Background and History
Ham steaks with maple glaze are a delightful dish that combines the savory richness of ham with the sweet, complex flavors of maple syrup. This dish has roots in traditional American cuisine, where ham and maple syrup have long been staples. Maple syrup, primarily produced in the northeastern United States and Canada, has been used in cooking since Native American times. Pairing it with ham, which has been cured and enjoyed for centuries, creates a perfect blend of sweet and savory that is both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients and Interesting Facts
Ham steaks are cut from the hind leg of a pig and can be found pre-cooked or raw. This recipe uses pre-cooked ham steaks for convenience. Maple syrup, especially the pure kind, adds a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated by artificial syrups. When combined, these ingredients make for a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Recipe Guide
Serves
- 2 people
Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time
- 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ham steaks (about 6-8 ounces each, pre-cooked)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and ground black pepper until well combined.
Cook the Ham Steaks
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
- Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the ham steaks to the skillet.
- Cook the ham steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are lightly browned and heated through.
Glaze the Ham Steaks
- Pour the maple glaze over the ham steaks in the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the ham steaks simmer in the glaze for another 3-4 minutes, basting occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
Serve
- Transfer the glazed ham steaks to plates and spoon any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 1400mg
- Sugars: 18g
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Allergy Warning
- This recipe contains butter, which is a dairy product. If you have a dairy allergy, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or oil.
- Ensure that the ham steaks do not contain any gluten-containing additives if you are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
Do you put glaze on ham before or after cooking?
Glaze is typically added to ham towards the end of the cooking process. For this recipe, the glaze is poured over the ham steaks after they have been browned in the skillet, and then the ham is simmered in the glaze for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How do you get glaze to stick to ham?
To get the glaze to stick to ham, make sure the ham steaks are properly heated and slightly browned before adding the glaze. The heat helps the glaze adhere better. Simmering the ham in the glaze also helps the flavors penetrate and the glaze to thicken, coating the ham evenly.
What to serve with ham steak?
Ham steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Popular choices include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh green salad. For a more hearty meal, you can serve it with mac and cheese or scalloped potatoes.
Why do you need to glaze a ham?
Glazing a ham enhances its flavor and adds a beautiful, shiny finish. The sweet and tangy elements of a glaze complement the salty, savory taste of the ham, creating a more complex and delicious dish.
What makes ham taste better?
Ham tastes better when it is properly cooked and seasoned. Adding a glaze, such as one made with maple syrup, mustard, and spices, elevates the flavor by balancing the ham’s saltiness with sweetness and tanginess. Cooking the ham to the right temperature and letting it rest also helps improve its texture and juiciness.
Do you eat glazed ham hot or cold?
Glazed ham can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Hot glazed ham is delicious as the main course for a meal, while cold glazed ham makes for excellent sandwiches or can be served on a charcuterie board.
Can I glaze a cooked ham?
Yes, you can glaze a cooked ham. In fact, this recipe uses pre-cooked ham steaks. The key is to heat the ham and then add the glaze, allowing it to cook briefly so that the glaze adheres and flavors the ham properly.
What’s the best way to cook ham?
The best way to cook ham depends on the cut and whether it is pre-cooked or raw. For pre-cooked ham steaks, pan-searing them in a skillet and then glazing them is quick and effective. For larger whole hams, baking in the oven and adding the glaze towards the end of cooking ensures the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
How does ham get its flavor?
Ham gets its flavor from the curing process, which involves salting, smoking, or adding other seasonings. The type of cure and any additional spices or glazes used during cooking further enhance its taste, giving it a savory, slightly sweet, and smoky profile.
What to serve with glazed ham?
Glazed ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some great options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean almondine, mac and cheese, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. These sides complement the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of the glazed ham.
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