Are you tired of tough and chewy ham steaks? Do you want to know how to make them tender and juicy?
Look no further! In this article, we will explore different methods to tenderize ham steak and make it a delicious addition to any meal.
From slow cooking to flavorful glazes, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Tenderize Ham Steak?
Ham steak can be a delicious and easy addition to any meal, but it can also be tough and chewy if not prepared properly. Here are some methods to tenderize ham steak:
1. Slow Cooking: Uncured (fresh) ham steaks can be tough and require slow cooking with moist heat to become tender. Place the ham steak in a baking dish with water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cloves. Cover with foil and bake in the oven until tender.
2. Flavorful Glazes: A flavorful glaze can not only add flavor but also help tenderize the ham steak. Mix brown sugar, water, butter, Dijon mustard, and paprika in a saucepan until thickened. Drizzle the glaze over the ham steak before serving.
3. Butter Basting: Melt butter in a heavy skillet on medium heat and add the ham steak. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until cooked thoroughly. For an additional sauce, remove the ham steak and add brown sugar and fresh orange juice to the skillet. Let the mixture caramelize before serving over the ham steak.
Why Is Ham Steak Tough?
Ham steak can be tough for a few reasons. Firstly, uncured (fresh) ham steak is from the ham or butt of the pig that hasn’t been cured or smoked, so it can be a very tough cut of meat with lots of muscle. Secondly, overcooking ham steak can also make it tough and chewy. It’s important to avoid overcooking and cook the ham steak until both sides are lightly browned and warmed through. Finally, lean ham steaks can also be tough because they have less fat, which helps to keep the meat tender and juicy. Adding a little oil to the pan before heating can help to prevent this issue. To ensure your ham steak is tender and delicious, try using one of the methods mentioned above to tenderize it before cooking.
Marinating Ham Steak
Marinating ham steak is another great way to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. To make a simple marinade, combine apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor.
Place the ham steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. The longer you marinate the ham steak, the more flavorful it will become.
When you’re ready to cook the ham steak, remove it from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Cook the ham steak for 5-10 minutes on each side until warmed through and slightly charred.
Marinating ham steak is a simple and effective way to tenderize it while adding delicious flavor. Give it a try next time you’re cooking ham steak!
Slow Cooking Ham Steak
Slow cooking is a great way to tenderize ham steak, especially if it’s an uncured or fresh cut. Slow cooking with moist heat helps break down the tough fibers in the meat and infuses it with flavor. Here’s how to slow cook ham steak:
1. Prepare the Ham Steak: Start by seasoning the ham steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also marinate the ham steak overnight in a mixture of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce for added flavor.
2. Make a Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together pineapple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard. This sauce will add sweetness and tanginess to the ham steak.
3. Add the Ham Steak to the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned ham steak in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Make sure the ham steak is fully coated in the sauce.
4. Add Pineapple Slices and Cherries: Place pineapple slices over the ham steak and add maraschino cherries for a touch of sweetness and color.
5. Cook on Low Heat: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low heat for 5 hours without opening the lid during cooking time. This will ensure that the ham steak is fully cooked and tender.
6. Serve: Once the ham steak is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The sauce can be poured over the ham steak for added flavor.
Slow cooking ham steak is an easy and delicious way to tenderize this cut of meat. With a little bit of seasoning and a flavorful sauce, you can turn tough ham steak into a tender and juicy meal that your whole family will love.
Using A Meat Mallet To Tenderize Ham Steak
Another method to tenderize ham steak is by using a meat mallet. Meat tenderizer hammers are the fastest among other meat tenderizing tools and can speed up cooking time by softening tough fibers in the meat. The meat mallet can be used on different cuts of beef, even the cheap cuts like round eye steak, and can help tenderize chicken and tough meat.
To use a meat mallet on ham steak, start by placing the ham steak between two pieces of plastic wrap or a gallon-sized plastic bag. This will prevent the meat’s juices from splattering everywhere while hammering it. Use the mallet to pound the ham steak in a circular motion to make sure you aren’t flattening out just one area. Flip it over and repeat the process until it is as thin as you need it.
If you’re nervous about damaging the meat too much with a mallet, you can use a sharp knife instead. Look for the “grain” of the meat, which is basically the direction of the muscle fibers that kind of looks like ribbons or stripes running in one direction on the meat.
However, if you’re aiming to get thinly cut strips of ham steak, this might not be the best choice since blade meat tenderizers would tear the meat apart entirely. This is why they perform best on thicker meats and steaks such as a fillet mignon. The clean-up process is also quite the task and can be potentially dangerous since you’re dealing with dozens of spikes and needles.
Remember that using a meat mallet to tenderize ham steak is healthier than adding chemicals or excess salt to your meat to tenderize it. So, give it a try and enjoy a tender and juicy ham steak for your next meal!
Adding A Flavorful Glaze To Ham Steak
One of the best ways to add flavor and tenderness to ham steak is by using a flavorful glaze. A glaze can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and more. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious ham steak glaze:
– In a small saucepan, mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
– Cook the mixture over medium heat until the brown sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly (about 2-3 minutes).
– Remove the ham steak from the skillet and place it on a plate. Drizzle the glaze over the ham steak just before serving.
This glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the ham steak while also helping to tenderize it. It’s important to note that ham steak is already cooked, so you’re just looking to add some extra flavor and heat it through. The glaze can be adjusted to your personal taste preferences by adding more or less of each ingredient. Give it a try and see how it transforms your ham steak into a delicious and tender meal!
