If you’re searching for a comforting meal that bursts with sweet and savory notes, this Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines the rich, smoky flavor of ham steaks with a luscious maple glaze that has just the right balance of sweetness and spice. With straightforward ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Every bite is juicy and tender, coated with a sticky glaze that will have you coming back for seconds — trust me, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe lies in its simplicity, yet every component plays a vital role in creating that perfect flavor harmony. From the creamy butter that helps caramelize the ham, to the blend of spices that add depth and warmth, these ingredients are essential for a dazzling finish.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the ham for a rich, golden crust without adding saltiness.
- Fully cooked ham steaks (16 oz total): Choose two 8-ounce slices for even cooking and the best texture.
- Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness with a subtle hint of woodsy flavor that’s perfect for glazing.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Enhances caramelization and brings a deeper molasses note.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Provides a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Low sodium soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness without overpowering.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon): Brightens the glaze with a mild acidity that cuts through richness.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Lends a subtle savory warmth without overwhelming the glaze.
- Ground cinnamon (⅛ teaspoon): Brings a gentle spice that adds warmth and complexity.
- Ground cloves (⅛ teaspoon): Offers a fragrant, slightly sweet spiciness that complements the ham perfectly.
How to Make Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Steaks
Begin by taking your ham steaks out of the refrigerator about 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. This allows them to reach room temperature, ensuring they cook evenly and retain their juiciness during the cooking process. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Step 2: Brown the Ham
Melt a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly sizzling, lay the ham steaks in the pan. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes in total, flipping halfway so each side achieves a beautiful light brown crust. This not only enhances the flavor but gives the ham a pleasant, slightly crispy texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Glaze Ingredients
While the ham cooks, grab a small bowl and whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cloves. This blend will create a glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and fragrant — everything you want for this dish.
Step 4: Add the Glaze and Simmer
Pour the glaze mixture directly over the ham steaks in the skillet. Lower the heat slightly and let everything simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Spoon the bubbling glaze over the ham occasionally, letting it thicken and coat the steaks in a sticky, glossy finish. The aroma at this point is absolutely mouthwatering!
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once the glaze has thickened and is clinging nicely to the ham, it’s time to plate up. Serve your ham steaks right away for the best taste and texture — the glaze will be at its most deliciously sticky and flavorful.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
Add a pop of fresh color and a slight herbaceous note by garnishing your maple glazed ham steaks with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or sliced green onions can also add wonderful texture and an extra layer of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the glaze.
Side Dishes
This Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes help soak up the luscious glaze, while sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a crisp, fresh balance. For a sweeter contrast, try a simple apple coleslaw or baked sweet potatoes — all fantastic options that bring harmony to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to dress this dish up for guests? Slice the ham steaks into medallions and stack them on a platter, drizzling extra glaze over the top. Serve with a colorful vegetable medley around the edges for an impressive, inviting presentation. You could even serve the ham on toasted baguette slices as warm appetizers — trust me, everyone will want the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover maple glazed ham steaks in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days and remain juicy and flavorful enough for reheating.
Freezing
If you want to keep the ham steaks longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Stored this way, they should last for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain their texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftover ham steaks gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning any remaining glaze over the top to keep them moist. You can also warm them in the microwave, but be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Reheat just until warmed through for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fully cooked ham steaks work best for this recipe due to their thickness and flavor, but you can use leftover ham slices or even a ham roast cut into thick slices. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat stays tender.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can use honey or a light corn syrup as a replacement. Keep in mind that honey will lend a more floral sweetness, while corn syrup is more neutral. Maple syrup does provide the signature flavor, so it’s worth using when possible.
How do I make sure the glaze thickens properly?
Simmering the glaze on medium-low heat and occasionally spooning it over the ham allows it to reduce and thicken to that perfect syrupy texture. Avoid turning the heat too high or cooking for too long, as the sugar can burn and give a bitter taste.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it, but it’s best to cook the ham steaks fresh before serving to maintain their juicy texture. Simply reheat the glaze and finish cooking the ham when you’re ready to eat.
What wine pairs well with maple glazed ham steaks?
A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a fruity white such as Riesling complements the sweetness and spices of the glaze beautifully. The acidity in these wines balances the richness while enhancing the complex flavor of the ham.
Final Thoughts
Making the Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe at home is like inviting a warm hug to your dinner table. It’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself. I hope you enjoy the sweet and savory magic in every bite and find as much joy making it as you do eating it. Go ahead, give it a try and watch this humble dish become a star in your recipe collection!
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Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Maple Glazed Ham Steaks recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory twist on fully cooked ham steaks. With a glaze made from maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices, these ham steaks are pan-seared to a perfect golden brown and then simmered in a rich glaze for a quick and flavorful meal ideal for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ham Steaks
- 16 oz fully cooked ham steaks (2, 8 oz steaks work best)
Glaze
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham Steaks: Pull ham steaks out of the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature for even cooking.
- Melt Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat to create the cooking base for the ham.
- Cook Ham Steaks: Place the ham steaks into the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to lightly brown both sides, creating a flavorful crust.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, low sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Glaze and Simmer: Pour the glaze mixture over the ham steaks in the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes, spooning it over the ham steaks occasionally, until the glaze thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the glazed ham steaks immediately while warm and flavorful. Enjoy!
Notes
- Allowing the ham steaks to rest at room temperature prevents uneven cooking.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to keep the dish from becoming too salty.
- You can double the glaze ingredients for more sauce if desired.
- Serve with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
