ham with salt, pepper and other spices as desired.
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** Preheat** – Heat grill to medium-high, around 375°F to 400°F.
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Grill – Place ham steaks over direct heat. Grill approximately 4-5 minutes per side until grill marks appear. Glaze during last few minutes.
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Check – Fresh ham should reach 145°F internally. Cured ham needs to just heat through, around 140°F.
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Rest – Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
The key is avoiding overcooking, which can lead to dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Delicious Glazes & Sauces
The right glaze transforms grilled ham from boring to extraordinary. Sweet, savory or spicy – take your pick!
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Maple Dijon – Maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, rosemary
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Brown Sugar Bourbon – Brown sugar, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, mustard
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Cherry Cola – Cherry cola, orange marmalade, soy sauce, chili powder
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Spicy Apricot – Apricot preserves, Sriracha, lime juice, ginger
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Honey Pepper Jelly – Pepper jelly, honey, brown sugar, bacon pieces
Get creative mixing flavors! Brush on glaze during the last few minutes of grilling for irresistible results.
Perfect Pairings & Side Dishes
Keep your grilled ham steaks plate balanced with simple grilled veggies:
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Grilled corn on the cob
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Grilled vegetable skewers – zucchini, peppers, onions
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Grilled sweet potatoes
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Grilled pineapple slices
Some other delicious sides to consider:
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Macaroni and cheese
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Cole slaw or potato salad
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Baked beans or succotash
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Cornbread, biscuits or rolls
Add a fresh green salad and you have an easy, full meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Grilling Tips for Ham Steak Perfection
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For juicy results, choose bone-in ham steaks whenever possible.
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Cured ham is already fully cooked – avoid overdoing it.
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Double up on glaze – use some for grilling and extra for serving.
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Add glaze during the last few minutes only so it doesn’t burn.
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Use a meat thermometer for accuracy on doneness.
Can You Grill a Fresh Ham Steak?
Absolutely! Choose a thick, center-cut, bone-in fresh pork steak. Season well with salt and pepper or a dry rub. Grill over direct heat to 145°F, allowing 5 minutes per side. The bone helps prevent drying out. Let rest before slicing and serving.
Is It Okay to Grill a Spiral Cut Ham?
Pre-sliced hams don’t work quite as well. The thin slices are tricky to manage on the grill grates. They also lack the protective fat and bone. Best to choose a traditional ham steak, but if using spiral cut, go for thicker pieces and grill quickly over moderate heat just to add light char.
Ham steaks are an underappreciated gem perfect for grilling. The smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with sweet and tangy glazes. Grill up ham steaks all summer long for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner. Just don’t overcook, and serve with fresh vegetable sides for a fast and delicious meal. Fire up the grill and dig into juicy, flavorful ham steaks!
Frequency of Entities:
ham steaks – 25
grill – 10
glaze – 7
fresh – 5
cured – 5
Step 1: Prepare the ham glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the preserves, mustard, lemon juice and cinnamon. Cook and stir over low heat for two to three minutes. Set the glaze aside.
What is ham steak?
Ham steak is a cut of meat sliced from the ham, or the pig’s hind leg. These steaks can be bone-in or boneless, and they range from 1/2 to 2 inches thick. Some butchers sell fresh ham steaks, but most are cut from city hams, which are already cooked. These hams are cured with brine, so you don’t need to add much (or any) salt.
A 1-inch-thick ham steak should weigh around 2 pounds. If you want ham for dinner during the week but don’t want to cook a whole roast, that’s the right size.
Ham Steak with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe ~ Quick & So Easy!!
FAQ
Can a ham be cooked on a grill?
Are ham steaks fully cooked?
What is the best way to heat up a ham steak?
What is the difference between a ham steak and a ham slice?
How to cook a ham steak on a grill?
Mix Honey Glaze – While the grill is preheating, whisk together the brown sugar, honey and dijon mustard together in a small bowl. Add ham steak to grill – Place the heat steak on the grill over direct heat and brush the top of the ham steak with the brown sugar glaze. Cook – Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
Are ham steaks good for grilling?
Whether you’re grilling them up for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner, ham steaks are a versatile and satisfying option that can be paired with a variety of sides and sauces. Grilling ham slices instead of searing them indoors enhances the natural flavors of the meat and gives it a delicious smoky taste.
Should you Grill a ham?
Grilling ham slices instead of searing them indoors enhances the natural flavors of the meat and gives it a delicious smoky taste. The higher direct heat from the grill also helps to caramelize the sugars in the meat, creating a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.