Pan-fried ham steak tastes just as good as a whole ham but with a fraction of the effort.
Sweet Ham Steak Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ham steak should be on a short list of quick and easy meals. This steak captures all the savory, smoky flavors you love from other ham recipes, but it cooks in a fraction of the time. Not to mention, it’s so easy to learn how to cook it. A 2-pound ham steak is much more manageable than a gigantic roast!

This recipe features a simple brown sugar glaze. That rich, sweet finish makes the ham steak especially well-suited for brunch, but you can easily serve it for dinner. Enjoy alongside green beans, mac and cheese and fluffy dinner rolls for a complete meal.

Ham Steak Ingredients

Ham Steak ingredientsTMB Studio

  • Fully cooked bone-in ham steak: Look for a bone-in ham steak that’s about 1 inch thick. You can substitute boneless ham in a pinch, but the bone-in ham is more flavorful and tender.
  • Butter and brown sugar: We make a simple glaze with melted butter and brown sugar. It cooks in the same skillet as the ham steak so you can keep the dishes to a minimum.

Directions

Step 1: Sear the ham steak

Sear the ham steakTMB Studio

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ham steak on both sides. Remove the ham, and drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Glaze the ham steak

Melt the butter and brown sugar in panTMB Studio

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar. Return ham to the skillet, and cook until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 140°F, turning often.

Ham SteakTMB Studio

Recipe Variations

  • Add depth to the glaze: Balance the sweetness with herbs, spices or other seasonings. Try adding a dash of prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce or vinegar.
  • Use another ham glaze: Swap in your favorite sweet citrus or bourbon ham glaze. If you need inspiration, check out our top Easter ham recipes and Christmas ham recipes.
  • Serve with pineapple: Juicy pineapple pairs exceptionally well with ham. Top the ham steak with pineapple slices or pineapple salsa. You can also add crushed pineapple to the skillet to make pineapple-glazed ham.
  • Use another cooking method: To give the ham a slightly smoky flavor, make a grilled ham steak. To bake it, set it on a baking sheet, and bake in a 350° oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until heated through.

How to Store Ham Steak

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to include any juices that are in the skillet. You can reheat ham steak in the microwave or on the stovetop, or use the extra meat to make leftover ham recipes like split pea soup or breakfast casserole.

Ham Steak Tips

What is ham steak?

Ham steak is sliced from the ham, or the pig’s hind leg. These steaks can be bone-in or boneless and range from 1/2 inch to 2 inches thick. Some butchers sell fresh ham steak, but most ham steaks are cut from a type of ham known as city ham. Ham steak is cured with brine, so you don’t need to add much (or any) salt to it at home. It’s also fully cooked, so it reheats quickly.

How can you tell when ham steak is done cooking?

With ham, it can be a little difficult to tell when it’s done just by looking at it. That’s why it’s good to know the food-safe cooking temperatures when you cook ham. Ham steak is fully cooked when you purchase it, so you should only heat it to 140°. If you cook it longer than that, it will start to get tough and chewy.

What can you serve with ham steaks?

Ham is one of those versatile meats that pretty much pairs with anything and everything. Since we cook this ham steak on the stovetop, it makes sense to serve it with skillet side dishes like green beans or glazed Brussels sprouts. Ham steak also goes well with hearty dishes like mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. For brunch, enjoy it with eggs and breakfast potatoes.

Ham Steak

I need just three ingredients to fix this sweetly seasoned ham steak recipe. It's a quick and easy main dish for brunch or any meal. —Nancy Smits, Markesan, Wisconsin
Sweet Ham Steak Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Makes

6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 bone-in fully cooked ham steak (2 pounds)
  • 5 tablespoons butter, cubed
  • 5 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ham steak on both sides; drain. Remove ham.
  2. In the same skillet, melt the butter; stir in brown sugar. Return ham to skillet; cook until a thermometer reads 140°, turning often.

Nutrition Facts

3 ounces cooked ham: 269 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1157mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 18g protein.