If you were like me, Thanksgiving seems like it was just yesterday. I’m not ready to make another big dinner yet. So for Christmas, I’m making these super simple ham steaks instead of a full glazed ham. They’re so incredibly quick, I get my ham fix, and I can spend Christmas day relaxing. These glazed ham steaks taste great and are so easy to make that I think I will start making them for dinner all the time.
A juicy tender ham steak can be a simple yet satisfying dinner. But don’t settle for boring – with the right seasonings you can take this quick cut of meat from bland to grand. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, herby or tangy flavors, there’s a seasoning blend that will make your ham steak shine.
Read on to discover the best ways to season up ham steak for maximum flavor impact. We’ll cover everything from classic seasoning combos to creative spice mixes you may not have considered. Before you know it your ham will be the star of the plate!
Why Season Your Ham Steak?
While ham steak has a delicious flavor of its own, seasoning provides an opportunity to enhance that porky goodness even further. The right spices and herbs complement the natural taste of the ham, bringing out subtleties you may not have noticed before.
Seasoning also adds complexity, transforming one-note ham steak into a more intriguing meal. Contrasting flavors like sweet and spicy or savory and herby keep your palate intrigued from first bite to last.
In addition to boosting flavor, proper seasoning improves ham steak texture A flavorful crust adds visual appeal and satisfying crunch to contrast the juicy, tender interior
So don’t be afraid to explore spices beyond just salt and pepper. With endless options, why settle for bland when you can make your ham irresistible?
Best Classic Seasonings for Ham Steak
Certain classic seasoning combos have stood the test of time for good reason. These are easy, foolproof ways to make ham steak pop:
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Brown sugar – The sweet kiss of brown sugar is a natural match for salty ham. For next-level flavor, mix with spicy cayenne and black pepper.
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Maple syrup – For sweetness with complexity, maple syrup adds a subtle caramelized flavor. Blend with spices like cinnamon, cloves or mustard.
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Honey – Another easy way to glaze ham with sweetness. Combine with citrus like orange juice and zest or stone fruits like apricots.
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Dijon mustard – The tang of mustard cuts through the ham’s richness. Pair with brown sugar, honey or maple syrup for balance.
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Fresh herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano all complement ham’s savory umami. Rub ham with olive oil and generously season with herbs.
Keep it simple or get creative with combining a few of these timeless flavors. Either way, these classics never disappoint!
Creative Ways to Season Up Ham Steak
Ready to move beyond the basics? Consider these outside-the-box ways to spice up your ham steak:
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Jerk seasoning – For a taste of the islands, coat ham in this blend of spicy peppers, allspice, thyme and more before grilling.
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Mole sauce – Smoky Mexican mole adds deep flavor with spices like chili powder, cumin and cinnamon. Just warm and drizzle over ham to serve.
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Apple chutney – Fruity, tart and slightly spicy, apple chutney makes a fantastic glaze for ham. Bonus points for caramelization.
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Marmalade – For pleasant bitterness to balance the ham’s richness, try an orange or grapefruit marmalade glaze.
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Sriracha – Add heat and tang with a Sriracha glaze. Mix the hot sauce with brown sugar, garlic, lime and cilantro.
With a dash of global inspiration, you can take your ham steak to exciting new flavor destinations. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Tips for Applying Seasonings
To get the most flavor impact, follow these pro tips for seasoning ham steak:
- Coat both sides evenly so all sides are seasoned.
- Let ham marinate in wet mixtures like sauce or dressing for 1-2 hours.
- For glazes, brush over ham multiple times during cooking to build flavor.
- Adjust seasoning amounts based on ham steak thickness and size.
- Add fresh herbs right at the end for maximum vibrancy.
- Use spice rubs with oil to help them stick and form a crust.
- Sear or grill seasoned ham first to caramelize flavors.
By thoroughly coating and incorporating seasoning, you infuse the ham with as much flavor as possible.
Balancing Flavors
One key to seasoning success is achieving the right balance of flavor contrasts. Consider these tips:
- Balance sweet glazes with heat like black pepper, chili or mustard.
- Herby rubs pair well with tangy citrus juices and zest.
- Cut through rich ham with bright acidic ingredients like vinegar or yogurt.
