Ham steak is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that can be the star of your meal with minimal effort. Cooking it in the oven allows you to achieve a perfect balance of tenderness and caramelization. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to cook a delicious ham steak in the oven, ensuring it turns out succulent and packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• One ham steak (boneless or bone-in)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (or water)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
• Cloves (optional, for garnish)
• Pineapple rings (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows for gentle cooking, ensuring your ham steak remains tender and juicy.

2. Prepare Your Ham Steak

If your ham steak is bone-in, you can trim any excess fat around the edges, although some fat is desirable as it adds flavor and moisture to the meat. Make shallow cuts around the edges of the steak to prevent it from curling while cooking. If desired, score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate.

3. Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice (or water), and Dijon mustard if you’d like a tangy twist. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. This glaze will add sweetness and depth of flavor to your ham steak.

4. Apply the Glaze

Place the ham steak on a baking sheet or in an ovenproof dish. If you’re using the optional cloves and pineapple rings for garnish, you can place them on top of the ham steak now. Brush the glaze generously over the ham steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

5. Bake Your Ham Steak

Transfer the baking sheet or dish to the preheated oven and bake the ham steak for about 20-30 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your ham steak. Aim to reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked and safe-to-eat ham. Baste the ham with the glaze every 10 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

6. Rest and Serve

Once your ham steak reaches the desired internal temperature and develops a beautiful caramelized exterior, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The resting time lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and delicious result.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your oven-baked ham steak with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, green beans, or mashed sweet potatoes.
• Use leftover ham for sandwiches or salads.
• Pair it with a refreshing fruit salad for a delightful contrast of flavors.

With this straightforward method, you can easily cook a ham steak in the oven that’s bursting with flavor and has a delectable caramelized exterior. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal, your oven-baked ham steak is sure to be a hit at the table. Enjoy!