Is Ham Steak with Pineapple healthy?

This dish is a good source of protein from the ham. However, it is also high in sodium and sugar due to the processed ham and the brown sugar glaze. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely! Fresh pineapple works beautifully. Simply slice it into rings and sear as directed. You will need to use 1/2 cup of bottled pineapple juice for the glaze, as you won't have juice from a can.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ham and pineapple in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts.

What can I serve with this dish?

Classic pairings include mashed or roasted potatoes, green beans, asparagus, or a simple side salad. For a retro feel, serve it with scalloped potatoes and a dinner roll.

Home / Recipes / american / Ham Steak with Pineapple

americanEasynon vegetariangluten freesoy freehigh protein

Ham Steak with Pineapple

RATING

4.4/5(68)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A perfect balance of savory and sweet, this classic American dish features a juicy, seared ham steak glazed with a tangy brown sugar and pineapple sauce. It's a quick and easy weeknight dinner that brings a touch of retro charm to the table, ready in just 20 minutes.

PREP

COOK

15m

SERVES

1 STEAK

434 cal

SERVINGS

INSTRUCTIONS

4 steps. 15 minutes total.

4 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Ingredients
- b.Drain the canned pineapple rings, making sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the juice in a separate bowl.
- c.Pat the ham steaks completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.
2
Step 2
- a.Sear Ham and Pineapple
- b.Place a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
- c.Once the butter is foaming, carefully add the ham steaks to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply browned and heated through. Transfer the ham to a plate and set aside.
- d.Add the pineapple rings to the same skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they develop golden-brown, caramelized spots. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the ham.
3
Step 3
- a.Create the Glaze
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the reserved 1/2 cup of pineapple juice into the hot skillet to deglaze, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- c.Whisk in the packed brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4
Step 4
- a.Glaze and Serve
- b.Return the seared ham steaks to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the ham, turning each piece to ensure it's fully coated.
- c.Allow the ham to warm through in the glaze for about 1 minute. Be careful not to cook it further, as it can become tough.
- d.To serve, place a ham steak on each plate, top with two caramelized pineapple rings, and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the pan.
- e.Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For the best sear, use a cast-iron skillet and ensure it's properly preheated before adding the ham.
2
Don't overcrowd the pan. If your skillet isn't large enough, cook the ham steaks in two batches.
3
The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools. Remove it from the heat when it's slightly thinner than you'd like the final consistency to be.
4
Patting the ham dry is a non-negotiable step. A dry surface is essential for browning rather than steaming.
5
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green beans, or a crisp wedge salad.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Sweetener Swap

Replace the brown sugar with an equal amount of maple syrup or 2 tablespoons of honey for a different flavor profile.

Add a Kick

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of sriracha to the glaze for a touch of spicy heat to balance the sweetness.

Use Fresh Pineapple

Substitute the canned rings with fresh pineapple slices. You will need to use 1/2 cup of store-bought pineapple juice for the glaze.

Bourbon Glaze

After adding the pineapple juice, stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon and let it cook for a minute before adding the other glaze ingredients for a richer, more complex flavor.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

muscle

Excellent Source of Protein

Ham is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, immune function, and overall tissue maintenance.

vitamin

Rich in B Vitamins

Ham provides several B vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), and B12, which are crucial for energy metabolism, nerve function, and the formation of red blood cells.

leaf

Provides Manganese

Pineapple is an excellent source of manganese, an essential mineral that plays a key role in bone formation, metabolism, and antioxidant defenses.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A single serving of this dish contains approximately 480-550 calories, depending on the specific cut of ham and the amount of glaze used.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

south_indian·17 min·648 cal

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Ham Steak with Pineapple

For 4 servings

4 steps. 15 minutes total.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4