Ham Steak With Pear Topping: A Symphony of Sweet and Savory

The aroma of ginger always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She had a knack for creating comforting meals that were both simple and deeply satisfying. While she was known for her gingerbread, she sometimes surprised us with unexpected combinations, like ham glazed with fruit. I remember one particular Sunday, the scent of pears simmering with ginger filled the air, mingling with the savory aroma of ham. It was an unusual but utterly delightful combination that has stuck with me ever since, a reminder that the best culinary adventures often lie in unexpected pairings.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Varies (see notes)

Ingredients

• 1 (15 1/4 ounce) can sliced pears, undrained
• 1 fully cooked ham steak (about 1 lb & 1/2 inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1-3 teaspoons snipped of fresh mint (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Skillet
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Begin by draining the pears, being sure to reserve the juice. Set the pears and the reserved juice aside in separate bowls. This step is crucial as the pear juice forms the base of our delicious sauce.
2. Place the skillet on the stove top. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the ham steak in the hot skillet.
3. Brown the ham steak on both sides in the olive oil. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Browning adds depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the ham.
4. Once browned, remove the ham steak from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm. I usually cover it loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out.
5. Now, drain any excess oil from the skillet. This step is important to ensure that the sauce doesn’t become greasy.
6. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, ginger, and cold water. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of any lumps. This cornstarch slurry will act as our thickening agent for the pear sauce.
7. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the reserved pear juice. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed.
8. Pour the pear juice mixture into the skillet. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
9. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Remember to continue stirring to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
10. Gently add the ham steak and reserved pears to the skillet with the simmering sauce.
11. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, basting the ham with the pear sauce to ensure it is flavorful and moist. Make sure the ham is heated thoroughly.
12. Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle with snipped fresh mint (if using). The mint adds a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the pears and the savory ham.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the ham: Since the ham steak is already fully cooked, the goal is just to heat it through and brown it slightly. Overcooking will result in a dry, tough ham.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
• Use fresh ginger: For a more intense ginger flavor, use freshly grated ginger instead of ground ginger. About 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger is equivalent to 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
• Thickening: If the sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, mix another 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Simmer for another minute or two until thickened.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Ham Steak with Pear Topping immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is glossy. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad. Garnish with additional fresh mint sprigs for an elegant presentation.

For storing leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the ham steak and pear topping in a skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. You may need to add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out. The dish is not recommended for freezing as the texture of the pears may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	99.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	31 g	N/A
Total Fat	3.5 g	5%
Saturated Fat	0.5 g	2%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	1.6 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	18.3 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	3.5 g	13%
Sugars	10.6 g	42%
Protein	0.5 g	0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check the labels of your ingredients, especially the ham, to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
• Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as apples, peaches, or pineapple. Adjust the spices accordingly to complement the flavor of the fruit. For example, you might use cinnamon with apples or nutmeg with peaches.
• Sweetener: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of pear juice or add a squeeze of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
• Herbs: Instead of mint, try using fresh thyme or rosemary for a more savory flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of ham?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for a ham steak, you can also use ham slices or even cubed ham. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the pear sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply heat the sauce and add the ham steak to warm through.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh mint?
A: Fresh mint adds a lovely refreshing touch, but it’s not essential. You can omit it or substitute it with a pinch of dried mint or another herb of your choice.

Q: How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
A: Avoid overcooking the ham and ensure it is well-coated with the pear sauce. Covering the skillet while heating the ham can also help retain moisture.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Certainly! Adding vegetables like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Ham Steak with Pear Topping is a delightful combination of sweet and savory, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy Sunday supper. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, herbs, and spices to create your own unique twist. This recipe is a blank canvas, waiting for your personal touch. I encourage you to give it a try and share your feedback – I’m always eager to hear how you’ve made it your own! Consider serving this with a crisp green salad and a glass of Riesling for a truly memorable meal.