Brown Sugar Ham Steak Recipe

Name: Brown Sugar Ham Steak
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 (8 ounce) bone-in fully cooked ham steak; 5 tablespoons butter, cubed; 5 tablespoons brown sugar

Cook Time: 20 minutes

This recipe is simple yet delicious, perfect for a quick dinner or a special meal. The rich sweetness of brown sugar combined with savory ham creates an irresistible dish that's sure to please.

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) bone-in fully cooked ham steak
5 tablespoons butter, cubed
5 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

Step 1: Gather the ingredients to ensure everything is ready for cooking.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ham steak and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until it is nicely browned.

Step 3: Remove the ham steak from the skillet and drain off any excess fat. Set the ham aside.

Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar and let it dissolve into the butter.

Step 5: Return the ham steak to the skillet, turning it frequently. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and the brown sugar has fully dissolved into the butter, creating a glaze. If the mixture begins to pop or splatter, reduce the heat to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve the ham steak with its sweet glaze, and enjoy your delicious meal!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	521	-
Total Fat	34g	43%
Saturated Fat	20g	100%
Cholesterol	127mg	42%
Sodium	1648mg	72%
Total Carbohydrate	33g	12%
Total Sugars	33g	-
Protein	22g	45%
Vitamin C	37mg	41%
Calcium	41mg	3%
Iron	1mg	8%
Potassium	421mg	9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Brown Sugar Ham Steak Recipe

Brown Sugar Ham Steak

History and Origins

The origins of Brown Sugar Ham Steak can be traced back to the American South, where the practice of glazing meats with sweeteners like brown sugar or honey has long been a staple. Historically, ham has been a popular dish for holidays and special occasions, particularly during Easter and Christmas. The use of sugar in cooking, especially brown sugar, was a way to add both sweetness and a caramelized finish to rich, savory meats like ham. Over time, this simple yet flavorful preparation evolved, and the Brown Sugar Ham Steak became a beloved dish for quick weeknight dinners as well as festive meals.

Regional Variations

While the basic concept of glazing ham with brown sugar is common across many parts of the United States, regional variations add their own twist to the recipe. In the South, for example, it's not uncommon to add spices such as cloves, mustard, or pineapple to the brown sugar glaze. In New England, some might include maple syrup as a sweetener, taking advantage of local produce. Meanwhile, in more modern takes on the dish, chefs might add ingredients like bourbon or apple cider for a richer flavor profile, bringing in regional tastes and seasonal influences.

Distinction from Similar Dishes

Brown Sugar Ham Steak differs from other ham dishes primarily in its simplicity and ease of preparation. Unlike a glazed ham, which typically involves a whole ham roast and an elaborate cooking process, a ham steak is a thinner, individual portion of ham that cooks much more quickly. This makes the recipe ideal for a weeknight meal, as it can be cooked in just 20 minutes. Additionally, the glaze for Brown Sugar Ham Steak is made with just three ingredients: butter, brown sugar, and the ham itself, offering a more straightforward and less time-consuming alternative to the intricate glazes used for whole hams, which often include mustard, vinegar, and spices.

Where is it Typically Served?

Brown Sugar Ham Steak is a versatile dish, perfect for various occasions. It is often served as a quick dinner with side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or salad. The dish is especially popular in American homes for casual meals or festive occasions like Easter, where ham is traditionally featured on the table. Some may even serve it for breakfast or brunch, paired with eggs and toast. The sweet and savory flavors make it an ideal option for many different types of gatherings, whether formal or casual.

Interesting Facts

The brown sugar glaze not only enhances the flavor of the ham but also helps to caramelize the surface of the meat, creating a beautiful golden crust.
Brown Sugar Ham Steak can be cooked in a skillet, making it an ideal dish for those who don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. Its also a great option for smaller households that dont want to cook an entire ham.
In some regions, Brown Sugar Ham Steak is paired with a slice of pineapple, either cooked alongside the ham or served fresh as a garnish, adding a tropical twist to the dish.
There are many variations of the recipe, and its not uncommon for home cooks to add spices like ground cloves, nutmeg, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze for an extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Ham Steak is a deliciously simple yet flavorful dish that blends the rich, savory taste of ham with the sweet, caramelized notes of brown sugar. Perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual dinners to festive celebrations, this dish offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic flavor combination. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with regional variations, it's a dish that's sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and savory.

FAQ about Brown Sugar Ham Steak Recipe

Leftover brown sugar ham steak should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in a skillet or microwave to bring back its flavor and texture.

Yes, you can freeze cooked brown sugar ham steak. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Yes, you can use different types of ham steak, such as smoked, honey-baked, or even boneless ham steaks. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly depending on the type of ham you use.

Brown sugar ham steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad. For a sweeter contrast, you could also serve it with grilled pineapple or applesauce.

To make the glaze thicker, cook it a bit longer to reduce the liquid. If it's too thick, you can add a small amount of water or pineapple juice to thin it out. Just be sure to stir continuously to avoid burning the sugar.

Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like ground cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the glaze. Some people also like to add Dijon mustard or honey for additional sweetness and tang.

If the mixture starts to pop or splatter, reduce the heat immediately. This will help prevent the sugar from burning and make the cooking process safer. Stir the mixture frequently to ensure it melts evenly.

To scale this recipe, simply multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings you need. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly if you are cooking multiple steaks at once, so adjust accordingly. The process for making the glaze remains the same.

Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like Stevia, Truvia, or Monk fruit sweetener if you're looking to reduce sugar intake. However, the flavor and texture of the glaze may vary slightly with substitutes.

