How to Cook Frozen Ham Steak for a Quick, Delicious Meal

Ham steaks make for an easy, fast dinner option when you’re craving something hearty and savory. While fresh ham steak may be ideal, frozen ham steak works just as well when cooked properly.

Learning the simple process of preparing frozen ham steak ensures you can enjoy delicious pan-fried, grilled or baked ham steaks anytime.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover tips for thawing, cooking times, doneness tests, flavoring ideas and more when working with frozen ham steak. Let’s get started!

Thawing Frozen Ham Steak

For even cooking and the best texture, frozen ham steak must be thawed before hitting the heat. Here are safe thawing methods:

Refrigerator Thawing – Place frozen ham steak in a rimmed plate to catch drips Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or up to 2 days,
Cold Water Thawing – Put ham steak in a sealed plastic bag. Submerge bag in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Thaw up to 2 hours.
Microwave Thawing – Microwave frozen ham steak on the defrost setting based on steak weight, stopping to flip occasionally.

Once thawed, pat ham steak dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. Avoid refreezing thawed raw ham steak.

Pan-Frying Ham Steak

Pan-frying is the quickest, easiest cooking method for ham steak Follow these simple steps

Pat thawed ham steak dry and season both sides with salt, pepper and other spices as desired.
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
When oil shimmers, add ham steak. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
Check internal temperature, removing at 145°F for medium doneness. Let rest 3 minutes before serving.

For added flavor, create an easy glaze by mixing equal parts maple syrup and whole grain mustard. Brush over ham steak during last 2 minutes of cooking.

Grilling Ham Steak

The hot, dry heat of the grill adds delicious smoky flavor to ham steak. Follow these tips for grilled ham steak:

Thaw ham steak before grilling.
Heat gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
Oil grates to prevent sticking.
Cook ham steak 4 minutes per side with grill lid closed.
Brush with barbecue sauce glaze last 2 minutes if desired.
Check temperature, removing at 145°F. Let rest before eating.

For char lines, rotate ham steak 45 degrees halfway through grilling on each side.

Baking Ham Steak

Baking lets you easily cook multiple ham steaks at once. Here’s how:

Thaw ham steaks completely before baking.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Arrange ham steaks on baking sheet. Brush with olive oil or dry seasoning rub.
Bake 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
For glazed ham steaks, brush with glaze last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest cooked ham steaks 3-5 minutes before serving.

Baking gives ham steak a lovely caramelized exterior. Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.

How to Tell When Ham Steak is Done

Ham steak can be enjoyed anywhere from 140°F for a slight pink center up to 160°F for well done. The safest recommendation is cooking to 145°F for medium doneness.

Use these methods to test for doneness:

Instant-read thermometer – Insert into thickest part without touching bone. Most accurate way to check.
Touch test – Lightly press on center of ham steak. Done when firm vs. soft when raw.
Visual test – Look for ham steak to turn opaque throughout with light brown exterior.

A thermometer is crucial for accurately determining when frozen ham steak is cooked through and safe to eat.

Seasoning and Serving Ideas

Before cooking, rub ham steak with chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, sage or other dry spices.
Glaze pan-fried or baked ham steak with warmed peach preserves, orange marmalade or cranberry sauce.
Top grilled ham steak with grilled pineapple rings or peach slices.
Serve with hearty side dishes like baked beans, cornbread, collard greens or macaroni and cheese.

From quick weeknight meals to easy holiday entrees, frozen ham steak delivers convenience without sacrificing flavor. Just thaw, cook and enjoy!

how to cook frozen ham steak

Explore More Delicious Ham Steak Recipes and Uses

There are many tasty recipes for frozen ham steaks once you know how to cook them the basic way. Choose from the classic pan-fried ham steak or the Asian-style ham steak with soy and ginger for a taste that will please everyone. The Baked Ham Steak with Pineapple Glaze is great for a sweet and savory dinner, and the Grilled Ham Steak with Honey Mustard Sauce is great for a simple but tasty barbecue meal. Not only do these recipes give you more ways to cook, but they also let you use your newfound cooking skills with frozen ham steak. Share your tips and techniques for cooking a frozen ham steak in the.

How To Cook A Frozen Ham Steak

No worries if you want a tasty ham steak but only have a frozen one on hand. This step-by-step guide will show you how to cook a frozen ham steak just right. Follow these simple instructions and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time!.

Frozen ham steak
Olive oil or cooking spray
Salt and pepper
Optional: your favorite seasoning blend

Thawing the Ham Steak:

If you have time, it’s always best to thaw your ham steak before cooking. To do this, simply transfer the steak from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Thawed ham steaks are easier to cook and will yield better results.

Preheating the Pan:

If you are cooking the ham steak directly from frozen, preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Frozen Ham Steak:

Place the frozen steak onto the preheated pan. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer onto the meat. Cook for about 5 minutes per side or until the steak is heated through.

Checking for Doneness:

To ensure that your frozen ham steak is thoroughly cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C). If it hasn’t reached the desired temperature, continue cooking for a few more minutes until it does.

Letting it Rest:

Once the ham steak is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the meat tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions:

Your cooked frozen ham steak is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as the main course alongside your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. You can also slice the ham steak and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or even omelets.

Now that you know how to cook a frozen ham steak, you can satisfy your cravings anytime. You can make a tasty meal with this method whether you’re in a hurry or forgot to let your ham thaw ahead of time. You won’t have to sacrifice quality or flavor. Give it a try and elevate your cooking game!.

How to Cook Ham Steak

FAQ

Can ham steak be cooked from frozen?

Cooking a smoked ham steak from frozen takes all of the panic out of last-minute dinners and unplanned breakfasts alike! The recipe saves the day in a pinch, but a thawed steak will go from fridge to plate in 15 minutes flat, check the notes.

Can you cook ham straight from frozen?

While it’s feasible to cook from frozen, keep in mind that this method often leads to longer cooking times and potentially uneven cooking that can lead to food safety risks. However, if you’re in a pinch for time, you’ll need to allow at least 1.5 times the usual cooking duration for thawed ham.

How to thaw ham steak quickly?

It’s best to plan ahead for slow, safe thawing in the refrigerator. It will take about 4 to 6 hours per pound. Cold water thawing is faster than refrigerator thawing but requires more attention. Put ham in a leak-proof package or plastic bag and submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Are ham steaks fully cooked?

Ham steak: Opt for a fully cooked, 8-ounce ham steak, which can typically be found in the meat section of your grocery store, sometimes near breakfast meats like bacon. The packaging should clearly indicate terms like “fully cooked,” “cured,” or “hickory smoked.” Avoid uncooked versions for safety reasons.

Can you cook a ham steak from frozen?

Ham steak makes for an excellent dinner as the main dish. The advantage of cooking a ham steak is that there’s no need to cook an entire ham and go through that long process. And if you are cooking your ham from frozen then check out our guide here. How long to cook ham steak for?

How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?

Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.

How do you cook a ham steak in a pan?

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Place the ham steak in the pan and cook for 4 minutes. Then, flip the steak over and cook for 3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and cover. Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon.

How do you Dry a ham steak before cooking?

Pat the ham steak dry with a few paper towels. Ham steaks contain a lot of extra moisture that can keep them from browning fully. To reduce the amount of extra liquid going into the pan, dab at the outside of your ham steaks with a few paper towels to dry them as much as you can before cooking them.