Grilling a Ham Steak

While you likely think of beef first when you hear the word steak, there’s another option that deserves space on your grill. The humble ham steak becomes a surprisingly delicious treat when it’s grilled. The flavors come alive and the slightly crispy edges will tantalize your dinner guests. Get ready to mix up your weekend grilling routine with this ham steak recipe.

Charcoal or Gas Grill?

It’s up to you. You’ll get a stronger smoky flavor from a charcoal grill, but you’ll need to take care to let the heat die down before putting the thin ham steaks on the grates. Make sure you apply a little extra oil as well to prevent sticking. A gas grill gives you more precise control over the heat level for a stress-free cooking process.

Helpful Tips to Consider

• Look for thicker ham steaks rather than thinner cuts. If you can cut your own from a whole ham, aim for a ½ to 3/4th inch thickness.
• Both bone-in and boneless ham steaks work well for grilling. Cutting a notch into the edge of each boneless ham steak will keep it from curling as it cooks.
• Use indirect heat and let any hot coals cool down before putting the ham steaks on the grill. High heat will only char the exterior without properly heating the middle.
• Apply a glaze to the meat two or three times over the grilling period to add plenty of flavor and to keep the meat from drying out.

Steps To Cook Ham Steak On The Grill

There are only a few steps to cooking ham steaks on the grill with great results.

Step 1: Selecting the Perfect Ham Steak

Look for a thick, freshly cut slab of ham from a whole ham rather than a condensed or chopped loaf. Bone-in steaks are preferred for extra flavor, but boneless will also work. Look for slices that are relatively low in marbled fat. Having the skin on or off is a matter of personal preference.

Step 2: Seasoning Your Ham Steak

Applying a rub to the surface of the steak adds flavor, but it won’t do much to keep the meat juicy while it’s on the grill. Instead, consider leaving the meat unseasoned and letting the glaze in the following recipe add plenty of flavor and moisture at the same time.

Step 3: Prepare Your Grill

Preheating the grill and letting it reach the cooler part of the cooking cycle is essential for ham steaks. Since they’re relatively thin and generally need relatively little cooking, you’ll want to work with a low heat level and well-greased grates. If you cook other foods before moving on to the ham slices, make sure you brush the grates well to remove anything stuck on before applying new oil.

Step 5: Grilling the Ham Steak

Once the grill is around 300 to 350 degrees F, you can grill the steaks. Cook each steak for about 6 minutes in total, flipping every 2 minutes. Brush the glaze onto the meat each time you flip it.

Step 6: Resting and Serving

The ham steaks only need five minutes of covered rest time before serving. Since the ham is cooked before it goes on the grill, you can serve the glaze alongside it as a dip if you want.

Grilled Ham Steak Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 large ham steaks, at least 1/2 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• ¼ teaspoon ground rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Mix the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan. Let it heat over low heat until it bubbles, turning the heat off and letting it sit so it can thicken slightly.

2. Preheat the grill to low to medium heat. Let the grill reach 300 to 350 degrees F. Place each ham steak on a spot that provides indirect heat. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes in total, flipping once every 2 minutes. Apply the glaze with a clean brush to each side each time you flip.

3. When the meat is marked to your liking and the glaze has set, take the steak off. Cover the meat and let it rest at least 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Mix up the glaze with other popular flavors like garlic, thyme, or even a splash of bourbon.

Conclusion

Ham steaks are an affordable alternative to beef that still offer a meaty and satisfying dining experience. Give them a try the next time you’re already heating up the grill.