Seared Ham Steaks: Canadian Maple Mustard Glaze | Arteflame

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the aroma of salty, cured pork sizzling over an open fire, mingling with the sweet scent of caramelizing maple syrup. This recipe for Grilled Canadian Maple Mustard Glazed Ham Steaks is pure comfort on a plate, evoking memories of rustic farmhouse breakfasts and cozy autumn dinners. It delivers the perfect balance of savory richness and sticky sweetness, with a texture that only a hot grill can provide.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

I turn to this recipe whenever I need a quick weeknight win that feels special. Unlike roasting a massive whole ham, ham steaks cook in minutes, making them incredibly convenient. The distinct zones of the Arteflame cooktop allow you to get a hard sear without scorching the sugars, resulting in a juicy interior and a crisp, flavorful crust.

Kitchen Wisdom for the Perfect Sear

• Score the Edges: Ham steaks often have a rim of fat that shrinks faster than the meat. Make small vertical cuts through the fat every inch to ensure the steak stays flat and sears evenly.
• Time the Glaze: Sugar burns quickly. Sear the meat first to develop color, and only brush on the maple glaze during the final two minutes of cooking.

Make It Your Own

If you are out of maple syrup, honey makes a fantastic substitute for a floral sweetness. For a deeper flavor profile, swap the apple cider vinegar for a splash of bourbon.

Ingredients

• 2 large Ham Steaks (approximately 1/2 inch thick)
• 1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup (preferably Grade A Dark)
• 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• Pinch of Salt (optional, as ham is naturally salty)
• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil or Butter (for the grill surface)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

1. Start by firing up your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a medium-high heat on the flat cooktop surface.
2. Allow the grill to come up to temperature. Test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface; if they sizzle and evaporate immediately, you are ready to cook.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop area where you intend to place the ham steaks to ensure a non-stick surface and a good sear.

Step 2: Create the Glaze

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and packed brown sugar.
2. Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until the brown sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and black pepper. Set this glaze aside near the grill for easy access.

Step 3: Sear the Ham Steaks

1. Place the ham steaks directly onto the hot, oiled flat cooktop of the Arteflame.
2. Grill the steaks for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. You are looking for a deep golden-brown sear and slight caramelization on the edges.
3. Do not apply the glaze yet, as the high sugar content can burn if exposed to direct heat for too long.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

1. Flip the ham steaks over. Immediately brush a generous amount of the maple mustard glaze onto the seared side facing up.
2. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the steaks one more time to caramelize the glazed side against the cooktop for just 30 to 60 seconds—watch closely to prevent burning.
3. Brush the remaining glaze on the top side right before removing the steaks from the grill.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the ham steaks from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
2. Let the meat rest for 2 minutes to allow the glaze to set slightly.
3. Garnish with extra fresh thyme and serve hot.

Tips

To achieve the best results with your grilled ham steaks, timing the glaze application is absolutely critical. Because maple syrup and brown sugar have high sugar content, they can go from beautifully caramelized to burnt and bitter in a matter of seconds if left on high heat too long. Always sear the meat first and save the glazing for the final minutes of cooking. Additionally, consider scoring the edges of the ham steaks slightly before grilling. Ham steaks often have a rim of fat that shrinks faster than the meat when heated, causing the steak to curl up into a cup shape. Making small vertical cuts through the fat around the perimeter ensures the steak stays flat against the grill surface, guaranteeing an even sear. Finally, be cautious with salt; ham is cured and salty by nature, so taste your glaze before adding any extra sodium.

Variations

While the classic maple and mustard combination is a crowd favorite, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to suit different palates or seasonal ingredients. You can easily tweak the glaze to introduce heat, acidity, or herbal notes depending on what you are serving alongside the ham. Experimenting with the glaze profile can transform this from a breakfast staple to a savory dinner centerpiece. Here are a few delicious variations to try on your grill:

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet heat contrast.
• Bourbon Glaze: Substitute the apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of bourbon for a smoky, oaky depth.
• Citrus Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest and swap the vinegar for orange juice for a brighter, zestier flavor.
• Honey Herb: Replace the maple syrup with honey and swap the thyme for fresh chopped rosemary.
• Garlic Lover's: Whisk in 2 cloves of minced garlic to the glaze for a more savory, aromatic profile.

Best pairings

The sweet and savory profile of Canadian maple mustard ham steaks calls for side dishes that can either cut through the richness or complement the sweetness. If you are serving this for brunch, nothing beats the classic combination of eggs—sunny side up or poached—and crispy hash browns cooked right on the Arteflame alongside the ham. The runny yolk mixes beautifully with the maple glaze. For a dinner setting, consider sides that offer a textural contrast or a bit of acidity. Grilled vegetables are a natural choice since you already have the grill fired up. The char from the grill ties the whole meal together seamlessly. Here are some top-tier pairings to round out your plate:

• Grilled asparagus spears with lemon zest.
• Smashed garlic butter potatoes.
• Creamy scalloped potatoes or gratin.
• Grilled pineapple rings (the acidity cuts the salty ham perfectly).
• Warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits.

Conclusion

Mastering these Grilled Canadian Maple Mustard Glazed Ham Steaks is all about balancing the heat of the grill with the delicate sugars of the glaze. It is a recipe that pays homage to simple, high-quality ingredients, resulting in a dish that feels far more luxurious than the effort required to make it. Using the Arteflame grill allows you to achieve that professional-grade sear that a standard frying pan simply cannot replicate, locking in moisture and flavor. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with a spicy bourbon variation, this dish is sure to become a regular in your grilling rotation. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the sweet, savory, and smoky symphony that is Canadian-style grilled ham.