“`html
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a little celebration on a plate, this Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe is going to win your heart fast. With a sweet-savory glaze that perfectly caramelizes on the outside of tender ham steaks, every bite bursts with a harmony of rich flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re tossing this together for a busy weeknight or a comforting weekend treat, the combination of honey, brown sugar, and tangy mustard creates an irresistible glaze that elevates simple ham steaks into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: from the sweetness of brown sugar and honey, to the vibrant kick of Dijon mustard, the subtle tang of apple cider vinegar, and the warmth of garlic and pepper, creating the perfect balance for the glaze. The butter ensures a lovely sear on the ham, making it golden and inviting.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a deep, molasses sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Brings a natural, floral sweetness that complements the brown sugar perfectly.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Provides a sharp, tangy contrast to balance the sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar (½ tablespoon): Lightens the glaze with a subtle acidity to brighten the flavors.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the glaze with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Ground black pepper (â…› teaspoon): Adds a gentle spice that enhances the savory notes.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Crucial for a rich, buttery sear that keeps the ham juicy and tender.
- Cooked ham steaks (16 ounces): Choose boneless or bone-in, both work wonderfully for this recipe.
How to Make Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Start by whisking together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl. This glaze is the soul of this dish—each ingredient blending to create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will coat your ham steaks beautifully.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Next, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. This melting butter will help you achieve that gorgeous golden crust on your ham steaks while also adding a luscious richness to the dish.
Step 3: Brown the Ham Steaks
Place the ham steaks in the skillet and cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a light, savory brown color. This step builds flavor and texture that make the final dish so irresistible.
Step 4: Glaze and Caramelize
Brush both sides of the ham steaks generously with your prepared glaze. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes per side, letting the sugars caramelize and form a sticky, glossy coating that clings to the ham like a delicious little hug of flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the glazed ham steaks from the skillet, slice each steak in half, and plate them up. The aroma alone will have you eager to dive in, and when you taste that beautifully balanced glaze with tender ham, you’ll know this Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe was worth every minute!
How to Serve Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet glaze. You can also add a few toasted nuts like pecans for extra crunch and a toasted finish.
Side Dishes
This Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery sweet corn to complement its richness. For a fresher contrast, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables adds balance and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the ham steaks into thinner medallions and serve them layered over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a quick, satisfying meal. Alternatively, you can cut the ham into cubes for kebabs, brushing them with extra glaze during grilling for an irresistible party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover glazed ham steaks keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the glaze separately if possible, then reheat gently to preserve the sticky sweetness and juicy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked glazed ham steaks for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
The best way to reheat glazed ham steaks is on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Heat slowly until warmed through to avoid drying out the flavorful glaze and tender ham.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in ham steaks for this Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in ham steaks add a little extra flavor and tend to stay juicy, so they work just as well as boneless in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, any grainy mustard or even a mild yellow mustard can be used. It will change the flavor slightly but still add a nice tang to the glaze.
Is it necessary to use both brown sugar and honey?
Not at all. You can use all brown sugar or all honey depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Both options create a lovely glaze with slightly different sweetness profiles.
Can this glaze be used on other meats?
Yes! This glaze works beautifully on pork chops, chicken breasts, or even salmon, offering a versatile sweet-savory coating that caramelizes well on a variety of proteins.
How do I get the glaze to caramelize without burning?
Cook over medium heat and brush the glaze on during the last few minutes of cooking. Watch carefully and flip regularly to avoid charring, ensuring a sticky, caramelized finish.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like an indulgent treat yet comes together in minutes with everyday ingredients. Its joyful blend of sweet and savory flavors, combined with that irresistible caramelized crust, makes it a dish you’ll want to keep on rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—your taste buds are in for a wonderful surprise!
“`
Print
Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Glazed Ham Steaks recipe features tender, flavorful ham steaks cooked in a sweet and tangy brown sugar and honey glaze. Perfectly seared and caramelized in a skillet, this easy dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (use all brown sugar or all honey instead of both)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or try maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or any grainy mustard)
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- â…› teaspoon ground black pepper
Ham Steaks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (â…› stick)
- 16 ounces cooked ham steaks (1 (8-ounce) steak), boneless or bone-in both work
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and ground black pepper until well combined to create a smooth glaze.
- Melt the butter: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter, ensuring the pan is evenly coated and ready for cooking the ham steaks.
- Cook the ham steaks: Place the ham steaks in the skillet and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until lightly browned, developing a warm, golden crust.
- Glaze the ham: Brush both sides of the ham steaks generously with the prepared glaze and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes per side, allowing the glaze to caramelize and create a delicious sticky coating.
- Serve: Remove the ham steaks from the skillet, slice each steak in half if desired, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful. Enjoy your glazed ham steaks!
Notes
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Both boneless and bone-in ham steaks work well for this recipe.
- If you prefer a stronger mustard flavor, use grainy mustard instead of Dijon.
- Adjust the sweetness by using all brown sugar or all honey according to your taste preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the glaze.
