Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Look no further! This Ham and Beer recipe is a fantastic example of how a few simple ingredients can transform into a truly delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly easy and incredibly tasty dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless pork ham steak, about 1 inch thick
- 12 oz dark beer (stout or porter work best)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Ham and Aromatics
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your ham cooks evenly and reaches the perfect temperature.
- Pat the ham steak dry with paper towels. This helps it to brown nicely.
- In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the ham generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
Browning and Braising: The Flavor Development Stage
- Sear the ham steak in the hot oil for about 2-3 minutes per side, until it develops a nice golden-brown crust. This step adds depth of flavor.
- Remove the ham from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This builds a delicious base for the sauce.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmering to Perfection: The Beer Infusion
- Pour the beer into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This deglazes the pan, adding extra flavor to the sauce.
- Return the ham steak to the skillet. The ham should be mostly submerged in the beer.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the skillet tightly with a lid.
Oven Baking: Achieving Tenderness
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the ham is cooked through and easily pierced with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ham steak. A meat thermometer is your best friend here—aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serving and Garnishing: The Final Touch
- Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve it with the delicious beer sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, marinate the ham in the beer for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the ham in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- A lighter beer, such as a pilsner, can be used, but a darker beer will provide a richer, more robust flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Ham and Beer recipe is a testament to the magic of simple, homemade cooking. It's a delicious, easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!