How to Cook Grilled Ham Steak

In this session, we are diving into one of the simplest ways to prepare a crowd-pleasing meal: grilling ham steak. Simple, quick, and sure to be a hit in all settings, grilled ham steak infuses smoky and savory goodness matched perfectly with many sides for a wholesome and fulfilling meal. From busy weeknight dinners to easy weekend barbecues, the skill to grill a ham has its rewards: to spend a great time with friends and family while having great food. 

Choosing the Right Ham Steak

The first important step to perfect grilling is selecting the best ham steak: 

• Look for cuts that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick-thin slices cook too fast and can dry out, while overly thick might not heat evenly on the grill.
• Pre-cooked won’t take long and is somewhat more forgiving for beginners, while fresh ham steak allows you to infuse more flavor into it. 
• You want a ham steak with good fat marbling; not only does it add flavor, but it also helps the meat stay juicy while grilling. 
• Check for color and freshness – the meat should have a uniform pink color without any gray or brown spots. The surface should be slightly glossy and feel firm to the touch, not slimy or sticky.
• Consider the packaging date and use-by date when purchasing. Fresh ham steaks should be used within 3-5 days of purchase if refrigerated properly, while vacuum-sealed cuts may last a bit longer.
• If buying from a butcher, ask about the source and grade of the meat. Premium cuts often come from heritage breed pigs and may offer superior flavor and texture, though they typically come at a higher price point.

Prepare the Marinade

While a good ham steak is delicious on its own, a marinade can take it to the next level. 

• Pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a bit of soy sauce mixed together gives a tropical kick; the pineapple juice adds a sweetening and tenderizing acidity to the meat. 
• Honey mustard blended with garlic and a splash of apple cider vinegar gives it a more savory face. 
• Soak for at least half an hour or preferably a couple of hours for a deeper flavor. 
• If you’re really in a rush, zapping it with the marinade a few moments before grilling will do wonders for the flavor.
• You can always accompany grilled ham with delicious chimichurri. 

Preheat the Grill

The thing for perfecting balance with smoky charring and juicy meat is proper preheating of the grill. 

1. Start with medium-high to 350F and allow it to heat for 10-15 minutes. 
2. When it’s heating up, go ahead and oil the grates with vegetable oil using a folded paper towel or other suitable implement like tongs. 
3. This will prevent ham steak from sticking and give it grill marks. 

Grilling Instructions

Before you begin, ensure your grill is nicely preheated and ready to work. The secret to those beautiful crosshatch marks and that irresistible smoky flavor lies in starting with a hot grill. As you place your ham steak on the grates, you’ll hear that satisfying sear very soon.

1. If you’re working with pre-cooked ham (which most ham steaks are), you’ll want to give it just enough time to warm through and develop those gorgeous grill marks – about 3-4 minutes on each side should do the trick. Watch as the edges begin to caramelize and those distinctive golden-brown lines appear, telling you it’s time for the flip.
2. Working with fresh ham steak? You’ll need a bit more patience. Give it a solid 5-7 minutes per side to ensure it cooks through properly while developing that beautiful exterior. During this time, resist the urge to constantly peek or prod – let the grill do its work.
3. Here’s a good tip to keep in mind, which can save your grilling: when it’s time to flip your ham steak, reach for your tongs (not a fork!) and turn it gently. A fork could pierce the meat, allowing the juices of flavor to flow out, while the tongs would keep this from happening.
4. If you did marinate your ham steak (a very good decision!), do not waste that remaining marinade. Toward the end of that cooking process, brush some onto the meat (caution: make sure it does not burn). This touches up the last phase, adds flavor, and helps acquire that attractive glaze.
5. To fully cook the ham steak, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for pre-cooked ham or 145 degrees Fahrenheit for fresh ham. 

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Ham Steak

As the aroma of your grilled ham steak fills the air, you’ll want to choose the best accompaniments. 

• Some examples are tender spears of asparagus or sliced zucchini. The vegetables add color to your plate while bringing a fresh crispness to your plate. 
• You might find yourself craving something creamy alongside these bold flavors, such as cloud-like mashed potatoes. 
• You can also choose a bright green salad, with its crisp leaves and light vinaigrette, to cut through the richness of the meat.
• Want to make your meal more interesting? Try making a fresh pineapple salsa – the sweet and sour fruit goes really well with the salty ham. 
• Or you could drizzle some honey on top, which makes each bite taste both sweet and salty in a really good way.

Final Thoughts

Grilling ham steaks is an easy and versatile way of serving a heart-healthy and flavor-infused meal for any occasion. With the right cut, some marinade for soaking, and proper grilling techniques, you can have grilled ham down to an art. Whether it’s tropical marinade or grilled ham steak recipes that express your tastes, possibilities abound. Start the grill up, put together some of your favorite sides, and enjoy the easy pleasure of perfectly grilled ham steak!