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.
Smithfield ham steak is a tasty and versatile cut of meat that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend brunches But to get the most out of this premium pork product, it’s important to cook it properly in the oven The right technique ensures you end up with ham steak that’s juicy, tender and packed with smoky, salty flavor.
In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide to oven-cooking Smithfield ham steak. Follow these tips and tricks for serving up ham steaks with melt-in-your-mouth texture and robust Smithfield taste.
Let’s start with an overview of what makes Smithfield ham steak so special. Smithfield ham comes from Smithfield Foods a company known for high-quality pork products since 1936. Located in Smithfield Virginia, they pioneered dry-curing Virgina-style ham and smoke it over genuine hardwood.
The Smithfield ham steak cut comes from the hind leg of a hog. It contains a cross-section of fat and lean meat. These steaks are sold fully cooked for convenience. They deliver the same acclaimed Smithfield ham flavor in quick-cooking individual portions.
When buying Smithfield ham steaks, look for:
- Thickness of at least 1⁄2 inch
- Good marbling of fat
- The Smithfield brand name
Thicker steaks hold up better in the oven. The fat bastes the meat and prevents drying out. Now let’s discuss how to unlock all that delicious Smithfield flavor through oven cooking.
Oven Temperature for Cooking Smithfield Ham Steaks
The oven temperature you use is important for properly cooking Smithfield ham steaks. Some key tips:
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Preheat oven to 325°F This moderate temp cooks the ham evenly
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Higher temps above 350°F can dry out the ham.
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Convection setting circulates air for faster, even cooking.
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Use an oven thermometer for accuracy if unsure of your oven’s temp.
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Preheating for 10-15 minutes allows the oven to fully reach the target temp.
Maintaining 325°F is ideal for gently reheating Smithfield ham steak without dehydrating it.
Cook Times for Smithfield Ham Steak in the Oven
Cook times will vary based on thickness and starting temperature of your ham steaks.
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For 1⁄2 inch steaks, plan on 10-14 minutes total.
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For 3⁄4 inch steaks, allow 12-18 minutes.
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For 1 inch thick steaks, cook for 15-22 minutes.
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Frozen steaks take about 5 minutes longer.
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Check often to avoid overcooking.
An instant-read thermometer should register 135°F-140°F when done. The temperature will continue rising as the ham rests.
Seasoning and Glazing Oven-Baked Ham Steaks
For extra flavor, try seasoning or glazing your Smithfield ham steaks before oven baking:
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Rub lightly with brown sugar, thyme, cloves or black pepper.
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Brush with a honey-mustard or brown sugar glaze during baking.
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For a sticky finish, glaze during last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Infuse fruit flavors with pineapple or orange juice.
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A sprinkle of brown sugar gives a subtle sweetness.
The Smithfield ham’s natural smokiness also pairs well with robust seasonings like cayenne, cloves, and nutmeg. Get creative with spice blends like jerk or cajun seasoning too.
Handy Oven-Cooking Tips for Smithfield Ham Steaks
Follow these additional tips for the most tender oven-baked Smithfield ham steaks:
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Let steaks sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
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Arrange steaks on a broiler pan or baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
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Space steaks apart to allow air flow and prevent steaming.
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Brush with pan drippings or juices during baking to keep moist.
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Allow to rest 5-10 minutes after baking so juices redistribute.
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Slice across the grain of the meat for a tender bite.
Proper oven temp, frequent checking, and a short standing time are the secrets to cooked-to-perfection Smithfield ham steak.
Enjoy Smithfield Ham Steak Right Out of the Oven
Hot from the oven, Smithfield ham steak makes for a quick and delicious meal. Here are some serving ideas to enjoy it piping hot:
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Pile high on buttermilk biscuits for an incredible sandwich
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Serve with cheesy hashbrown casserole and eggs for breakfast
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Toss slices into macaroni and cheese or baked potatoes
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Layer on crusty bread with mustard and melted Swiss cheese
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Dice up for scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast tacos
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Pair with roasted veggies, rice pilaf or potato salad
Oven-baked Smithfield ham steak brings a savory, smoky flavor punch to any dish. Simplify your meal prep by keeping a pack of these fully cooked ham steaks in the freezer. Then bake up delicious Smithfield flavor anytime!
