How to Cook Ham Steak

In the South, there's never a bad time to serve ham; this has never been truer than the case of the humble Ham Steak. Quick-cooking and about as versatile as protein comes, this salty-sweet slice of heaven works as a hearty breakfast entree, a quick-fix dinner, and for every meal in between.

Savory Ham Steaks get a double dose of extra smoky, porky flavor thanks to a quick pan-sear in bacon grease, followed up with the brush of maple glaze, and it's time to eat. Call upon this 3-ingredient, 15-minute recipe to cure your comfort food cravings day or night!

Can't get enough ham recipes? Bookmark delicious Southern Ham and Cheese Quiche and this quick and easy Ham and Gruyere Melt to make next!

WHAT IS HAM STEAK?

A slice of ham from a whole ham roast, individually packaged. It's quick-cooking and great for serving just 1-2 people vs. an entire house-full!

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Ham Steaks come from the upper back leg of the pig, not to be confused with pork steaks, which come from the shoulder/butt.

HOW ARE THEY SOLD?

You'll usually find Ham Steaks sold near the other pork products in the meat aisle of your grocery store, but they might also be located near the breakfast meats, such as bacon or sausages.

They are sold in individual packages, both boneless and bone-in, and can range from 8-ounces to just over a pound in weight. The packaging will indicate whether or not it is cooked. More often than not, you'll find them pre-cooked.

"FRESH" VS. FULLY-COOKED

Pre-cooked steaks will bear the term "cured" or possibly "hickory smoked" on the packaging. Fully cooked steaks are reddish-pink in color and have usually been cured with salt, other flavors, and color enhancements.

Regardless of which cooking method is used, the best way to identify a pre-cooked steak is to locate the words "fully cooked" on the packaging. This way you know exactly you're working with.

If Ham Steaks are not pre-cooked, they are not safe to consume before cooking. Uncooked steaks will say "fresh" on the packaging.

HOW LONG DOES IT 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.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Bacon Grease (or oil)
• Smoked Ham Steak (bone-in or boneless)
• Maple Syrup

THE BACON

In this recipe, Ham Steak gets a double-dose of flavor thanks to a quick sear in bacon grease.

Bonus: Once the bacon has finished cooking, you can either serve it alongside your steaks for an extra side of porky protein, have yourself a pre-breakfast/dinner snack, or save it for another use altogether.

BACON ALTERNATIVES

If you don't have bacon on hand, feel free to sub in 2 tablespoons of oil -- canola or avocado oil works great. You could also use 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter for extra flavor.

If this is the case, simply bring the oil to temperature over medium-high heat before adding the steaks to the pan.

THE GLAZE -- MAPLE OR BROWN SUGAR

Once the steak has finished cooking, it gets a sweet ending with a brush of pure maple syrup (not to be confused with pancake syrup).

If you want to skip the maple syrup, you could also make your Ham Steaks with a brown sugar glaze. If you're going this route, have a ⅓ cup brown sugar plus 2 tablespoons of butter on hand.

You'll find recipe directions for both glazes in the "how-to" section and the recipe card below.

Love a good, savory breakfast? Try out our Fried Eggs next!

HOW TO COOK HAM STEAK

1. Heat the bacon grease (or oil) over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the steak for about 4 minutes. Then, flip it and sear about 3 minutes more.
3. Remove from the pan, brush lightly with maple syrup, and serve!

HOW TO MAKE HAM STEAKS WITH A BROWN SUGAR GLAZE

1. Heat bacon grease or oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear each steak for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, flip and sear it about 3 minutes more.
3. Remove the steaks from the pan, and add two tablespoons of butter.
4. Once the butter has melted, add ⅓ cup brown sugar and stir to dissolve.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the ham steaks back to the pan.
6. Cook for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Serve and enjoy!

Our Cheese Grits would be a great side for this dish!

WHAT TO MAKE WITH HAM STEAK

Ham Steaks pair particularly well with just about anything cheesy or carby, but what you pair it with really depends on what time of day you're serving it!

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HAM STEAK DINNER IDEAS

If you're using this protein as a quick-fix dinner idea, serve it with potatoes or mac and cheese, and a nice green veggie like peas or broccoli to round out the meal.

If you love a savory pork meal, be sure to check out our Homemade Sausage Gravy recipe next!

CLASSIC COUNTRY BREAKFAST

If you're serving Ham Steaks as a classic country breakfast, throw in a couple of fried eggs, a few slices of bacon, some homemade biscuits, and a heaping scoop of grits. Don't forget the Red-Eye Gravy on the side!

MORE THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH HAM STEAK

You can use it in any number of dishes! In fact, you can use it in almost any recipe that calls for diced ham. Chop it up and add it to breakfast casseroles, use it as a sandwich filling, or add it to scalloped potatoes and make a meal of it!

Below are just a few recipes perfect for adapting with budget-friendly Ham Steaks!

• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
• Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
• Empanadas with Ham and Cheese
• Open-Faced Croque Monsieur

5 MORE PORK RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Pork Loin Roast
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• Pork Chop Casserole
• Easy Baked Pork Chops
• Smothered Pork Chops
• BBQ Pork Spare Ribs