Ham steaks make for a quick, tasty and budget-friendly dinner option. Their meaty flavor and tender texture when cooked right make them a winner. But is it possible to go from freezer to plate with frozen ham steaks? Absolutely! With a few simple tricks, you can cook frozen ham steaks to juicy perfection.
In this article, I’ll share my best tips and techniques for cooking delicious frozen ham steaks. Whether pan-frying, baking or grilling, I’ve got you covered on how to make frozen ham steaks turn out moist and full of flavor every time. Let’s get cooking!
Choosing the Right Ham Steaks
For the best results when cooking from frozen, choose boneless, fully-cooked ham steaks that are about 1-inch thick Thinner steaks can dry out too quickly Check that the ham steaks have a decent amount of fat marbling through them, and avoid those that look very lean. The fat will help them maintain moisture as they cook from frozen.
Opt for ham steaks rather than ham slices, as the thicker cut will hold up better. And fully cooked ham steaks allow you to cook them straight from frozen without needing to worry about thoroughly cooking them through.
Seasoning is Key
One of the secrets to flavorful ham steaks is getting the seasoning right. Be sure to generously season both sides of the frozen ham steaks with salt, pepper and any other spices you enjoy. Consider garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme or cayenne for extra flavor.
You can also brush a thin layer of brown sugar, honey, mustard or other glazes on the steaks before cooking for a sweet, sticky coating when done. A flavored crust is key for masked any dryness.
Pan-Frying Method
One easy way to cook frozen ham steaks is by pan-frying them on the stovetop, This method gives you crispy edges and a nice caramelized flavor,
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add just a small amount of oil or butter. Once hot, add the frozen steaks and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. The cooking time will depend on the thickness. Reduce the heat if the ham browns too quickly.
Flip the steaks just once during cooking. Frequent flipping can cause them to dry out. And resist the urge to poke or cut into the steaks as they cook. Just let them brown undisturbed.
Baking Frozen Ham Steaks
For an even easier cooking method, you can bake frozen ham steaks in the oven. Simply arrange the frozen steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes per side. Flip halfway through bake time. Add a glaze or brush with butter for extra moisture and flavor.
The benefit of baking is you can cook multiple ham steaks easily at once. Just space them out on the baking sheet so they brown evenly.
Grilling Method
Warm weather means it’s time to fire up the grill! You can absolutely cook frozen ham steaks on the barbecue.
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates well to prevent sticking. Place the frozen ham steaks directly onto the hot grates and close the lid.
Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, flipping just once. Glaze the steaks during the last few minutes of grilling if desired. The smoky flavor from the grill is amazing on ham.
Handling Cooked Ham Steaks
To keep ham steaks as moist as possible after cooking, be sure let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or eating. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
And be very gentle when removing ham steaks from the pan or grill. Use care not to tear the meat, which can cause dryness. Use a thin spatula to gently loosen steaks if they stick.
Finally, slice ham steaks across the grain to shorten the muscle fibers for a more tender bite. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful ham steaks!
Serving Suggestions
Cooked ham steaks make for easy, tasty meals any time of day. Some fun serving ideas include:
- Breakfast sandwiches with cheese and eggs
- Lunchtime ham and cheese paninis
- Dinner platters with pineapples and cherries
- Diced in salads, pasta, pizza or omelets
- Slider sandwiches with pickles and mustard
- Added to fried rice or ramen noodle bowls
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Defrost in fridge overnight for best results
- Use bone-in steaks for more flavor and moisture
- Choose 1-inch thick steaks to prevent drying out
- Cook low and slow, on medium or medium low heat
- Flip just once during cooking for best results
- Allow to rest 5+ minutes before cutting into steaks
With the right techniques and a little patience, you can cook frozen ham steaks to be tender, juicy and packed with flavor. From the stovetop to the grill, these tips will help you master the art of cooking delicious ham steaks straight from the freezer. Give it a try for your next quick and easy dinner!
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How To Cook A Frozen Ham Steak
No worries if you want a tasty ham steak but only have a frozen one on hand. This step-by-step guide will show you how to cook a frozen ham steak just right. Follow these simple instructions and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time!.
- Frozen ham steak
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: your favorite seasoning blend
- Thawing the Ham Steak:
- Preheating the Pan:
- Cooking the Frozen Ham Steak:
- Checking for Doneness:
- Letting it Rest:
- Serving Suggestions:
If you have time, it’s always best to thaw your ham steak before cooking. To do this, simply transfer the steak from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Thawed ham steaks are easier to cook and will yield better results.
If you are cooking the ham steak directly from frozen, preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the frozen steak onto the preheated pan. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer onto the meat. Cook for about 5 minutes per side or until the steak is heated through.
To ensure that your frozen ham steak is thoroughly cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C). If it hasn’t reached the desired temperature, continue cooking for a few more minutes until it does.
Once the ham steak is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the meat tender and flavorful.
Your cooked frozen ham steak is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as the main course alongside your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. You can also slice the ham steak and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or even omelets.
Now that you know how to cook a frozen ham steak, you can satisfy your cravings anytime. You can make a tasty meal with this method whether you’re in a hurry or forgot to let your ham thaw ahead of time. You won’t have to sacrifice quality or flavor. Try it and improve your cooking skills! Share your ideas on how to cook a frozen ham steak in the