Ham Steak with Brown Sugar Glaze
A classic American comfort food, these juicy ham steaks are seared to perfection and coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the Ham: Pat the ham steaks completely dry with paper towels
- a.This is a crucial step to ensure they get a beautiful, flavorful sear in the pan.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Ham Steaks: In a large skillet (12-inch recommended) over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it's foaming, add two ham steaks, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the steaks to a plate. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the other two ham steaks.
- 3
Create the Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium
- a.In the same skillet, add the packed brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and ground cloves. Whisk continuously, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken and Glaze: Continue to simmer the glaze for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Return the seared ham steaks and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the steaks, turning them to coat all sides evenly. Let them warm through for about 1-2 minutes.
- 5
Serve: Transfer the glazed ham steaks to serving plates
- a.Spoon any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Patting the ham steaks dry is crucial for getting a good, flavorful sear.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if your skillet isn't large enough to hold all the steaks in a single layer.
- 3Watch the glaze carefully as the sugar can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
- 4The ham is already cooked and salty, so there's no need to add extra salt to the recipe.
- 5For a thicker glaze, simmer it for an extra minute or two before adding the ham back in.
- 6This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a touch of heat.
Maple GlazeMaple Glaze
Substitute the brown sugar with an equal amount of pure maple syrup for a classic maple-ham flavor.
Citrus TwistCitrus Twist
Replace the pineapple juice with orange juice and add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy note.
Bourbon GlazeBourbon Glaze
Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze along with the other liquids. Let it simmer for an extra minute to cook off the alcohol.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Ham is a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Source of B Vitamins
Ham contains several important B vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), and cobalamin (B12). These vitamins are crucial for converting food into energy, supporting nervous system health, and forming red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving, which includes one 8-ounce ham steak and glaze, contains approximately 550-650 calories. The exact number can vary based on the fat content of the ham and the precise amount of glaze.