Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dinner recipe? Look no further! This Ham Steak and Pineapple recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a casual dinner party. Get ready to enjoy a sweet and savory explosion of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more! This recipe is a testament to the magic of homemade cooking, proving that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated.
Ingredients:
- 2 (1-inch thick) ham steaks (about 1 pound total)
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Ham Steaks
- Pat the ham steaks dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Creating the Sweet and Savory Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and ground cloves. This mixture will form the delicious glaze for your ham steaks.
Cooking the Ham Steaks:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ham steaks to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
- Pour the brown sugar glaze over the ham steaks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze has thickened slightly. You want the ham to be tender, not dry.
Adding the Pineapple:
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the drained pineapple chunks to the skillet. Toss gently to coat them with the glaze. The pineapple will slightly caramelize and absorb the flavors of the glaze.
Serving your Delicious Ham Steak and Pineapple:
- Once the ham steaks are cooked through and the pineapple is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your easy and healthy meal!
Tips for the Best Ham Steak and Pineapple:
- For extra flavor, marinate the ham steaks in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and spices for 30 minutes before cooking. This is an optional step, but enhances the overall taste.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of mustard. Honey mustard or whole grain mustard could be delicious substitutes.
- Serve this dish with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad, to create a complete and balanced meal.
Variations:
- Grilled Ham Steaks: This recipe can easily be adapted for grilling. Grill the ham steaks over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, then brush with the glaze and continue grilling until cooked through.
- Slow Cooker Ham Steaks: For a hands-off approach, place the ham steaks and glaze in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until tender.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
This simple recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s a healthy and delicious option that showcases the versatility of ham steak. Enjoy this sweet and savory delight!