Honey Glazed Ham Steaks (Iowa Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

There is something undeniably primal and comforting about the scent of thick-cut cured pork hitting a hot grill. As the fat renders and sizzles on the Arteflame, the air fills with a sweet, smoky aroma that instantly transports me back to rustic campfire breakfasts and hearty family gatherings. This Honey Glazed Iowa Ham Steak isn’t just a meal; it’s a nostalgic embrace on a plate. The edges turn a beautiful mahogany brown while the inside stays tender and juicy, all coated in a sticky, sweet glaze that perfectly offsets the savory saltiness of the meat.

Why This Recipe Works

I adore this recipe because it transforms a humble cut of meat into a centerpiece dish worthy of a Sunday supper, yet it is easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner. Cooking on the Arteflame allows you to get that aggressive sear over the open fire and then gently caramelize the glaze on the flat cooktop without burning the sugars—a common pitfall with sweet glazes. It strikes the perfect balance of texture and flavor, coming together in under 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Tips for Success

• Score the Fat: Make small vertical cuts in the outer fat band around the steak (about an inch apart) to prevent the meat from curling up like a bowl as it cooks.
• Zone Management: Move the steaks to the cooler outer ring of the griddle when applying the glaze. The high sugar content will burn instantly over high heat, so gentle caramelization is the key to a sticky, delicious finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have honey on hand, pure maple syrup creates a richer, woodsy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with pork. For a dairy-free option, swap the butter for a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil to maintain that glossy sheen.

Ingredients

To recreate this Midwestern classic, you need high-quality pork and a glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.

The Ham

• 4 thick-cut Iowa Ham Steaks (bone-in or boneless, approx. 8-10 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for the grill surface)

The Honey Glaze

• 1/2 cup local raw honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using three pieces of paper towel soaked in vegetable oil, stacked with kindling and hardwood logs.
2. Allow the grill to burn for about 20 minutes until the center grate is extremely hot and the flat carbon steel cooktop reaches a steady cooking temperature.
3. Lightly oil the flat cooktop surface to season it and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

1. While the grill is heating, place a small heat-safe cast iron sauce pot on the flat cooktop surface.
2. Add the butter, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves to the pot.
3. Stir gently until the butter is melted and the sugar has fully dissolved, creating a smooth, cohesive glaze. Move the pot to a cooler edge of the grill to keep warm without boiling over.

Step 3: Sear the Ham Steaks

1. Place the ham steaks closer to the center of the grill grate for a quick, high-heat sear.
2. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, just enough to develop a rich, mahogany crust and distinct grill marks.
3. Once seared, move the steaks onto the flat carbon steel cooktop (the griddle section) where the heat is more moderate.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

1. Brush the ham steaks generously with the warm honey glaze.
2. Let them cook for another 3-4 minutes, flipping once and applying more glaze, allowing the sugars to caramelize and stick to the meat without burning.
3. Remove from the grill once the internal temperature reaches 140°F and the edges are crispy and golden.
4. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

Grilling ham steaks requires a little finesse because cured ham is already cooked; you are essentially heating it through and adding texture. The high sugar content in the honey glaze means it can burn quickly if left over high heat for too long. To avoid this, utilize the Arteflame's heat zones effectively. Start with the sear near the center fire for color, then move the steaks to the outer ring of the cooktop when applying the glaze. This indirect heat ensures the glaze becomes sticky and delicious rather than charred and bitter. Also, scoring the fat edges of the ham steak prevents it from curling up during the cooking process, ensuring even contact with the grill surface.

Variations

While the classic honey and brown sugar combination is a crowd-pleaser, Iowa ham is a versatile canvas that pairs well with various flavor profiles. You can easily tweak the glaze to suit your mood or the season.

• The Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy contrast.
• Bourbon Maple: Substitute the honey for pure maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for a deep, oaky richness.
• Citrus Zest: Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a brighter, fresher finish.
• Garlic Herb: Skip the cloves and brown sugar, and instead mix honey with minced garlic and fresh rosemary for a savory twist.
• Pineapple Aloha: Mix pineapple juice into the glaze and grill pineapple rings alongside the ham.

Best Pairings

A great main dish deserves equally impressive sides. Since you already have the Arteflame fired up, it makes sense to cook your entire meal on the flat top alongside the ham steaks. The savory sweetness of the ham pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and starches.

• Grilled Asparagus: Toss with olive oil, salt, and lemon, then grill until tender-crisp.
• Smashed Potatoes: Par-boil small potatoes, smash them flat, and crisp them up in butter on the plancha surface.
• Grilled Pineapple: The acidity of pineapple cuts through the saltiness of the ham perfectly.
• Fried Eggs: For the ultimate breakfast-for-dinner, crack an egg on the flat top right before serving.

Conclusion

Cooking these Honey Glazed Iowa Ham Steaks on the Arteflame grill is more than just preparing a meal; it is a celebration of fire, flavor, and quality ingredients. The unique design of the grill allows you to achieve a chef-quality finish that standard backyard grills simply cannot match. Whether you are serving this up for a hearty Sunday brunch or a quick weeknight dinner, the result is always a perfect harmony of smoky, sweet, and savory notes that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Fire up the grill and enjoy the process.