Ham Steak pan seared in less than 10 minutes is our new favorite EASY recipe on busy weeknights OR brunch that will remind you of the holidays!
Ham isn’t just for the holidays, in our house we love serving it all year long like this Honey Baked Ham (Copycat), or Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham and we LOVE using the leftovers in our favorite Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup.
Ham Steak
This recipe is a win for everyone. This is the best ham shortcut you’ll ever use. See the delicious browned crispy edges? Yep, its just a bit of brown sugar and butter for the win. You can even skip the brown sugar altogether.
Most people don’t cook with ham throughout the year because buying an entire ham requires a lot of people or a whole lot of second round recipes. Buying steaks gives you just enough ham to feed your immediate family for a meal or two.
How do you cook a ham steak?
Add two tablespoons of butter to a heavy skillet on medium heat and add the ham, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through. To add an additional sauce remove the ham after cooking and add in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar along with a squeeze of fresh orange and let the brown sugar bubble up and caramelize a bit before serving it on the ham.
Where does ham steak come from?
Ham steak is just a thick slice cut from a whole roast of ham, either with the bone already removed or bone in. Bone in cuts will cost less but they won’t look as neat in serving.
Ham steaks are perfect for when you don’t have enough people to justify making an entire roast of ham, but still have a craving for it. They also don’t cost a lot more per pound so you won’t feel put off buying the smaller packages. You can also use ham steak for recipes that call for pieces of leftover ham, without having to cook an entire ham, like in this Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup or even as a quick swap in your Eggs Benedict breakfast recipe.
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How long does ham steak take to cook?
In a frying pan or on the grill, cook about 2-3 minutes on each side. Add about 3-4 minutes if your cut is really thick. You can also microwave for about 5-7 minutes depending on how thick your cut is.
Grilled ham steak made on a grill pan or on a grill is also easy and takes just a minute or so on each side because of the higher heat.
Things to do with ham steak
- Fry it in a skillet with a little bit of butter or oil.
- Grill it a few minutes on each side over direct heat. You can also brush it with a thick glaze to add more flavor.
- Bake it in the oven for an easy hands-off preparation.
- Chop it into bits and add to other recipes that call for leftover ham like Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna.
Baked Ham Steak Recipe
Bake at 350 degrees in a greased baking dish until steak is browned. You can also add potatoes and onions to the baking dish for a one pot meal, and sprinkle with pepper or mustard for flavor.
Pineapple slices is also a great addition to baked ham recipes, and caramelize really well in the oven to bring out a deep sweetness in the fruit.
How do you make ham steak glaze or sauce?
When the ham steak is cooking, add 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup of orange juice to pan. Cook for 3 minutes then remove from pan, leaving juice behind. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and simmer until glaze thickens.
A second option is adding fruit preserves to the ham while it’s cooking, then simmer until the preserves thicken into a fruit glaze.
How long is ham steak good in the fridge?
According to foodsafety.gov, ham steak will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator, and up to 1-2 months in the freezer. If it is still sealed in the original wrapping unopened, you should be good until the best by date on the packaging.
What to serve with ham steak?
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Super Creamy Macaroni and Cheese and Creamed Spinach make great savory sides for ham steak.
Ham Steak
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cooked ham steaks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
- 1/2 orange optional
Instructions
Add two tablespoons of butter to a heavy skillet on medium heat and add the ham, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through.
To add an additional optional sauce remove the ham after cooking and add in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar along with a squeeze of fresh orange and let the brown sugar bubble up and cook for 1 minute before serving it on the ham.
Great idea thank you !
You’re welcome!
Wow! This looks incredible! Love this
Thanks, Erin!
My dad used to prepare ham this way, and it is so tasty! I don’t think he ever added the brown sugar though, so I’ll have to give your version a try.
I hope you enjoy it, Kara!
We love breakfast for dinner, and this is perfect! My boys will love this!
It’s such a fun way to switch things up!
We love ham steaks for a quick dinner! And you can’t skip the brown sugar 🙂
Definitely!
Mmm, this is just like my mom made it when I was little. Can’t wait to try it!
A bit of nostalgia coming your way. 🙂