To keep the ham steak moist, avoid overcooking it. Make sure to keep the heat at medium-low while cooking, and turn the steak frequently. If necessary, you can add a bit of butter or water to the pan to help retain moisture.

Comments

Man vs Pantry

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I had a 1.25 lbs of some cheap hickory smoked ham steak and a family to feed. I found this and it looked good. To flush out the the recipe, since I had more than double of the amount of ham the recipe asked for, I added 1 tbs of honey, 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, and a dash of ground cloves to imitate those flavors I remembered getting as a kid eating ham at a church dinner. It turned out perfect and my family asked me to add this to my repertoire.

gderr the dysfunctional

08/12/2014 11:24:51 AM

I tried this and it came out very good. I cut the brown sugar back by half and only used enough butter to create a thin sheen on the pan. very quick and good. I served with roasted okra,tomatos and onions.

Jennifer Goldschmidt

04/12/2020 10:37:52 PM

Loved this recipe. Seasoned the ham steak with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Let sit in the fridge for a couple hours. Cooked and cast iron skillet. Added a pinch of ginger and nutmeg. Put in oven for five minutes on each side. Came out perfect!

Khorrie Luther

12/25/2017 03:37:42 PM

Great recipe! I used a grillpan and made the glaze in a seperate pan. I cooked each side for 3 minutes and then started to glaze with each flip. I flipped each side one to two more times ... no more than a total of 5 minutes. The ham was still tender.

Michael

04/18/2015 02:32:01 PM

Did it with a full 1/2" thick ham steak, but added a little some sliced pineapples and about 2 Tbsp of juice to the butter and 1 Tbsp of Dijon mustard to the brown sugar mix. Turned out great!

Barbara

09/27/2015 09:01:33 PM

I too make this all the time! It is a quick weeknight meal. I brown the ham in a little butter then I mix a little yellow mustard with the brown sugar. I baste the ham and then flip so both sides are coated and continue cooking until it caramelizes on the ham. Yum!

Jeannie K

08/26/2015 07:21:14 AM

I have been doing ham like this for years. I usually do smaller pieces and serve with eggs for breakfast. I always add ground cloves. No need to measure, just sprinkle on to your taste. Makes this even more delicious. I do not measure the brown sugar or butter either. This is so easy, enough butter to cover the bottom of the skillet, sugar taste and sprinkle on the cloves. You cannot miss! The longer it cooks it will start to caramelize. Add a little butter if you think it needs some as it cooks. Take it out when you like the doneness. Make a little extra (like bacon), you will want to sample a piece. Yum! :)

J Crowell1

10/27/2016 12:19:28 AM

After reading the reviews I also added mustard and sliced pineapple with some of the pineapple juice. Prepared it just like it said. Served it with scalloped potatoes and peas and carrots. This was awesome! So easy and the kitchen smelled wonderful while I was cooking it. The slices of pineapple caramelized with the ham and it was heavenly. Husband loved it. Will definitely make it again! Thanks for sharing...

Paul

11/27/2023 12:20:42 AM

Fantastic every time! I added ground cloves and honey, per another users recommendation, and it was even better.

Mary Jo

04/06/2019 11:26:38 PM

This recipe is so easy yet so delicious. The only thing I did different was to add about 1/4 c. of pineapple juice and then cubed pineapple chunks in the final 5-7 minutes of cooking. The ham was so moist and tasty, & the pineapple chunks added even more deliciousness. Served with baked potatoes, roasted zucchini, & garden tomatoes. This meal was easy, inexpensive, & delicious. : ) My kind of meal!

Valerie Roman

11/20/2024 07:55:51 PM

Basic to start. If for holiday and you can add ground cloves or place whole cloves in ham along with sugar (Option brown sugar Truvia sugar free). I grill the sliced pineapples to give it more festive. Just an outstanding basic reciepe.

Robert

09/11/2025 07:09:29 PM

My son liked it so much he asked for it again.

Brian Hall

03/20/2025 01:09:36 AM

Quick, simple, and tastes like heaven.

LilacBass3922

01/21/2025 11:04:06 PM

Super tasty and easy. Probably went overboard on the brown sugar, lol. Was great with some canned veggies and mashed potatoes. Wife enjoyed it.

Karin

01/13/2025 04:56:12 PM

Great flavor for its simplicity. 1.5 lb. I trimmed off fat before cooking. I cooked it low and slow turning it often while basting with the brown sugar and butter. When the butter & sugar started to glaze I removed the ham and cooked it longer to cook down water content. The glaze thickens while cooling. This recipe was worth the " gamble" with plenty of buttery sweetness for dipping or pouring the glaze all over it.

Mary

12/16/2024 12:32:55 PM

Used med heat the butter and brown sugar separated. I added the ham and it was popping like crazy even on low heat. Never had this happen to me. It made a mess in the kitchens. It tasted good but a lot of time spent cleaning up. So a 25 minutes turned into an hour.

Thomas Allen

11/26/2024 12:31:36 AM

Super simple and really tasty.

Valerie Roman

11/20/2024 07:55:51 PM

TxCin2

11/02/2024 12:57:12 AM

I used a boneless quarter ham and sliced off a couple of steaks. The glaze was working out fine until it separated into oil and caramel once it started simmering. I even had it on a lower heat to try and prevent that. The sweet glaze went well with the smoky ham, but there was twice as much glaze as it needed. A lot was wasted.

Vicki

10/14/2024 02:51:49 AM

So simple and quick, but moist and delicious!

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

View Recipe

audio version

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Brown Sugar Ham Steak Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

History and Origins

Regional Variations

Distinction from Similar Dishes

Where is it Typically Served?

Interesting Facts

Conclusion

FAQ about Brown Sugar Ham Steak Recipe