Citrus Glazed Ham Steak (South Carolina Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when salty ham meets a sweet, tangy glaze over an open fire. It brings back memories of balmy Lowcountry evenings, where the air is thick with the aroma of charcoal and mustard. This South Carolina Citrus Glazed Ham Steak is not just dinner; it is a sensory experience. The way the yellow mustard and honey reduce into a sticky, golden lacquer on the hot steel is mesmerizing, promising a bite that is perfectly crisp on the edges and juicy in the middle.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This dish is the definition of high-reward, low-effort cooking. It balances the aggressive saltiness of cured ham with the sharp zest of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. It is a fantastic weeknight savior because ham steaks are technically already cooked—you are simply waking them up with smoke and flavor. Plus, using the Arteflame means you get that steakhouse sear in the center while the sauce gently bubbles on the flat top without burning.

Kitchen Wisdom

• Watch the Sugar: Since the glaze is rich in honey and sugar, keep the glazed steaks on the flat cooktop, not the center grate, to prevent the sugars from scorching into a bitter crust.
• Thickness Matters: Opt for ham steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. This ensures they stay juicy inside while developing that irresistible char outside.

Make It Your Own

If you are not a fan of honey, pure maple syrup offers a deeper, earthier sweetness that pairs beautifully with pork. For those who want less tang and more heat, try swapping half the yellow mustard for a grainy Dijon or adding a pinch of cayenne to the mix.

Ingredients

• 2 Ham Steaks (approx. 1 inch thick)
• 1/2 cup Yellow Mustard
• 1/2 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Hot Sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
• Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Orange Slices (for garnish and extra citrus zest)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Start by lighting your Arteflame grill. Build a fire in the center using charcoal or wood.
2. Allow the grill to heat up for about 15-20 minutes. You want the center grill grate to be searing hot (over 600°F) and the flat steel cooktop to reach a medium-high cooking temperature.
3. Lightly oil the flat cooktop with a high-smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil to ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 2: Create the South Carolina Gold Glaze

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yellow mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
2. Whisk the ingredients vigorously until the brown sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Set half of the sauce aside in a separate bowl for serving at the table. The remaining half will be used for basting the ham on the grill.

Step 3: Sear the Ham Steaks

1. Place the ham steaks directly onto the center grill grate for a high-heat sear.
2. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side. You are looking for distinct grill marks and a slight char on the edges to enhance the smoky flavor.
3. Once seared, move the ham steaks onto the flat steel cooktop. This zone provides a more moderate heat, perfect for warming the ham through without drying it out.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

1. Using a basting brush, generously apply the glaze to the top side of the ham steaks while they cook on the flat top.
2. Flip the steaks after 2 minutes and glaze the other side. Allow the sauce to bubble and caramelize, becoming sticky and golden.
3. Continue to flip and baste for another 2-3 minutes until the ham is heated through and coated in a thick, shiny glaze.
4. Remove from the grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and orange slices before serving.

Tips

Mastering this recipe comes down to heat management. Because the glaze contains a significant amount of honey and brown sugar, it is susceptible to burning if exposed to direct flames for too long. This is why the Arteflame is the perfect tool for the job; use the center grate strictly for the initial sear, and rely on the flat cooktop for the glazing process. This ensures the sauce reduces into a rich, sticky coating rather than a burnt crust.

Additionally, make sure your ham steak is at least one inch thick. Thinner steaks tend to dry out quickly on the grill. If your ham is pre-cooked (which most ham steaks are), remember that you are essentially just warming it up and adding flavor. Avoid overcooking, as this will result in a tough, rubbery texture. Keep a close eye on the glaze as it bubbles; once it looks tacky and adheres to the meat, it is ready to serve.

Variations

While the South Carolina mustard profile is a classic, the versatility of the Arteflame allows for easy experimentation with flavors. You can easily adjust the sweetness or heat levels to suit your family's preferences. For a more robust, adult flavor profile, consider adding a splash of bourbon to the glaze; the alcohol cooks off on the flat top, leaving behind a deep, oaky richness that pairs beautifully with the pork. If you prefer a fruitier finish, substitute the apple cider vinegar with pineapple juice.

• Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the mustard mixture.
• Herb Crusted: Mix fresh thyme and rosemary into the glaze for an aromatic, earthy twist.
• Maple Glaze: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a richer, autumnal flavor profile.
• Citrus Burst: Add the zest of one lemon and one orange directly into the sauce for a brighter, zestier finish.
• Garlic Lover’s: Whisk in 2 cloves of minced garlic or a teaspoon of garlic powder for a savory punch.

Best pairings

The bold, tangy flavors of a mustard-glazed ham steak require side dishes that can hold their own. Since you already have the Arteflame fired up, it makes sense to utilize the flat top for your sides as well. Grilled fruit is an exceptional pairing; thick slices of pineapple or peaches seared on the flat top bring out a natural sweetness that complements the salty ham. The contrast between the warm, juicy fruit and the savory meat is a hallmark of Southern barbecue.

• Grilled Pineapple: Sear slices until golden brown to enhance the tropical vibe.
• Sweet Potatoes: Slice them into rounds and grill them on the flat top until tender and crispy edges form.
• Southern Coleslaw: A creamy, cool coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the glaze.
• Cornbread: Serve warm skillet cornbread to soak up any extra sauce on the plate.
• Grilled Asparagus: Toss with olive oil and lemon juice, then grill quickly for a healthy, green side.

Conclusion

This South Carolina Citrus Glazed Ham Steak recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. The Arteflame grill plays a pivotal role here, allowing you to achieve a steakhouse-quality sear while gently caramelizing the sweet and tangy mustard sauce. It is a dish that balances the saltiness of the ham with the zesty brightness of the Lowcountry gold sauce, resulting in a meal that is both comforting and exciting.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend barbecue, this recipe requires minimal prep time but delivers maximum flavor. The sticky, golden crust and the juicy, tender meat will likely make this a new favorite in your grilling rotation. So, fire up the grill, whisk up that sauce, and enjoy a taste of the South right in your own backyard.