The short answer: Ham steaks are thick slices cut from a ham. Most are sold fully cooked. Cooking them just means heating them through and browning the outside.
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Pan-fry a ham steak over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or bake it at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until it reaches 140°F, then finish with a brown sugar glaze. Below are cook times for every method and a glaze recipe. You'll also find safe temperatures and easy sides for a 15-minute dinner.
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Ham steak cook times
| Method | Temperature | Time (1/2-inch steak) | Time (1-inch steak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skillet | Medium heat | 3 to 4 min per side | 5 to 6 min per side |
| Oven | 350°F, covered | 12 to 15 min | 18 to 20 min |
| Air fryer | 380°F | 6 to 8 min, flip once | 8 to 10 min, flip once |
| Grill | Medium heat | 3 to 4 min per side | 4 to 5 min per side |
| Broiler | High, 4 inches from heat | 3 min per side | 4 to 5 min per side |
Times are for fully cooked ham. Always check with a thermometer.
Safe temperatures for ham steaks
| Type of ham | Label says | Cook or reheat to |
|---|---|---|
| Fully cooked ham steak | "Fully cooked" or "ready to eat" | 140°F |
| Raw (fresh) ham steak | "Cook before eating" or "fresh" | 145°F, then rest 3 minutes |
| Cooked ham repackaged at the store, or leftovers | Store label or none | 165°F |
The USDA's guide to hams and food safety explains these label terms. FoodSafety.gov's temperature chart lists 145°F for fresh ham and 140°F for reheating cooked ham packaged in a USDA-inspected plant, and 165°F for any other cooked ham.
How to cook ham steaks in a skillet
- Pat it dry. Blot the ham steak with paper towels so it browns instead of steams. Cut a few small slits in the fat edge so it doesn't curl.
- Heat the pan. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the first side. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, until golden.
- Flip and glaze. Flip, then spoon the glaze over the top.
- Finish. Cook 3 to 5 minutes more, until the center reaches 140°F and the glaze is bubbly.
- Serve. Cut into portions and spoon the pan sauce over the top.
Brown sugar ham steak glaze
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter, melted | 1 tablespoon |
| Pineapple or orange juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cloves (optional) | A pinch |
Stir everything together and add it in the last 1 to 2 minutes so the sugar doesn't burn. Other easy glazes are honey and mustard, maple and black pepper, or apricot jam with a splash of vinegar.
What to serve with ham steaks
| Side | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Scalloped potatoes | The classic pairing |
| Mac and cheese | Creamy and kid-friendly |
| Green beans | Quick and fresh |
| Pineapple rings | Sear them in the same pan |
| Fried eggs and biscuits | Ham steak breakfast or brunch |
| Baked sweet potatoes | Sweet with the salty ham |
Tips for juicy ham steaks
- Buy thick steaks. A 1/2-inch to 1-inch steak stays juicier than a thin slice.
- Use medium heat. High heat dries the ham before the center is warm.
- Add the glaze late. Sugar burns fast.
- Use a thermometer. Pull the steak at 140°F.
- Rest it briefly. Let it sit for 2 minutes before you cut it.
- Use the pan juices. Spoon them over the ham right before serving.
Ways to use leftover ham steak
- Dice it into scalloped potatoes and ham
- Add it to fried rice or omelets
- Stir it into split pea or bean soup
- Use it in grilled cheese or breakfast sandwiches
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use them within 3 to 4 days.
Plan a quick ham steak dinner
As the oldest of three, I've always been the one keeping the family plan together, and a few 15-minute dinners on the plan make busy nights easier.
- Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99): put ham steak night on the plan and shop for it with everything else.
- Family Recipe Binder ($6.99): save your favorite glaze and sides.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you cook ham steaks? Cook ham steaks in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until browned and hot in the center. Most ham steaks are already cooked, so you're just heating them to 140°F and caramelizing the outside.
Are ham steaks already cooked? Most ham steaks sold in grocery stores are fully cooked, and the label says 'fully cooked' or 'ready to eat.' If the label says 'cook before eating' or 'fresh ham,' it's raw and must reach 145°F with a 3-minute rest.
How long do you cook ham steaks in the oven? Bake ham steaks at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, covered with foil, until they reach 140°F. Brush on glaze and bake uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
How long do you cook ham steaks in a skillet? Cook a 1/2-inch ham steak in a skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side, and a 1-inch steak for 5 to 6 minutes per side, over medium heat.
What is a good glaze for ham steaks? A good ham steak glaze is 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of butter, with a splash of pineapple or orange juice. Spoon it over the steak in the last minute of cooking.
How do you keep ham steaks from drying out? Keep ham steaks from drying out by cooking them over medium heat, not high, adding a splash of liquid or glaze, and pulling them as soon as they're hot. Ham is already cooked, so extra time only dries it.
Can you cook ham steaks in an air fryer? Yes, air fry ham steaks at 380°F for 6 to 8 minutes if they're 1/2 inch thick or 8 to 10 minutes if they're 1 inch thick, flipping halfway, until browned and heated to 140°F.
Can you grill ham steaks? Yes, grill ham steaks over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side, brushing with glaze in the last 2 minutes so the sugar doesn't burn.
What goes with ham steaks? Ham steaks go well with scalloped or mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, corn, baked sweet potatoes, pineapple, fried eggs or biscuits. They also work for breakfast or brunch.
How long do cooked ham steaks last in the fridge? Cooked ham steaks last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. An unopened, vacuum-sealed package can last longer, so check its use-by date.
How much ham steak per person? Plan about 4 to 6 ounces of ham steak per person. A typical 1-pound ham steak feeds 3 to 4 people.
How do I add a quick ham steak dinner to my week? Ham steaks cook in about 10 minutes, so they're a good busy-night dinner. The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has a weekly plan and a grocery list so the ham and sides are bought on one trip.
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Sources
- USDA FSIS: Hams and food safety fsis.usda.gov
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures foodsafety.gov