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Cooking a ham steak on the stove couldn’t be easier! In just 15 minutes, you can have a juicy, savory ham steak pan-fried to perfection and topped with a delicious brown sugar glaze. It’s the perfect meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and so simple to make in a single skillet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with simple pantry staples.
- Perfect for One: A single ham steak provides rich, smoky flavor without the hassle of a large roast or extra leftovers.
- Sweet & Savory: The brown sugar glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness.
I love how easy it is to cook a glazed ham steak on the stove—it comes together fast and tastes incredible. A ham steak is simply a thick slice from a whole ham, giving you all the flavor without the hassle of a large roast. With a quick sear and a simple glaze, you have a hearty, satisfying meal in minutes.
If you have a little ham leftover, use it in these recipes:
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this brown sugar glazed ham steak recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Ham steak: Use a fully cooked, 8-ounce ham steak, typically found near the bacon in the meat section. Check for labels like “fully cooked,” “cured,” or “hickory smoked.” Uncooked ham steaks won’t work for this recipe.
- Butter: Searing the ham in 1 tablespoon of butter enhances its flavor.
- Cinnamon and brown sugar: These ingredients create a sweet, spiced glaze. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while cinnamon brings warmth, making the ham steak even more flavorful.
Recipe Variations
This ham steak recipe is easy to customize—try one of these variations to change up the flavor:
- Spicy Glaze: Swap the brown sugar and cinnamon for a mix of hot sauce and maple syrup for a sweet heat.
- Mustard Glaze: Stir a spoonful of Dijon mustard into the glaze for a tangy twist.
- Pineapple-Topped: Cook the ham with pineapple slices for a sweet, tangy flavor.
How To Cook Ham Steak On A Stove
These photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to cook ham steak. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ham steak and cook for 4 minutes.
- Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the glaze over the ham steak and serve.
Expert Tips
- Read the Recipe First: Check the ingredient notes and steps before you start to ensure the best results.
- Room Temperature Ham: Let the ham sit out for 15 minutes before cooking for even heating.
- Preheat the Skillet: A hot pan gives the ham a better sear.
- Glaze is Optional: Skip the brown sugar glaze if you prefer a plain ham steak.
- Freeze for Later: Ham steaks freeze well for up to 3 months—stock up when they’re on sale.
What To Serve With Ham Steak
Pair your ham steak with a delicious side to make it a complete meal. Here are a few great options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for one labeled “fully cooked,” “cured,” or “hickory smoked.” Avoid raw or uncooked ham steaks unless you plan to cook them thoroughly.
Yes, you can cook the ham steak on its own for a simple, savory dish. You can also brush it with a little maple syrup or honey for a lighter glaze.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side, or warm it in the microwave in short intervals to avoid drying it out.
The glaze likely cooked too long or over too high heat. The butter should melt, and the brown sugar should dissolve into a smooth glaze in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Keep the heat at medium and watch closely to prevent it from hardening.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this glazed ham steak or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
How To Cook A Ham Steak
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter -divided
- 1 (8-ounce) boneless, fully cooked ham steak
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Melt ½ tablespoon of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ham steak and cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the glaze over the ham steak and serve.
Notes
- Read the Recipe First: Check the ingredient notes and steps before you start to ensure the best results.
- Room Temperature Ham: Let the ham sit out for 15 minutes before cooking for even heating.
- Preheat the Skillet: A hot pan gives the ham a better sear.
- Glaze is Optional: Skip the brown sugar glaze if you prefer a plain ham steak.
- Freeze for Later: Ham steaks freeze well for up to 3 months—stock up when they’re on sale.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Terrific recipe.
Very tasty! My brother and I enjoyed the ham very much. Thank you for sharing.
love your recipes. I always double the recipe for another meal. Too much trouble for just one serving. Thanks for all you do!
That was a perfect addition for dinner. I used the double and split the ham steak in 8 ounces. We had eggs and potatoes. I’m going to make that again. Thank you!
Happy New Year!
I thinly slice my ham steak, sprinkle it with seasonings, and fry it in melted butter, along with thinly sliced onions and bell pepper for about 3-4 minutes. I stack ham, onions, and peppers in the center of the fry pan, and top th stack with 2 slices of Provolone cheese, and cook for another minute, until cheese starts to melt. Then, with an appropriate spatula, I carefully lift the pile of ham, onions, peppers, and cheese, and lay it on the bottom half of a warmed hoagie bun cut in half. Top with the top half of the bun, and Voila! You have a Philly Ham Steak Sandwich! Delicious!
Just made this for my Mom and myself for lunch. It was a big hit served with scalloped potatoes and cream corn. Small amounts of leftovers. Just enough for a small snack this afternoon. Thank you for easy recipes that are delicious and small amounts that don’t overwhelm.
Thank you Joanie – always looking for a single serving – going to make this tonight with some Scalloped Potatoes – thank you – Happy Canada Day and Happy 1st of July (US)