Are you looking for a quick and easy meal that won’t leave you with a lot of leftovers? This Ham Steak Recipe with Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is perfect for you.
The ham steak in this recipe cooks in just 10 minutes on the stove and is juicy, slightly sweet, and full of savory goodness. It also comes with a delicious glaze. It’s the perfect portion for one and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Ham steak makes for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner or addition to any meal. However, nailing the right cooking times can be tricky with this lean cut. Undercooking leaves the ham tough while overcooking results in dry, flavorless meat. Follow this guide to learn precisely how long to cook a ham steak, from stovetop to oven methods. We’ll also cover testing doneness, recipe ideas, storage tips and more. With the proper techniques, you’ll be rewarded with tender ham steak every time.
How Long to Cook a Ham Steak on the Stovetop
Pan-frying ham steak on the stovetop is a quick and convenient cooking method. Here are approximate stovetop cook times:
-
3 minutes per side for thin-sliced ham steak
-
4-5 minutes per side for 1-inch thick ham steak
-
6-7 minutes per side for 1 1/2 inch thick ham steak
To pan-fry:
-
Pat ham steak dry thoroughly with paper towels
-
Season ham as desired (salt, pepper, herbs, etc).
-
Heat 1 Tbsp oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Cook ham steak for times listed above, flipping once halfway through.
-
Test for doneness; ham should reach 145°F internally
Stovetop ham steak is ready in 10 minutes or less, perfect for weeknights.
How Long to Bake Ham Steak in the Oven
While the stovetop is quick, the oven allows you to cook multiple ham steaks at once. Follow these oven bake times:
- 1-inch thick – 9-12 minutes at 400°F
- 1 1/2 inches thick – 12-15 minutes at 400°F
- 2 inches thick – 15-18 minutes at 400°F
To oven bake:
-
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
-
Arrange ham steaks in a single layer and season as desired.
-
Bake for times listed above until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
-
Optional: During last 5 minutes of baking, brush with brown sugar glaze. Broil 1-2 minutes to caramelize glaze.
The oven creates evenly cooked ham steak for serving a crowd.
Testing Ham Steak for Doneness
With quick-cooking meats like ham steak, it’s essential to test for doneness so as not to over or undercook. Here are easy methods:
-
Use an instant-read thermometer – Insert into thickest part and check for 145°F.
-
Cut into center – Slice ham steak in half and check that meat is opaque throughout.
-
Touch test – Meat should feel firm yet still juicy when pressed.
Visually inspecting alone is not reliable. Investing in an inexpensive digital meat thermometer is highly recommended for foolproof ham steak every time.
Factors that Affect Ham Steak Cook Time
Several factors can alter ham steak cook times. Here’s what to consider:
-
Thickness – The thicker the cut, the longer the cook time. Double check thickness.
-
Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in types take slightly longer.
-
Stovetop vs. oven – Oven times are generally a bit longer.
-
Cooking method – Grill, pan-fry and bake times will vary.
-
Temperature – Higher heat = faster cooking.
-
Doneness – Cook 5 minutes less for medium doneness.
Monitor ham steak closely and use a meat thermometer for best results.
Recipes and Serving Ideas for Ham Steak
Beyond enjoying ham steak on its own, it also shines in these recipes:
-
Breakfast hash with potatoes, peppers, onions
-
Eggs Benedict topped with ham steak
-
Split pea soup with ham bone and veggies
-
Ham steak sandwich with cheese and veggies
-
Ham steak salad topped with berries and nuts
-
Rice bowls loaded with ham, pineapple and teriyaki
-
Ham steak with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
With its versatility, ham steak has a place on breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Ham Steak
Properly stored, leftover baked ham steak will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. To reheat, use these methods:
-
Place ham steak on a baking sheet or skillet and reheat at 325°F for 8-10 minutes.
-
Microwave individual slices for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through.
-
Chop ham steak and add to scrambled eggs, hash or pasta dishes.
A quick stovetop or oven reheat keeps leftover ham steak tasting fresh and delicious.
Master the Perfect Ham Steak Cook Time
With an array of cooking options from skillet to oven, ham steak opens up easy meal possibilities any night of the week. Keeping a close eye on temperature and doneness cues will prevent over or undercooking. In just 10-15 minutes, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful ham steak brimming with salty-smoky pork goodness. Experiment with different seasonings, glazes and recipe creations to keep ham steak exciting. Mastering the simple art of ham steak cookery guarantees perfect results every time.
What Is A Ham Steak?
A ham steak is essentially a thick slice of ham from a whole ham. It tastes just like a ham, but it’s smaller and easier to handle, so it’s great for single servings or small families.
Why You’ll Love This Ham Steak Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires only a handful of pantry staples.
- Perfect for One: Scaled down to serve just one person.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt based on your personal preferences.
- Balanced Flavors: The homemade glaze perfectly complements the savory ham.
Please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full measurements and step-by-step instructions for this brown sugar ham steak recipe.
- Ham steak: Choose an 8-ounce ham steak that is fully cooked. You can find these in the meat section of most grocery stores, sometimes next to breakfast meats like bacon. Words like “fully cooked,” “cured,” or “hickory smoked” should be very clear on the packaging. ” Avoid uncooked versions for safety reasons. My go-to brand of ham is Smithfield Ham.
- Butter: To sear the ham steak and make it taste better, use 1 tablespoon of salted butter. Even if you only have unsalted butter, it will still work. You might want to add a pinch of salt.
- Cinnamon and brown sugar are two important ingredients that turn melted butter into a rich glaze for the ham. The ham is so tasty because the brown sugar makes it sweet and the cinnamon gives it a warm spice.
Ham steak can be made in a lot of different ways, so you can make it fit your tastes or dietary needs. Here’s how:
- Spicy Glaze: Use this glaze instead of the brown sugar and cinnamon glaze. For a kick, mix hot sauce and maple syrup together.
- For a mustard-glazed ham steak, mix some Dijon mustard with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Pineapple-Topped: Cook your ham steak with pineapple rings or slices to make it taste more tropical. The sweet and tangy flavors work incredibly well with ham.
How to Cook Ham Steak
FAQ
How do you know when a ham steak is done?
How long does it take to heat up a ham steak in the oven?
Are all ham steaks fully cooked?
Can you eat ham steak without cooking?
How long do you cook a ham steak?
Sear the ham steak for about 4 minutes. Then, flip the steak over and cook for 3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and cover. Melt butter in the same skillet. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook, stirring frequently for about 30 seconds to 1 minute – just enough time for the sugar to dissolve. Pour over ham steak and enjoy!
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.
How long does smoked ham steak take to cook?
Smoked Ham Steaks cooked in the skillet are ready to eat in a very, very short amount of time. They will take only a few minutes on each side, and less than 10 minutes to get a proper sear. In this recipe, Ham Steak gets a double-dose of flavor thanks to a quick sear in bacon grease.
How long do you cook a ham steak with glaze?
Add the ham steaks and brush the tops with glaze. Add enough extra liquid so that the steaks are completely covered if required. Water or broth works well. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the steaks are tender and warmed through and the glaze is beginning to thicken. Serve, and enjoy! Looking for an even more flavorful glaze?