Ham steak is a versatile and easy option for a quick weeknight dinner or a small holiday meal. It’s already cooked and sliced, which can save you a lot of time and effort.
This guide will tell you how to cook a ham slice so it’s juicy and delicious, with options for different cooking methods and glazes.
We’ll cover oven baking, cooking on the stovetop, and grilling, as well as some glaze variations to add extra flavor. We’ll also provide tips on how to store any leftovers. No matter how you like your ham, you’ll find the information you need here.
Understanding ham steak
Let’s start with some ham basics.
What is ham steak?
Ham steak is a slice, usually about ½-inch thick, cut from a larger ham. Most of the time, ham steaks have already been cooked or smoked before they’re packaged for sale.
Ham steaks are available in bone-in or boneless varieties. You can also find cured and uncured ham steaks, along with different smoked varieties.
Why choose ham steak?
Ham steak is a great choice because it’s quick and easy to cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also a versatile protein that you can cook in the oven, in a skillet, or on the grill. You can also use it in casseroles and other recipes.
For many people, ham steak is an affordable and readily available source of protein.
Equipment and Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have these items on hand:
Equipment
- Oven-safe baking sheet or skillet (if you plan to bake the ham slice)
- Skillet (for stovetop cooking)
- Grill (if grilling)
- Meat thermometer (to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature)
- Tongs or spatula (for easy handling)
Ingredients
- Ham slice
- Optional: Glaze ingredients, such as brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce
- Cooking oil or butter (for stovetop cooking)
Oven-Baked Ham Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide
Baking a ham steak in the oven is a simple way to prepare this tasty cut of meat. Here’s how:
Preparation
- First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Next, line a baking sheet with foil. This makes cleanup a breeze!
- If your ham steak is frozen, you’ll need to defrost it. You can do this in the refrigerator (it’ll take a while) or by submerging it in a cool water bath.
Glazing (Optional, but Recommended!)
- In a bowl, whisk together your glaze ingredients. A good glaze might include brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Brush the glaze evenly over the ham steak, making sure to get every nook and cranny.
Baking
- Place the ham steak on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
- If you’re using a glaze, brush it with an additional layer during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will give it a beautiful, caramelized finish.
Serving
- Once the ham steak is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Alternative Cooking Methods
While baking is a great way to cook a ham slice, it’s not the only way. Here are a few other options:
Stovetop Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a little bit of cooking oil or butter to the skillet.
- Cook the ham slice for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until it’s heated through and slightly browned.
- If you want to add a glaze, do it during the last few minutes of cooking.
Grilling
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the ham slice for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until it’s heated through and you see nice grill marks.
- If you want to add a glaze, do it during the last minute of cooking.
Blackstone Griddle
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat.
- Cook the ham slice for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until it’s heated through.
- If you want to add a glaze, do it during the last minute of cooking.
Glaze Variations
If you want to add a little something extra to your ham slice, try one of these glaze variations. A glaze can give your ham a beautiful sheen and add a layer of flavor that complements the smoky, salty taste of the ham.
- Brown Sugar Glaze: This is a classic for a reason. It’s simple and delicious, typically made with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Honey Glaze: A honey glaze offers a more delicate sweetness. Combine honey, Dijon mustard, and just a splash of apple cider vinegar for a balanced flavor.
- Pineapple Glaze: For a tropical twist, mix crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and a little ground ginger.
- Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to any of these glaze recipes for a little kick.
- Maple-Dijon Glaze: This glaze is a sophisticated blend of sweet and tangy. Combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a touch of balsamic vinegar.
What to serve with a ham slice
A ham slice is a versatile protein that can be served with many different side dishes and in many different ways.
Side dish ideas
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes
- Corn pudding
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
Meal ideas
- Ham steak with breakfast (eggs, pancakes, waffles)
- Ham steak sandwiches
- Ham steak salad
- Ham steak with pasta
Dietary considerations
Ham is naturally gluten-free. It’s easy to create gluten-free and dairy-free side dishes to serve with ham. You can also modify the meal to be low-FODMAP, if necessary.
Storing and reheating ham steak
Storing leftovers
Before you store your leftover ham steak, let it cool completely. Then, put it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 4 months.
Reheating
You can reheat your ham steak in a number of ways:
- Microwave: This works well if you’re just heating up a slice or two for a sandwich or a quick meal.
- Oven: If you’re reheating a larger portion, the oven is a good choice.
- Stovetop: For a little extra crispiness, you can reheat your ham steak in a pan on the stovetop.
Putting It All Together
Cooking a ham slice is quick, easy, and versatile. You can pan-fry it, bake it, or even grill it. You can also experiment with different glazes to find your favorite flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for one or a few, a ham steak is a great option for a fast, delicious meal.