Perfectly Cooked Smithfield Ham Steaks Every Time
Cooking Smithfield ham steak in the oven allows you to serve up tender, juicy slices bursting with signature flavor. Follow the temperature, time, and seasoning tips in this guide for mouthwatering results.
Smithfield ham steak requires only basic preparation, yet rewards you with authentic hardwood-smoked ham taste. Just be sure to avoid overcooking. And as always, enjoy Smithfield products as part of a balanced diet. Now get ready to experience the joy of oven-baked Smithfield ham steak!
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.
What To Serve With Ham
When you eat your single-serving ham steak, there are many tasty sides that will make this main dish one you’ll remember. Here are some detailed recommendations:
- Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish, and they go great with ham steak. No matter what, mashed potatoes are a must. Add a lot of butter and chives if you want to, or leave them plain.
- Green Beans Almondine: Sautéing fresh green beans with almonds gives your meal a nutty crunch and bright color that makes it look good as well as taste good.
- Potato Salad: A warm, sour German potato salad can be a nice change from a rich, meaty ham steak.
- Cornbread: A piece of home-baked cornbread makes the meal more Southern. Add a little honey on top for an extra sweet boost.
- Before you start cooking, read the whole recipe, including the section called “Ingredient Notes,” and look at the pictures that show the steps. This step-by-step guide will help you understand how to follow the recipe, so your ham steak will always be perfect. There is everything you need to know in the body of this recipe post, so don’t skip anything!
- Bring the ham to room temperature: Set the ham steak out for about 15 minutes until it’s at room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Warm up your pan. For a perfect sear on your ham steak, always start with a hot pan.
- You don’t have to use the brown sugar glaze on the ham steak. You can cook it according to the recipe and eat it plain if you’d rather.
- If you see a sale on ham steaks, buy a lot of them and freeze them. If you store them right, you can freeze them for up to three months.
You can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or regular granulated sugar.
Store this brown sugar glazed ham steak in the refrigerator, covered for 3-4 days.
Absolutely, just double the ingredient amounts.
Some readers have told me that their glaze hardens in the pan. It shouldn’t happen like this, and you can see from the video and pictures that the butter and brown sugar melt. This process can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the level of heat. If the glaze gets tough, it means the sauce was cooked for too long or the heat was too high.
Smithfield Ham Steaks
FAQ
How long to cook ham steak in the oven at 350 degrees?
How do you heat up a Smithfield ham steak?
How long to cook Smithfield ham in the oven?
How do you heat up a ham steak without drying it out?
How do you cook a Smithfield ham steak?
Before you fire up the oven, you need to prepare your Smithfield Ham Steak for cooking. Follow these simple steps: Remove the packaging and pat the ham steak dry with paper towels. Score the surface of the ham steak with shallow cuts to help infuse the flavors. Season the steak with your favorite herbs and spices.
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.
Should you bake a Smithfield ham steak before slicing?
It is generally recommended to bake the Smithfield ham steak as a whole before slicing it. By keeping the ham in one piece during the cooking process, you can retain more moisture and ensure even cooking throughout. After it is baked and rested, you can then slice the ham steak into individual servings for serving.
What temperature should a Smithfield ham steak be cooked at?
It is recommended to bake the Smithfield ham steak in the oven at a temperature of 325°F (163°C). This moderate heat allows the ham to cook evenly and helps retain its moisture. Cooking at a higher temperature can risk drying out the ham or causing it to become tough. Can I use a glaze while cooking the Smithfield ham steak in the oven?