Grilled German Smoked Ham Steaks with Maple-Mustard Glaze

There is something undeniably comforting about the aroma of smoked meat hitting a hot griddle, instantly evoking memories of cozy autumn evenings and hearty family gatherings. German cuisine is renowned for its mastery of cured meats, and the German smoked ham steak is a crown jewel of this tradition. Unlike standard ham, this cut offers a deeper, wood-fired flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the high-heat searing capabilities of an Arteflame grill. By cooking these steaks on the flat cooktop, you achieve a caramelization that standard grates simply cannot replicate, locking in the juices while creating a delectable crust.

This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor balance. The natural saltiness of the cured ham requires a sweet and tangy counterpoint to truly shine. We utilize a rich maple-mustard glaze that caramelizes rapidly on the griddle, coating the meat in a sticky, savory sheen. Whether you are hosting an Oktoberfest-themed backyard party or simply looking for a quick, protein-packed weeknight dinner, these grilled ham steaks deliver gourmet results with minimal effort. It is a celebration of rustic cooking, elevated by the precision and versatility of your outdoor grill.

Ingredients

The Meat

• 4 thick-cut German Smoked Ham Steaks (approx. 6-8 oz each)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for the grill surface)

The Glaze

• 1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup
• 2 tbsp Whole Grain or Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme leaves, chopped
• 1/2 tsp Coarse Black Pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Glaze

1. Start your Arteflame grill by building a fire in the center. Allow it to burn down until the flat cooktop reaches optimal cooking temperature. You want a medium-high heat zone for this recipe.
2. While the grill is heating, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, fresh thyme, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully combined. Set this glaze aside near your grilling station.

Step 2: Sear the Ham Steaks

1. Once the cooktop is hot, melt the butter on the surface where you plan to cook. Spread it out to create a non-stick surface.
2. Place the German smoked ham steaks directly onto the buttered surface. You should hear an immediate sizzle.
3. Sear the steaks for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Since the ham is usually pre-cooked, you are aiming to warm it through and achieve a golden-brown crust rather than cooking it from raw.

Step 3: Glaze and Caramelize

1. Move the steaks slightly further from the center fire to a medium heat zone to prevent burning the sugars.
2. Brush the top of each steak generously with the maple-mustard glaze. Flip the steaks over onto the glazed side.
3. Brush the new top side with the remaining glaze. Let the bottom caramelize for about 1 minute—watch closely as the sugar in the maple syrup can burn quickly.
4. Flip once more to set the glaze on the second side for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove the steaks from the grill immediately once the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
2. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme if desired and serve hot directly from the grill.

Tips

Grilling ham steaks requires a different approach than grilling raw beef or pork because the meat is cured and generally leaner. The most critical tip is to manage your heat zones on the Arteflame effectively. Because ham typically contains sugar in the cure, and our glaze is maple-based, high heat is the enemy once the sauce is applied. Use the intense heat near the center only for the initial sear to get those appetizing grill marks or crust. Once you start glazing, move the meat toward the outer edge of the cooktop where the temperature is gentler.

Another pro-tip is to prevent the steaks from curling up, which often happens with ham as the fat rim renders and tightens. Before you place the steaks on the grill, take a sharp knife and make small, vertical slits through the fat layer on the edges, spaced about an inch apart. This releases the tension and ensures the steak lies flat against the griddle, guaranteeing an even sear across the entire surface.

Variations

While the classic maple-mustard combination is a crowd-pleaser, German smoked ham is a versatile canvas that welcomes various flavor profiles. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit the season or your personal palate. If you prefer a more savory route, lean into herbs and beer; for a summer vibe, fruit works exceptionally well. Experimenting with the glaze is the easiest way to transform the dish without changing the cooking technique. Here are a few distinct variations to try on your flat top grill:

• The Hawaiian Style: Swap the maple glaze for a teriyaki sauce and grill fresh pineapple rings right alongside the ham steaks. Stack the fruit on top for serving.
• The Oktoberfest: Omit the maple syrup and instead braise the steaks on the flat top with a splash of dark German lager and brown sugar.
• Spicy Hot Honey: Replace the maple syrup with hot honey and add a pinch of cayenne pepper and garlic powder for a kick.
• Apple Butter Glaze: Use apple butter and a dash of cinnamon instead of mustard for a distinctly autumnal, sweet variation.
• Herb Crusted: Skip the sticky glaze and coat the steaks in a mixture of rosemary, sage, and olive oil for a savory, non-sweet finish.

Best pairings

To create a balanced meal, you want sides that cut through the richness of the smoked meat and the sweetness of the glaze. Traditional German sides are obvious winners here, providing the starch and acidity needed to round out the palate. Since you are already using the Arteflame, try to utilize the grill for your side dishes as well to keep the cleanup minimal and the flavors cohesive. The goal is to provide texture and freshness to contrast the tender, salty ham.

• Warm German Potato Salad: Vinegar-based potato salad with bacon and onions pairs perfectly with the sweet ham.
• Grilled Sauerkraut: Heat high-quality sauerkraut on the flat top until it gets slightly crispy edges.
• Charred Asparagus: The bitterness of charred asparagus balances the maple glaze beautifully.
• Braised Red Cabbage: A classic Rotkohl adds a pop of color and sweet-sour flavor.
• Crusty Rye Bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover glaze and juices.

Conclusion

Mastering Grilled German Smoked Ham Steaks on the Arteflame is about respecting the ingredients and utilizing the unique thermal zones of your grill. This dish proves that you do not need complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients to create a meal that tastes like a special occasion. The combination of smoky, salty ham with the sweet heat of the maple-mustard glaze creates a flavor explosion that is both nostalgic and excitingly fresh.

Next time you fire up the grill, look beyond the standard burgers and brats. These ham steaks offer a delightful change of pace that is quick enough for a Tuesday night but impressive enough for weekend entertaining. Gather your friends, pour some cold lagers, and enjoy the sizzling satisfaction of a German classic done right.