Mastering the Frozen Ham Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ham steaks make for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner Their smoky, salty flavor pairs perfectly with so many sides and their thin shape means they cook up fast. But what if you don’t have time to properly thaw a ham steak? Not to worry! Cooking frozen ham steaks is simple and can result in a meal just as tasty as one made from a thawed steak

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook frozen ham steaks, from proper thawing techniques to searing secrets. You’ll learn how to pan-fry, bake, and broil frozen ham steaks for perfect results every time. We’ll also cover how to know when your ham steak is safely cooked, as well as tips for glazing, seasoning, and serving. Follow these pro tips and you’ll be able to enjoy juicy, flavorful ham steaks no matter if they’re frozen solid or thawed and ready to go.

Why Cooking Frozen Ham Steaks Works

Cooking frozen ham steaks is completely safe, despite what some people may think. The cold temperature of the frozen steak actually helps it retain moisture and prevents the meat from drying out during cooking. Here are some other benefits of cooking ham steaks straight from the freezer:

• Maximizes juiciness The ice crystals formed during freezing rupture cell walls, allowing juices to disperse throughout the meat. This boosts juiciness when cooked.

• Intensifies flavor: Freezing condenses flavors like the salty, smoky ham taste. Cooking from frozen locks these in.

• Adds convenience: No waiting around for ham steaks to thaw! Cook them whenever you get the craving.

• Saves money: Buy ham steaks when on sale and freeze them to use over several months.

As long as you monitor temperature and cook the steak fully, enjoying a frozen ham steak is perfectly safe and delicious.

Proper Thawing for Maximum Juiciness

While cooking a frozen ham steak works, taking the time to safely thaw it will yield the most tender and juicy results. Here are some thawing tips:

• For best texture, thaw ham steaks overnight in the fridge on a platter or rimmed baking sheet.

• For quicker thawing, seal ham steaks in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water. Change water every 30 minutes.

• Thaw in the microwave using the defrost setting if pressed for time. Rotate steak and break up frozen areas.

• Let thawed steaks sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

No matter which method you use, cook thawed ham steaks promptly and don’t refreeze them after thawing. This will prevent moisture loss and off-textures.

Pan-Frying Frozen Ham Steaks

Pan-frying is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook frozen ham steaks. Follow these simple steps for golden, juicy results:

• Heat 1 Tbs oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

• Season ham steak all over with salt, pepper, brown sugar, and other spices.

• Lay steak in hot skillet. Sear 3 minutes per side until browned.

• Reduce heat to medium and cook 4-5 more minutes per side until 145°F internal temperature.

• Optionally, add a pat of butter to pan last minute and spoon over steak as it melts.

Pan-frying adds nice color and caramelization to really bring out the ham steak’s flavor. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan and to properly rest steaks after cooking.

Baking Frozen Ham Steaks in the Oven

For easy hands-off cooking of frozen ham steaks, turn to your oven:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.

• Arrange ham steaks on sheet and season all over with salt, brown sugar, honey, and spices.

• Bake about 15 minutes, flip steaks, then bake 10 more minutes until 145°F.

• For added flavor, brush with an apricot jam, honey, or brown sugar glaze last 5 minutes.

• Rest steaks 5 minutes before serving.

The gentle dry heat of the oven thoroughly and evenly cooks frozen ham steaks while keeping them juicy. Feel free to play with glazes and seasonings too!

Broiling Ham Steaks for Caramelized Flavor

If you want to add nice char and caramelization to your frozen ham steaks, try broiling them:

• Place oven rack 6 inches under heating element and preheat broiler to high.

• Season ham steaks all over then arrange on a foil-lined baking sheet.

• Broil 5 minutes, flip steaks, then broil 4-5 more minutes until cooked through.

• For extra char, brush steaks with brown sugar glaze and broil 1-2 more minutes.

The intense direct heat of the broiler gives the steaks a gorgeous crust while heating the inside. Just watch them closely to avoid burning.

Knowing When Ham Steaks Are Fully Cooked

No matter which cooking method you use, it’s important to verify your frozen ham steaks reach a safe internal temperature. Check for these doneness signs:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check temperature in thickest part. Ham steaks are safely cooked at 145°F.

• Meat should appear lightly browned on the outside and opaque all the way through.

• Juices should run clear with just a tinge of pink when poked with a fork or knife tip.

• Texture feels firm yet tender and juicy. Meat easily flakes and shreds when poked.

Allowing ham steaks to rest 5 minutes before cutting into them will result in the juiciest texture.

Glazing & Seasoning Tips for Frozen Ham Steaks

Don’t be afraid to add bold flavors to frozen ham steaks before and during cooking. Here are some easy ways to punch up flavor:

• Season with brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, cloves, cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne before cooking.

• Coat with barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, fig jam or bourbon glazes during last few minutes of cooking.

• Marinate overnight in pineapple juice, cola, ginger ale, wine or teriyaki sauce for infused flavors.

• Rub fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme right into the meat for aromatic undertones.

• Brush cooked steaks with flavored butters, mustards, and chutneys just before serving.

The concentrated porky flavor of ham steaks stands up beautifully to both sweet and savory seasonings.

Serving Suggestions for Ham Steaks

Cooking frozen ham steaks unlocks a world of serving possibilities. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy ham steaks:

• Serve alongside cheesy scalloped potatoes, fried apples, and roasted Brussels sprouts for a hearty meal.

• Pile sliced ham steak on biscuits or rolls with maple butter for an easy breakfast sandwich.

• Toss chunks of ham steak into twice-baked potatoes, frittatas, omelets, and quiches.

• Dice ham steak to top hearty greens and grain bowls with poached eggs.

• Pair with corn cakes, hushpuppies, and roasted veggies for a Southern-inspired supper.

• Build sandwiches and wraps with ham steak, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and tangy mustard.

With its versatile flavor, ham steak can be incorporated into breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes with delicious results.

Storing Leftover Ham Steaks

Have leftover ham steak? Learn how to safely store and reheat it:

• Refrigerate sliced ham steak in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Wrap whole ham steaks tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 7 days.

• Frozen cooked ham steaks in freezer bags or airtight containers for 1-2 months.

• Reheat leftovers in the skillet, or microwave 30 seconds at a time until warmed through.

• Use diced ham steak as a topping for salads, pizza, pasta, and more throughout the week.

With proper storage, leftover ham steak stays fresh and can be enjoyed in so many different ways.

Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge to cook frozen ham steaks, you’ll be able to enjoy their convenience any night of the week. Remember to always cook ham steaks to a safe internal temperature for the tastiest results. Dive into our versatile serving suggestions and get ready for juicy, flavorful ham steaks even when you forget to thaw them!