- Contrast the saltiness with sweet fruits, honey, maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Cool mint brightens up warmer spices like cumin, paprika and cayenne.
Playing flavors off one another keeps things interesting. Don’t be afraid to test out new combinations until you find your perfect match!
Cooking Methods for Seasoned Ham
Proper cooking is key to getting the most out of your seasoned ham. Consider these techniques:
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Pan sear – Cook over high heat to caramelize glazes and seal in seasoning.
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Broil – High, direct heat helps crusty rubs adhere and adds char.
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Grill – Imparts smoky flavor while creating tasty char marks.
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Bake – Allows seasonings to fully permeate the ham.
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Slow cook – For bone-in ham steak, low and slow cooking tenderizes meat.
Always let ham rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices and flavors redistribute before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Seasoned ham steak pairs nicely with many classic side dishes. Some recommendations:
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Sweet glazes – Baked beans, cornbread, roasted sweet potatoes
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Savory herbs – Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, egg noodles
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Spicy seasonings – Corn on the cob, crispy roasted potatoes, coleslaw
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Fruity flavors – Green salad with vinaigrette, wild rice pilaf, roasted carrots
Match the sides to the seasoning profile to make the flavors really pop. Create a cohesive flavor experience from start to finish.
answers
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How can I make plain ham steak more exciting? Seasoning! Spice rubs, fresh herbs, marinades, glazes and more can all transform the flavor.
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What’s the best way to keep ham steak juicy? Cook quickly over high heat like grilling or pan searing. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
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What seasoning mixes well with brown sugar on ham? Spices like cayenne, black pepper or dry mustard add contrast.
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Can I season ham steak that’s already cooked? Absolutely! Glazes, chutneys and pan sauces are all great ways to add flavor after cooking.
With the right seasonings and cooking method, you can take humble ham steak to spectacular new flavor heights. Get creative with sweet and savory spices, herbs, sauces and more to wake up your tastebuds! From maple glazed to jerk spiced, the possibilities are endless.
How are the Leftovers?
I love, love, loved eating the leftovers of this ham. So much so that I think I might make this often for meal prep! These glazes don’t stay clear and shiny after being chilled, but they still taste great!
What Kind of Ham to Use
I like ham steak that is sliced thickly (½ inch thick) for this recipe because it makes it feel more like a main dish. You can find a lot of different kinds of sliced ham or sliced ham quarters in the grocery store, near the cured meats that are kept in the fridge. You can use any of them. It doesn’t matter how thinly you slice the ham; you’ll just cook it for less time in the next step, browning. And you may need to make more glaze if you’re trying to cover more pieces.
The glaze I used is a mix of sweet and sour flavors that gets thick and sticky. You can’t really taste the Dijon mustard at the end, but you can use a sweet, spicy, and smoky rub instead if you don’t have any or don’t like Dijon. I used this rub in my Glazed Pork Chops recipe.
Ham Steak with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe ~ Quick & So Easy!!
FAQ
What can I add to ham for flavor?
What goes well with ham steak?
How do you add flavor to bland ham?
How to season already cooked ham?
How do you spice up a ham steak?
Here’s how: Spicy Glaze: Swap out the brown sugar and cinnamon glaze for a spicy version. Use a mixture of hot sauce and maple syrup for a kick. Mustard Glazed Ham Steak: Add a little Dijon mustard to the brown sugar and cinnamon mix. Pineapple-Topped: Give your ham steak a tropical twist by cooking it with pineapple slices or rings.
What is ham steak sauce made of?
The ham steak sauce is made of brown sugar, water, butter, Dijon mustard, and paprika. You might want to make extra if you serve the ham steak with mashed potatoes. You can drizzle the glaze over the side dish. Yum! Since you found this ham steak recipe, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard on a ham steak?
You can substitute regular mustard for Dijon mustard. Maple syrup, honey, or pineapple juice can be used in place of brown sugar on this cooked ham steak. Serving size is four servings. 1) Macaroni and cheese.
How to cook a ham steak?
To cook a ham steak, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. When the butter starts foaming, add the ham steaks in a single layer and sprinkle them with the spices. Cook until browned on the bottom.