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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!

ham steak on plate with green beans.

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:

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Ingredients

a ham steak on a white plate next to sweet potatoes and green beans.

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.

  1. Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
butter melting in a skillet.

a ham steak cooking in a skillet.
  1. Add the ham steak and cook for 4 minutes.
a ham steak cooked on one side and now cooking on the other.
  1. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

brown sugar melting in butter in a skillet.
  1. 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.
a brown sugar glaze poured over a ham steak on a white plate.
  1. 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.

a fork holding a piece of ham.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of ham steak should I buy?

Look for one labeled “fully cooked,” “cured,” or “hickory smoked.” Avoid raw or uncooked ham steaks unless you plan to cook them thoroughly.

Can I make this ham steak recipe without the glaze?

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.

How do I store and reheat leftover ham steak?

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.

Why did my brown sugar glaze harden?

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!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

How To Cook A Ham Steak

4.95 from 36 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Cooking a ham steak on the stove is quick and easy. In just 15 minutes, you can pan-fry a juicy, flavorful ham steak and top it with a rich brown sugar glaze. It’s an easy meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, all made in one skillet.
Save this Recipe!
Get this recipe sent to your inbox, plus get weekly recipes from us – all for free.

Watch How To Make This

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter -divided
  • 1 (8-ounce) boneless, fully cooked ham steak
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 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

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 441kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 140mg, Sodium: 1503mg, Potassium: 23mg, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 700IU, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 1mg

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.

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Welcome!

Iโ€™m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, Iโ€™m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad youโ€™re here!

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4.95 from 36 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




22 Comments

  1. J. Hegyi says:

    Terrific recipe.

  2. teachermrw says:

    Very tasty! My brother and I enjoyed the ham very much. Thank you for sharing.

  3. mindy goldberg says:

    love your recipes. I always double the recipe for another meal. Too much trouble for just one serving. Thanks for all you do!

  4. Andronic says:

    That was a perfect addition for dinner. I used the double and split the ham steak in 8 ounces. We had eggs and potatoes. Iโ€™m going to make that again. Thank you!
    Happy New Year!

  5. Frank Boni says:

    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!

  6. Louise says:

    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.

  7. Lorraine says:

    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)