How to Cook Ham Steak Without Brown Sugar

This ham steak recipe is perfect for a quick dinner because it is easy to make and tastes great. You won’t have to do much to impress your guests.

If you’re looking for the most simple ham recipe known to mankind- it’s this ham steak recipe. No joke, it’s absolutely perfect and fool proof (and not to mention tasty).

You will love how easy this ham steak recipe is. All you need are three ingredients, which you probably already have on hand. These will make your ham steak tasty and ready to eat at any time.

With eggs, hash browns, and a tall glass of orange juice for breakfast, ham steaks are a great choice. Of course, another great way to use any leftovers is to cut them up and add them to an omelet or breakfast casserole.

Ham steak is a delicious and quick way to enjoy some savory smoked pork flavor It’s a nice change from your usual pork chops or bacon, Ham steaks are cut from the ham roast and are sold pre-cooked so they can be heated and eaten in under 15 minutes,

While a maple or brown sugar glaze is common on ham steak, you don’t need it to enjoy this tasty cut of meat With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a fantastic ham steak entree without added sugars.

Why Cook Ham Steak Without Brown Sugar?

There are a few reasons you may want to skip the brown sugar when cooking ham steaks

You’re reducing sugar in your diet
You want to limit added or processed sugars
You don’t have brown sugar on hand
You want to highlight the natural smoked ham flavor

Luckily, ham steak doesn’t need any extra sweetness to taste delicious. With a savory garlic-herb rub and a quick sear, you can bring out the best in ham steak without brown sugar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking ham steak without brown sugar is simple. You’ll only need:

Ham steak (about 1 pound)
Olive oil or butter for searing
Garlic herb rub:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp salt

That’s it! Just 5 basic ingredients are all you need. Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs and spices in the rub to suit your tastes.

Step-by-Step Method

Follow these simple steps for savory, sugar-free ham steak:

Pat the ham steak dry: Remove ham steak from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. This helps ensure even browning when searing.
Make the garlic herb rub: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, parsley, oregano, pepper, and salt. Mix well so flavors are distributed evenly.
Coat the ham steak: Use your fingers to gently press the garlic herb rub all over the ham steak on both sides. Don’t be afraid to really coat it well!
Sear the ham steak: Heat 1 tsp olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the ham steak. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
Slice and serve: Remove ham steak from pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or cubes. Serve warm.

It’s that easy to make flavorful ham steak without the added sugars! The garlic and herbs give tons of flavor.

Cooking Tips

Lean ham steak can dry out quickly. Keep a close eye on it when searing to avoid overcooking.
Let the ham steak rest after cooking so the juices can redistribute evenly.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the skillet after searing to make an easy pan sauce.
Pair your sugar-free ham steak with savory sides like roasted veggies, cauliflower mash, or a fresh salad.
Leftover ham steak makes an excellent addition to omelets, sandwiches, and salads.

Alternative Flavor Ideas

If you want to change up the flavors, try these easy herb rub variations:

Italian – Use dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes.

Tex-Mex – Cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

Asian – Five spice powder, sesame oil, fresh grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.

BBQ – Smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and a touch of brown sugar.

Lemon-Herb – Lemon zest, dried thyme, sage, and parsley.

Just switch out the seasonings in the original recipe to suit your tastes. Endless possibilities!

Serving Suggestions

Browning ham steak really amplifies its flavor. Here are some tasty ways to serve it:

On a sandwich with spicy mustard, peppers, and melted swiss.
Diced up in twice-baked potatoes or scalloped potatoes.
In omelets, frittatas, or breakfast tacos.
On top of a fresh salad with avocado and hard boiled egg.
In pasta salads or grain bowls for extra protein.
On mini skewers as an appetizer with fruit like pineapple.

However you choose to serve it, ham steak makes a quick and savory entrée or addition to meals. Just be sure not to overcook it, and let it rest before slicing for the juiciest texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ham steak already fully cooked?

Yes, ham steaks are cured, smoked, and pre-cooked before packaging. They just need to be quickly seared or heated through before eating.

Should I use bone-in or boneless?

This comes down to personal preference. Bone-in ham steaks take a bit longer to cook but add more flavor. Boneless cooks quickly and is easier to slice.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

An unopened package can last 1-2 weeks. Once opened, it’s best within 3-5 days.

Can I freeze ham steak?

Yes! Freeze it in the original packaging up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

What’s the healthiest way to cook ham steak?

Opt for a simple dry rub and quick sear in a skillet instead of frying. Avoid any heavy, sugary glazes.

The Takeaway

You don’t need sweet glazes or sugary seasonings to make delicious ham steak. With just a simple herb rub and hot skillet, you can have flavorful ham steak on the table in under 15 minutes.

Cook ham steak based on your tastes – feel free to experiment with different herb and spice rubs. Pair it with healthy savory sides and use leftovers in creative ways. Enjoy your brown sugar-free ham steak!

how to cook ham steak without brown sugar

What cut of meat is a ham steak?

Ham steak comes from the ham shank. The ham shank comes from the hind leg and rear portion of the animal.