Ham steaks offer a unique balance of flavor, versatility, and convenience. They’re great on their own or as part of an omelet, sandwich, or other meal. If you’re like us, you prefer your ham steaks smoked - there’s nothing like the flavor of smoked ham, after all.
We’ll walk you through how to cook smoked ham steaks below so that you can spoil yourself, your family, or any guests with a tasty, tender meal. From baking to grilling, recipes, sides, and more - we’ll cover everything you need to know below.
But what if we told you that you could enjoy the delicious, smoky flavor without all the hassle of actually cooking the meat yourself? Here at Mahogany Smoked Meats we have delicious ham steaks for sale so you can skip to the good part and indulge.
These are cut from our premium ham and slow-smoked to perfection using our unique mahogany lumber for a one-of-a-kind flavor and texture experience. They arrive fully cooked so you can just warm them up and enjoy!
Why We Love Smoked Ham Steaks
Don’t get us wrong, we love smoked bone-in ham and smoked boneless ham but the individually cut steaks are just so much more convenient. That’s not all either - here are some of the reasons we love smoked ham steaks:
- Rich Flavor: You get savory depth from the smoking process that enhances the natural taste of the meat, so each bite is as deliciously satisfying as the last.
- Versatility: These steaks shine in a variety of dishes, from hearty breakfasts paired with eggs to elegant dinners alongside roasted vegetables, demonstrating their flexibility across meals. We even use ham steaks in our sandwiches!
- Convenience: Typically pre-cooked, smoked ham steaks can be quickly heated and served, saving time in the kitchen without compromising on quality.
However, it’s important to note that not all smoked ham steaks are created equal - and there is a lot of uncertainty regarding whether they’re fully cooked or not. Don’t worry, you can enjoy peace of mind at Mahogany Smoked Meats knowing you’re getting a safe, delicious meal!
Is a Smoked Ham Steak Fully Cooked?
Food safety is not something that can be taken lightly. You may be wondering - is a smoked ham steak fully cooked? It all depends. Ours certainly are here at Mahogany Smoked Meats, which is a huge part of their appeal.
However, there are also many non-cured meats that are simply smoked for flavor that still need to be cooked thoroughly before you can eat them. Being able to tell between the two varieties is essential.
You can typically tell right away which you’re dealing with by looking at the packaging at the store or the product description online. Watch for words like “fully cooked” or “ready to eat” which indicate the only necessary preparation is reheating.
That being said, we’ll walk you through how to cook ham steaks below regardless of which approach you take.
How to Cook Ham Steaks: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to impress your family or friends and put your culinary skills on display? Even if this is your first time cooking ham steaks, you’ll feel confident in your ability to bring out the best of your ham’s flavor and texture with these tips.
Choosing Your Smoked Ham Steaks
Being able to spot high-quality ham steaks sets you up for success in preparing this meal. Look for a consistent pink color which indicates proper smoking and freshness. A moist (not wet) appearance is another indicator of quality.
Fat around the meat should be white or very pale pink. Yellowing fat might suggest the meat is older. You can also feel the meat, it should be firm to the touch rather than soggy.
As we’ve said a few times throughout this guide on how to cook ham steaks, the most consistent, reliable ham steaks are a few clicks away at Mahogany Smoked Meats.
We source our meats responsibly and have more than 100 years of experience in smoking so you can rest assured you’re getting the delicious, safe meat you deserve!
The Role of Marinades, Rubs, and Glazes
Although smoked ham steaks are already packed with flavor from the smoking process, marinades, rubs, and glazes can enhance this flavor and add a personal touch to your meal. Here’s the role each plays in preparing your ham steaks:
- Marinades: These help to tenderize the ham steak further and infuse it with additional flavors. Ingredients like pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, or mustard can complement the smoky taste with a hint of sweetness or tanginess. Soak the ham steaks in the marinade for at least an hour before cooking or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor infusion.
- Rubs: These are a quick way to season your ham steaks before cooking. A simple rub might include brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Apply the rub evenly over the surface of the ham steaks, pressing gently to adhere it to the meat for a flavorful crust as the steak cooks.
- Glazes: Applying a glaze towards the end of cooking can add a rich, caramelized layer to the ham steak. Common glaze ingredients include honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar mixed with spices such as cloves or cinnamon. Brush the glaze onto the ham steaks in the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to bubble and thicken without burning.
Now - whether you choose to include one of these techniques or enjoy them as is, let’s get into how to cook smoked ham steaks in three different ways, starting with good ol’ pan frying.
