Sophia Mitchell
Ham is a popular breakfast meat, and there are several ways to cook it. You can cook it in an oven, on a stove, or in a microwave. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the ham slices and the method used. Thinly sliced ham, for example, should be cooked for about 3 minutes on each side or until heated through. On the other hand, a ham steak, which is a thick slice from a whole ham, can be cooked on a stove in about 15 minutes. Baking a ham in the oven typically takes 10 minutes per pound, with the oven temperature increased to 425ºF during the last 30 minutes for glazing.
How long to cook breakfast ham
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thinly sliced ham | 3 minutes per side or until heated through |
| Thicker ham steak | 15-20 minutes in the oven |
| Ham steak on the stove | 15 minutes |
| Bone-in ham | 10 minutes per pound at 325ºF |
| Boneless ham | Cooking time depends on weight |
| Pre-cooked ham | No need to cook, can be eaten straight from the package |
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What You'll Learn
Pan-frying ham steak
Cooking breakfast ham doesn't have to be a lengthy process, and pan-frying is one of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare your ham steak.
First, decide on the thickness of your ham steak. Thinly sliced ham cooks faster, so if you're in a hurry, opt for a thinner cut. Heat up a non-stick pan over medium heat. You can add a little butter to the pan for flavor and to prevent sticking. Place the ham steak in the pan and cook for around 3 minutes on each side if your slice is thin. Thicker slices will take longer to cook, so adjust the timing accordingly.
For a simple glaze, brush the ham steak with your chosen glaze after the first side is seared. Flip the steak and brush the other side with glaze before searing. Caramelize the glaze for about 90 seconds on each side, or until it loses its wet appearance. You can also add sliced apples and a drizzle of maple syrup to your ham steak while it's in the pan. Simmer everything together and add a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving.
If you want to get creative with your pan-fried ham steak, try making a pineapple sauce. In a separate pan, cook a can of crushed pineapple in juice with a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar and a pinch of ginger. Keep the heat low and simmer until the sauce thickens. You can also deglaze the pan with brewed coffee for a rich, unique gravy to serve with your ham.
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$2.79
Baking ham steak
Ham steak is a thick slice cut from a whole roast of ham, either with the bone already removed or still in. Bone-in cuts are cheaper but don't look as neat when served. Ham steaks are a great option when you don't have enough people to justify making an entire roast ham but still want to enjoy the taste.
When baking ham steak in the oven, preheat the oven to 375 and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Thicker slices will require a longer cooking time. You can pair your ham steak with a glaze to ensure the meat is moist. A brown sugar glaze is a popular option, but you can use any flavours you like. Don't forget to line your baking sheet with foil if you're using a non-stick baking sheet.
If you're short on time, you can pan-fry a ham steak in just 15 minutes. Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a 10-inch skillet. Add the ham steak and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the ham and cook for 3 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm. You can then make a glaze by adding brown sugar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves, about 30 seconds. Spoon the glaze over the ham and serve.
Some people prefer to grill their ham steaks. If you're grilling, it's recommended to let the ham sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for more even heating.
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Ham steak cooking times
Ham steaks are a great option for breakfast as they are easy to cook and don't require reheating an entire roast ham. They are simply thick slices cut from a whole roast ham, either with the bone removed or bone-in.
Stovetop Method
The stovetop method is a quick and easy way to cook a ham steak. It takes about 15 minutes to cook a juicy, flavourful ham steak in a skillet. Here are the steps:
- Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a 10-inch skillet.
- Place the ham steak in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes.
- Flip the ham and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Transfer the ham to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add brown sugar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the sugar dissolves and a glaze forms.
- Spoon the glaze over the ham and serve.
Oven-Baked Method
The oven-baked method is another simple way to cook ham steaks. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the ham for 15 to 20 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices. It is common to pair these slices with a glaze to add moisture. A brown sugar glaze is a popular option, but you can also experiment with other flavours. Remember to line your baking sheet with foil, especially if you're using a non-stick baking sheet.
Microwave Method
Although not recommended for the initial cooking of ham steak, the microwave can be used for reheating if the ham has been fully cooked beforehand.
Grilling Method
Grilling is another option for cooking ham steaks, especially if you want to avoid using the oven or stovetop. You can grill the ham steak and serve it with a mango salsa made with pineapple, mangoes, and jalapenos.
Pre-Cooked Ham Slices
Some ham slices are pre-cooked and can be eaten straight from the package or heated if you prefer a warm sandwich. These slices are typically labelled as "fully cooked", "cured", or "hickory-smoked".
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Glazing ham
Glazing a ham is an easy way to add flavour and moisture to your breakfast. Most hams are cured and cooked, and all you need to do is reheat them. However, if you want your ham to have a signature pinkish hue, you should buy a cooked or cured ham. If you buy an uncooked ham, you are essentially buying a raw pork thigh, which will have a greyish inside appearance.
There are many different glaze recipes, but a popular option is a brown sugar glaze. You can make your own glaze by combining brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of fruity apple cider vinegar. Another option is to combine honey, clove, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard. You can also add orange zest and juice, ground cloves, or smoky chilli powder to taste.
To glaze your ham, start by wrapping it in foil to keep it moist. Then, about 20 minutes before the end of cooking time, begin glazing the ham by applying the glaze with a brush. Continue to glaze every 5 minutes until the ham is done. Alternatively, brush the glaze onto the ham during the last half hour of baking. Make sure to drip some glaze between the slices for extra flavour.
Keep the ham uncovered after glazing during the final 30 minutes of cooking. The ham is ready when it has reached an internal temperature of 120°F to 140°F.
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Reheating cooked ham
Ham is a versatile meat that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, grilling, baking, and microwaving. When it comes to reheating cooked ham, there are several options to consider:
Pan-Frying:
If you're looking to reheat a ham steak, pan-frying is a quick and easy method. Simply melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat, add your ham steak, and cook for a few minutes on each side. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your ham steak, with thinner slices requiring about 3 minutes per side and thicker slices needing a bit more time.
Grilling:
Grilling is another option for reheating ham steaks, especially if you want to add some charred flavor to your meat. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place your ham steaks on the grill. Cook for a few minutes on each side, adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness of your ham.
Baking:
If you have a larger portion of leftover ham, such as a ham roast or several ham steaks, baking is a convenient way to reheat them. Preheat your oven to 325-350°F (depending on the original cooking instructions) and place your ham in a roasting pan with a small amount of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover the pan with foil and bake for about 10 minutes per pound, or until heated through.
Microwaving:
While microwaving is not recommended for the initial cooking of ham steaks, it can be a quick and convenient option for reheating. Place your ham slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and microwave in short intervals until heated through. The time will depend on the amount of ham and the power of your microwave, so be sure to check it frequently to avoid overcooking.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, it's important to ensure that your ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F to prevent foodborne illnesses. Additionally, many people enjoy glazing their ham with a mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard to add flavor and moisture. However, glazing is optional, and you can certainly enjoy your ham without it!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking ham in the oven is a hassle-free way to prepare breakfast for the whole family. Preheat the oven to 375 and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the ham slices.
Cooking ham on the stove is quick and easy. You can pan-fry a juicy, flavorful ham steak in just 15 minutes. First, melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Then, add the ham steak and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the ham and cook for 3 more minutes.
A simple glaze can be made by whisking together brown sugar, maple syrup, and orange juice. You can also add fruit preserves to the ham while it's cooking and simmer until the preserves thicken into a fruit glaze.
