Ah, the sizzle of a perfectly seared steak, the juicy tenderness of a succulent chicken breast, or the mouthwatering aroma of a slow-roasted pork shoulder – there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a well-cooked piece of meat.
But as any seasoned chef will tell you, achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and safety is all about cooking meat to the correct internal temperature. Like any other meat, ham steak has to be cooked to the proper temperature in order to be both delicious and safe to eat.
What Is The Right Internal Temperature For Ham Steak?
The right internal temperature for ham steak is 145°F (62.8°C). The temperature should be taken with a food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. It is important to note that the temperature should be taken in the center of the meat, not the edges.
How To Cook Ham Steak To The Right Internal Temperature
The best way to ensure that ham steak is cooked to the right internal temperature is to use a thermometer. However, a typical method would be to cook it at a temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) for 10 minutes per pound.
It is also important to keep in mind that the internal temperature of ham steak will continue to rise after it is removed from the heat source. Therefore, it is important to remove the ham steak from the heat source when the thermometer reads 145°F (62.8°C). This will ensure that the ham steak is cooked to the right internal temperature.
Why Is Internal Temperature Important?
Cooking food to the right internal temperature is essential for food safety. Bacteria can cause foodborne illness when food is not cooked to the right temperature.
Ham Steak is particularly susceptible to foodborne illness because it can contain higher levels of bacteria than other meats. Therefore, it is important to ensure that ham steak is cooked to the right internal temperature in order to avoid foodborne illness.
When Cooking Ham Steak, It Is Important To Keep The Following Tips In Mind:
– Preheat oven to 350°F.
– Cut ham steak into 1-inch pieces.
– In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ham steak for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
– Transfer ham steak to a baking dish and bake for 10-15 minutes or until cooked through.
– Enjoy!
Ham Steak Recipes
Recipe 1. BBQ Sauce and Grilled Pineapple Ham Steak
Ingredients
1 ham steak, about ½–¾ inch thick
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into ¼-inch thick slices
Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
1. Prepare grill for direct cooking over medium heat.
2. Cook ham steak over direct medium heat for 8–12 minutes, turning once, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
3. Grill pineapple slices over direct medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear. Remove pineapple from grill.
4. Grill ham steak and pineapple slice over direct medium heat for 1 minute per side, or until BBQ sauce is heated and bubbly, and pineapple is slightly browned. Remove ham steak and pineapple slice from grill.
5. Slice ham steak against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices. Serve ham and pineapple slices with grilled pineapple.
Recipe 2. Jalapeño Popper Ham Steak
Ingredients
1 ham steak, about ½-¾ inch thick
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. canned diced jalapeño peppers
1 Tbsp. canned diced green chilies
1 tsp. garlic powder
½ cup grated cheddar cheese
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, stir together cream cheese, jalapeño peppers, green chilies, garlic powder, and cheddar cheese.
3. Spread cream cheese mixture over ham steak.
4. Top with bacon strips.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Slice ham steak against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices. Serve immediately.
Sources
1. FSIS (n.d) Food Safety. Safe Food Handaling and Preparation. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/hams-and-food-safety#:~:text=Cook%2Dbefore%2Deating%20hams%20or,lower%20than%20325%20%C2%B0F.