Pan-Frying Ham Steaks
This is a quick and easy way to bring out the rich flavors of smoked ham steaks. It not only heats the ham thoroughly but also enhances its smoky flavor with a satisfying outer crust.
- Start by heating a medium to large skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan to prevent sticking and infuse a slight richness to the ham.
- Place the ham steak in the skillet once the butter starts to sizzle, cooking it for about 4 minutes on each side or until the outside is golden and caramelized.
Grilling Ham Steaks
The grill adds a delightful char and smoky depth that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. The direct heat quickly sears the exterior to lock in juices and create a slightly crisp texture. This method is ideal for adding a summer vibe to your meal and pairs perfectly with fresh, vibrant sides:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- If your ham steaks have a glaze or marinade, brush them lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the steaks directly on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Baking Ham Steaks
Baking is a hands-off approach that works well for thicker cuts or when cooking multiple ham steaks at once. Not only is it more convenient, but it also infuses the ham with flavors from a marinade or glaze, as the enclosed space helps to circulate the aromas and tastes:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (175°C).
- Arrange the ham steaks in a single layer in a baking dish. You can add a splash of water, broth, or apple juice to the bottom of the dish to keep the ham moist and tender during baking.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Ensuring the Meat is Fully Cooked
Whichever of these three methods you employ, food safety is paramount. Take the time to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of your steak every so often and ensure it’s at least 140°F.
You can also look for visual cues as an indicator of doneness. It should change from a pinkish color to a more golden-brown hue. The edges may start to curl up slightly as the meat reaches the ideal temperature.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
The hard part (if you want to call it that) is over - now, it’s just a matter of serving your ham streaks along with other sides for the full experience.
Traditional plating with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or glazed carrots works great. Or, you can enhance a fresh salad by topping it with strips of warm ham steak. This works great with spinach or mixed green salads dressed with a vinaigrette or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
One of our personal favorite ways to use ham steaks is with breakfast. Slice the ham steak into smaller pieces and serve with eggs, toast, and hash browns. The ham can be a savory counterpoint to a sweet component like pancakes or French toast.
Storing Left Over Ham Steaks
Whether you’re storing leftover ham steaks for use in breakfast the next day or for your sandwiches at lunch, let them cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours after cooking. This minimizes the risk of bacteria growth that could lead to food poisoning.
Place the leftover ham steaks in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. A good seal is key to keeping moisture in, and oxygen out.
They can last up to 3-4 stays in this state in the refrigerator, or you can freeze them for longer-term storage. This can save them for a few months when frozen correctly. You’ll just need to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking them.
Experience the Ultimate in Flavor and Convenience With Pre-Smoked Ham Steaks at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
There you have it - everything you need to know about how to cook ham steaks. The only thing left to do now is pick up the tastiest, most convenient ham steaks available right here online at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
Since 1922 we’ve been refining our techniques and consistently overdelivering for our customers. While a lot has changed over the past 100 years, our commitment to quality is stronger than ever.
We source our meat from the most elite farms around. These steaks are hand-selected and then delicately trimmed before they’re put through our one-of-a-kind mahogany wood smoking process.
This imparts a flavor unlike anything you’ve ever tried before. The smoke works its magic for 24 hours to ensure the end result is as tender and tasty as possible.
Each stake weighs around 1 pound and is cut to ½ inch thick for consistent quality and easy preparation. They arrive at your doorstep individually packaged and ready to enjoy. Just warm them up and enjoy as is or infuse them with your own personal flair!
Your order is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee so you don’t have to worry abou what you’re buying, either. You can trust that you’ll love it or your money back! So, as we wrap up our guide on cooking ham steaks, place your order today and taste the difference firsthand.
Wrapping Up Our Guide on How to Cook Smoked Ham Steaks
As you can see, learning how to cook ham steaks can be as simple as ordering a pre-smoked pack from Mahogany Smoked Meats and simply warming it in the oven and enjoying it as is.
Or, you can buy smoked ham steaks that still need to be cooked and use one of the three methods we’ve highlighted today - pan-frying, grilling, or baking.
No matter which approach you take, just be sure to heat them correctly to maintain flavor and juiciness while maintaining food safety. An internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit is deemed safe.
You won’t have to stress about this when you shop with us, though, as our steaks are pre-cooked and ready to enjoy - just warm them up!
We don’t just have pre-smoked ham steaks, though. You can find a wide variety of tantalizing varieties to add to your regular rotation or consider for your next big gathering:
Otherwise, order your ham steaks today at Mahogany Smoked Meats and experience the flavorful difference firsthand. We’re confident you’ll be back for more!
