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Simple, easy pan-fried ham steak with smoky paprika and turmeric for a delicious, easy, and hearty ham steak everyone loves!
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Smoky Paprika Ham Steaks
Easy smoked paprika and turmeric pan-fried ham steaks are a quick and flavorful dish that brings a delightful twist to traditional ham.
The combination of smoky paprika and earthy turmeric infuses the ham with a unique depth of flavor, complemented by a subtle hint of spiciness. Pan-frying adds a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
These ham steaks are perfect for a simple yet satisfying meal, making them a versatile option for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Whether served with eggs, veggies, or as a standalone dish, these ham steaks are sure to please your taste buds with their rich and smoky goodness!
How to Make Skillet Ham Steaks
- Ham Steak: The star of the dish, the ham steak, provides a savory and smoky flavor. Depending on whether it’s bone-in or boneless, it may have varying degrees of tenderness and juiciness.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor and a vibrant reddish color to the ham steak. It enhances the overall smokiness of the dish and gives it a pleasant earthy depth.
- Smoked Turmeric: Smoked turmeric complements the smokiness of the paprika while adding a warm, slightly bitter, and earthy flavor. It also provides a lovely golden hue to the dish.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder contributes a mild garlicky taste and aroma to the ham steak. It enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering it.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder brings a subtle oniony essence to the ham steak, adding depth and complexity to the seasoning.
- Brown Sugar (Optional): Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and smoky flavors in the dish. It can enhance the overall taste, but it’s optional if you prefer a less sweet profile.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings are essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the recipe. They provide a well-rounded and satisfying taste.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil serves as a carrier for the spices, allowing them to adhere to the ham steak while also contributing a hint of fruity flavor.
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Grill or Stovetop Grill Pan:
- If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F/190-200°C). If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Rub:
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, smoked turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the spice rub.
- Rub the Ham Steak:
- Place the ham steak on a clean plate or tray.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the ham steak and rub it evenly on both sides.
- Sprinkle the spice rub over the ham steak, pressing it into the meat to adhere.
- Grill the Ham Steak:
- Place the seasoned ham steak on the preheated grill or grill pan.
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until grill marks form, and the ham is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the ham steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice it into portions, and it’s ready to serve.
- Optional Glaze:
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can brush the ham steak with a glaze made from a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Skillet Ham Steaks
Choose the Right Ham Steak: Select a ham steak that suits your preference, whether it’s bone-in or boneless. Bone-in ham steaks tend to have more flavor and may take a bit longer to cook, while boneless ones are easier to handle.
Trim the Fat: If your ham steak has excess fat, trim it to your liking. Leaving a thin layer of fat can add flavor, but too much can make the steak greasy.
Season Generously: Ham steaks can benefit from a variety of seasonings. In addition to the smoked paprika and smoked turmeric, consider experimenting with herbs, spices, or marinades that you enjoy. Let the ham steak sit with the seasonings for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheat the Pan: Ensure your skillet or grill is preheated before adding the ham steak. This helps create a flavorful sear on the surface.
Use High Heat: Ham steaks are best cooked quickly over high heat to develop a nice crust while keeping the interior moist. Sear each side for a few minutes until it’s browned to your liking.
Baste with Marinade: If you’ve prepared a marinade, reserve some for basting during cooking. Brush the ham steak with the marinade to add extra flavor and keep it moist.
Don’t Overcook: Ham steaks are already precooked, so avoid overcooking, which can result in a dry and tough texture. Cook until the internal temperature reaches around 140-145°F (60-63°C) for optimal juiciness.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked ham steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps it tender.
Pair with Complementary Sides: Consider serving your ham steak with sides that complement its flavors. For example, a sweet glaze pairs well with savory sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Experiment with Glazes: If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, try glazing the ham steak with ingredients like honey, brown sugar, mustard, or maple syrup before or during cooking.
FAQs
Yes, ham steaks come in various cuts and flavors. Some may have bone-in or boneless options, while others may be smoked, honey-glazed, or seasoned with different spices. Explore different variations to find your favorite.
To prevent dryness, avoid overcooking ham steaks. Cook them just until they reach the desired temperature, and consider basting with a marinade or glaze to add moisture and flavor.
Ham steaks are slices of ham that are cut from a larger ham. They can be bone-in or boneless and are typically pre-cooked or smoked, making them quick and convenient to prepare.
Store ham steaks in the refrigerator. If they are packaged, keep them in their original packaging or transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Consume them within 3-5 days.
Ham steaks can be cooked in a skillet, on a grill, or in the oven. Preheat your cooking method of choice, season the ham steak as desired, and cook each side for a few minutes until it’s browned and heated through. The internal temperature should reach around 140-145°F (60-63°C).
Ham steaks pair well with a variety of seasonings, including smoked paprika, smoked turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. You can customize the seasonings to your taste.
Yes, glazes can add a delicious sweet and savory element to ham steaks. Common glazes include honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, and fruit preserves. Apply the glaze during cooking to caramelize and enhance the flavor.
Ham steaks pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh salad. Choose sides that complement the flavors of the ham and your personal preferences.
Skillet Ham Steaks Recipe
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Skillet Ham Steaks
Ingredients
- 1 ham steak bone-in or boneless, about 1 to 1.5 pounds
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon smoked turmeric
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar optional, for a touch of sweetness
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F/190-200°C). If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, smoked turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the spice rub.
- Place the ham steak on a clean plate or tray.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the ham steak and rub it evenly on both sides.
- Sprinkle the spice rub over the ham steak, pressing it into the meat to adhere.
- Place the seasoned ham steak on the preheated grill or grill pan.
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until grill marks form, and the ham is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
- Remove the ham steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice it into portions, and it's ready to serve.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can brush the ham steak with a glaze made from a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling.
