Honey Mustard Ham Steaks

Honey Mustard Ham Steaks are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a tangy mustard kick and the richness of ham. Quick and easy to make, this dish is great for a weeknight dinner or even a special brunch. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these ham steaks will become a favorite on your table!

Personal Story & Background:

Ham steaks have always been a comforting dish in my family. Growing up, we’d have them for special occasions like Easter or Christmas, but I loved them so much that I’d ask for them any time of the year. The sweetness of honey mixed with the tang of mustard just works so perfectly with the saltiness of the ham, and it’s a combination that never gets old.

I remember my mom making a simple honey mustard glaze for the ham steaks when I was younger, and it instantly became a family favorite. I’ve taken that same basic idea and added a few little tweaks to make it my own. The best part? It takes hardly any time to cook and you’re left with an incredible flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredient Notes:

• Ham Steaks: I prefer using bone-in ham steaks because they have more flavor, but boneless ham steaks will work just as well. You can also use leftover ham slices, though you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
• Honey: The star of the glaze! It adds a sweet contrast to the mustard. Use good-quality honey for the best flavor. I like a light, mild honey, but any variety you enjoy will work.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard is my go-to because of its smooth and tangy flavor, but you can use yellow mustard for a milder flavor or whole grain mustard for a bit more texture.
• Butter: A little butter adds richness to the glaze and helps it stick to the ham steaks. You can substitute with olive oil if you want a lighter version.
• Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar helps enhance the sweetness of the honey and balances out the tanginess of the mustard.
• Garlic Powder and Black Pepper: These spices add depth to the glaze and bring a savory edge to the ham steaks.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste the glaze and adjust the sweetness or tanginess if necessary by adding more honey or mustard, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Cook the Ham Steaks

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once the butter is sizzling, add the ham steaks to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely browned. The ham should be heated through and have a slight caramelization on the outside.

Step 3: Glaze the Ham Steaks

Once the ham steaks are cooked, pour the honey mustard glaze over the steaks in the pan. Let it simmer for a minute or two, turning the steaks in the glaze to coat them evenly. The sauce should thicken slightly and create a beautiful, glossy finish on the ham.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the ham steaks from the pan and serve them immediately. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the steaks for extra flavor. These honey mustard ham steaks are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

1. Don’t overcook the ham: Ham steaks are already fully cooked, so you’re really just heating them through and caramelizing the glaze. Overcooking can dry them out, so keep an eye on them.
2. Glaze adjustments: If you like a more tangy glaze, add more mustard. For a sweeter glaze, add a little extra honey or brown sugar. You can also experiment by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Searing: Get your skillet nice and hot before adding the ham steaks. This helps caramelize the glaze and gives the steaks a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Serving Suggestions:

Honey Mustard Ham Steaks are so versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. They pair well with roasted potatoes, sautéed greens like spinach or kale, or even a fresh potato salad. For a lighter meal, serve them with a simple mixed green salad and a tangy vinaigrette.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftover ham steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend doing so gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the ham from drying out. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals, but be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use leftover ham for this recipe? Yes! If you have leftover ham, you can simply skip the searing step and just heat it through in the pan with the glaze. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers into a delicious meal.
2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the honey mustard glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm it up a bit before using it on the ham steaks.
3. Can I make these ham steaks on the grill? Yes, grilling the ham steaks is a fantastic option! Just brush the glaze on during the last few minutes of grilling to give the steaks a nice caramelized coating.

Conclusion:

These Honey Mustard Ham Steaks are an easy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. With a simple yet delicious glaze and tender ham, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion—whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate holiday spread. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness. Let me know how it turns out or if you make any fun tweaks to the glaze in the comments below!

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