If you love the rich, savory flavor of traditional country ham, Hobe’s Country Ham’s old-fashioned country ham steaks make an easy and versatile addition to breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Country ham is cured and aged to develop its distinctive flavor and texture, so cooking it is a little different from preparing other types of ham. Whether you prefer to pan-fry or grill your ham steak, a few simple techniques can help you get the best flavor without overcooking it.
Here’s how to cook country ham steaks and enjoy them in a variety of meals.
How to Make Country Ham Less Salty
Country ham is naturally salty because of the curing process that gives it its signature flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can soak your country ham steak in water or cola for about 30 minutes before cooking.
After soaking, remove the ham steak and prepare it using your preferred cooking method.
Because country ham steaks are cured and aged, they can dry out if they are cooked for too long. Keeping cooking times relatively short helps preserve their texture and flavor.
How to Cook Country Ham Steaks on the Stove
Pan-frying is one of the simplest ways to prepare an old-fashioned country ham steak.
Place the ham steak in a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of water or cola. Cook for approximately 4 to 8 minutes, turning frequently, until the ham is golden brown and heated thoroughly.
Avoid over-frying the steak. Country ham already has plenty of bold flavor, so a quick trip through the skillet is often all it needs.
This method is especially convenient when preparing country ham for breakfast alongside eggs, biscuits, potatoes, or other Southern favorites.
How to Grill a Ham Steak
A grilled ham steak is another flavorful way to enjoy country ham, especially when the weather is right for outdoor cooking.
For a traditional outdoor grill, place the country ham steak approximately three inches from the heat source. Grill for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, watching closely to avoid overcooking.
You can also prepare country ham steaks on an indoor grill. Set the grill to medium heat and cook until the ham is warmed through and develops the texture and color you prefer.
Grilling brings out the savory flavor of the ham while giving the outside a delicious finish.
What to Serve With Country Ham Steak
Wondering what to serve with ham steak? Country ham pairs well with both sweet and savory foods, making it easy to build a complete meal around it.
For dinner, try serving country ham steaks with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Fresh or grilled fruit
- A crisp green salad
- Your favorite seasonal side dishes
Fruit can be especially complementary because its sweetness balances the salty, savory flavor of cured country ham.
Country Ham Breakfast Ideas
Country ham isn’t just for dinner. Its bold flavor also makes it a natural choice for breakfast and brunch.
Try adding sliced country ham steak to a breakfast sandwich with eggs and cheese, serving it alongside biscuits, or pairing it with potatoes and eggs for a hearty breakfast plate.
Leftover country ham can also be chopped and added to soups, stews, casseroles, or other recipes that could use an extra layer of savory flavor.
Enjoy Old-Fashioned Country Ham Steaks From Hobe’s
Learning how to cook country ham steaks is simple once you understand how the curing process affects their flavor and texture. Whether you pan-fry them on the stove, grill them outdoors, or use them as part of a hearty breakfast, the key is to avoid overcooking and let the distinctive flavor of the country ham shine.
Ready to try them for yourself? Explore Hobe’s old-fashioned country ham steaks and discover an easy way to bring traditional country ham flavor to your next meal.
