If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with rich, sweet, and savory flavors, you have to try this Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe. The tender ham steaks get beautifully caramelized in a luscious maple syrup glaze, enhanced with a perfect blend of warm spices and tangy Dijon mustard. It’s a recipe that delivers on both taste and ease, making it an absolute favorite for quick weeknight dinners or a comforting weekend treat. Once you try it, Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe will quickly become your go-to for a satisfying and flavorful meal that feels special but takes hardly any time to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in creating a glaze that’s both sweet and tangy, which complements the smoky ham flawlessly. This small list of pantry staples comes together to ensure your ham steaks come out juicy, flavorful, and beautifully coated.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps brown the ham steaks evenly.
- 16 oz fully cooked ham steaks (two 8 oz steaks): The star of the recipe, providing smoky saltiness and tender texture.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and deep flavor that defines the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances caramelization and creates a sticky, irresistible crust.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce: Infuses umami depth without overpowering the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Introduces a bright, mild acidity for balance.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a gentle savory kick to complement the glaze.
- â…› teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic notes that enhance the maple flavor.
- â…› teaspoon ground cloves: A pinch provides a cozy spiced undertone that rounds out the glaze.
How to Make Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Steaks
Start by taking the ham steaks out of the refrigerator about 10 to 15 minutes before cooking to let them come closer to room temperature. This helps the ham cook more evenly and allows the glaze to adhere better to the surface.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Next, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The butter not only prevents sticking but gives the ham steaks a lovely richness as they brown.
Step 3: Brown the Ham Steaks
Place the ham steaks in the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes total, flipping halfway through. This step develops a slightly crispy, caramelized exterior that perfectly complements the soft interior. The golden edges will be your clue that these are ready for the glaze.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Glaze
While the ham is browning, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. This mixture will become the luscious, sticky glaze that makes this recipe unforgettable.
Step 5: Glaze and Simmer
Pour the glaze over the ham steaks in the skillet. Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Spoon the bubbling glaze over the ham occasionally, allowing it to thicken and coat the steaks with a shiny, flavorful finish.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once the glaze is thick and sticky, the Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe is ready to serve. Grab your plates and get ready for a meal that tastes like it took hours but came together in less than 20 minutes!
How to Serve Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate the dish beautifully. Try sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions on the ham steaks for a pop of fresh color and a subtle herbaceous note that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Side Dishes
Pair your Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad or some steamed green beans add freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the ham. Sweet corn or a light coleslaw also makes a delightful accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the glazed ham steaks on a large wooden board garnished with orange slices and rosemary sprigs. You can also slice the ham and arrange it atop buttered egg noodles or even use it in sandwiches for a delicious take on leftovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for an easy, quick meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked ham steaks covered in the glaze by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ham steaks will maintain their best quality for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the ham steaks in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a little splash of water or maple syrup if the glaze looks dry, and cover to keep the moisture locked in. Reheat slowly to preserve the ham’s juicy texture and glaze shine.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ham instead of pre-cooked ham steaks?
This Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe works best with fully cooked ham steaks since they only need to be warmed and glazed. Using fresh, uncooked ham would require additional cooking time and could alter the texture and saltiness of the dish.
What can I substitute for maple syrup if I don’t have any?
If you’re out of maple syrup, honey or molasses are good substitutes that will still provide sweetness and a sticky glaze. Keep in mind honey is milder while molasses has a stronger, deeper flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to keep this Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
How thick should the ham steaks be for best results?
Ham steaks around ¾ to 1 inch thick work best because they cook evenly and develop a nice browned crust without drying out. Thinner cuts may become too salty or tough.
Can I add other spices to the glaze for a twist?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky hint or a bit of ground ginger for extra warmth. Just keep the spice additions light to maintain balance in the classic glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Glazed Ham Steaks Recipe is a charming way to enjoy a flavorful, fuss-free meal that feels both comforting and a little special. Its wonderfully sticky glaze and perfectly browned ham steaks come together with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Once you make this dish, it’ll become one of your quick favorites to share with family and friends anytime you want a simple dinner packed with big flavor. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Maple Glazed Ham Steaks recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy fully cooked ham steaks enhanced with a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, the ham is pan-seared to develop a light caramelized crust and then simmered in a luscious maple syrup and brown sugar sauce infused with Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ham Steaks
- 16 oz fully cooked ham steaks (2, 8 oz steaks work best)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Maple Glaze
- 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
- â…› teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Prepare Ham Steaks: Remove the ham steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps them heat evenly during cooking.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat until fully melted and shimmering.
- Cook Ham Steaks: Place the ham steaks in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Cook until both sides are lightly browned and caramelized.
- Make the Glaze: While the ham cooks, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, low sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves in a small bowl until well combined.
- Simmer with Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze over the ham steaks in the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, occasionally spooning the thickened sauce over the ham to coat it evenly and develop a glossy finish.
- Serve: Once the glaze is thickened and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat and serve the maple glazed ham steaks immediately for best flavor and texture. Enjoy!
Notes
- Letting the ham steaks rest before cooking ensures they warm through evenly without drying out.
- You can substitute low sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- The glaze can be made a day ahead and gently reheated with the ham for convenience.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Adjust spices like cinnamon and cloves to taste if you prefer a subtler or stronger flavor profile.
