Grilled Swedish Mustard-Dill Marinated Ham Steaks Recipe

Introduction

There is something undeniably comforting about the classic Nordic combination of sharp mustard, sweet sugar, and aromatic fresh dill. When applied to savory ham steaks and seared over the intense heat of an Arteflame grill, this flavor profile transforms a simple cut of meat into a gourmet experience. This recipe for Swedish Mustard-Dill Marinated Ham Steaks borrows heavily from the traditional "Hovmästarsås" (maître d' hotel sauce), adapting it into a marinade that caramelizes beautifully on a flat-top griddle. The sugar in the marinade interacts with the high heat to create a sticky, golden-brown glaze, while the vinegar cuts through the richness of the pork.

Whether you are hosting a summer garden party or looking for a quick weeknight dinner that feels sophisticated, this dish delivers high impact with minimal effort. The open-fire cooking method ensures the ham stays juicy on the inside while developing that irresistible char on the outside. It is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create complex, robust flavors that resonate with both adults and children alike.

Ingredients

The Marinade

• 4 tablespoons Swedish mustard (or mild Dijon mustard)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or brown)
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
• 1 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The Meat

• 4 thick-cut ham steaks (approx. 1/2 inch thick)
• Extra oil for the grill surface

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Swedish Marinade

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Swedish mustard, sugar, and white wine vinegar.
2. Whisk the mixture vigorously until the sugar has mostly dissolved and the base is smooth.
3. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil. This emulsification process is crucial to create a thick, creamy marinade that will stick to the meat.
4. Fold in the freshly chopped dill and season with a pinch of black pepper. Be sparing with salt, as the ham steaks are naturally cured and salty.

Step 2: Marinate the Ham

1. Pat the ham steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Place the steaks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass dish.
3. Pour the mustard-dill mixture over the steaks, ensuring every inch is generously coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor penetration, let them marinate for up to 2 hours, but avoid overnight marinating as the vinegar can change the texture of the ham.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Allow the flat cooktop griddle to heat up. You are looking for a medium-high heat zone, not the hottest part closest to the center hole, as the sugar in the marinade can burn if the heat is too aggressive.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface where you intend to place the steaks.

Step 4: Grill the Steaks

1. Remove the ham steaks from the marinade, letting the excess drip off slightly, but keeping a good coating on the meat.
2. Place the steaks onto the hot flat-top griddle. You should hear an immediate sizzle.
3. Grill for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Watch carefully for caramelization; you want a golden-brown crust, not charred black.
4. If the steaks are browning too quickly before heating through, move them to the cooler outer edge of the cooktop.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Once the steaks are heated through and have a nice glaze, remove them from the grill.
2. Let them rest for 2 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
3. Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs before serving hot.

Tips

Cooking with sugar-based marinades on an open fire requires a bit of vigilance. The sugar is the magic ingredient that creates the delectable crust, but it is also the first thing to burn. When using your Arteflame, utilize the different heat zones effectively. Start the sear closer to the center to lock in the flavor, then slide the steaks toward the outer edge to finish cooking gently without scorching the mustard sauce. This temperature control is the key to a perfect result.

Additionally, pay attention to the thickness of your ham steaks. Extremely thin steaks will dry out before they develop a good crust, while steaks that are too thick might remain cold in the middle. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch. Also, since ham is pre-cooked, you aren't trying to reach a safe internal temperature from raw; you are simply heating it through and focusing on texture and flavor development. Always bring your meat to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Variations

This mustard-dill flavor profile is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences or pantries. While the classic Swedish recipe relies on the specific tang of prepared mustard, you can experiment with ingredients to shift the flavor profile from Nordic to something uniquely your own. Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe:

• Honey Substitute: Replace the granulated sugar with honey for a more floral sweetness and a stickier glaze that pairs beautifully with the smoke from the grill.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne powder to the marinade to contrast the sweetness with some heat.
• Protein Swap: This marinade is traditionally used for cured salmon (Gravlax), but it works wonders on pork chops or chicken thighs if you prefer fresh meat over cured ham.
• Creamy Version: Whisk in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or heavy cream into the marinade for a richer, more decadent coating, though be careful of flare-ups.
• Herb Garden: If you aren't a fan of dill, substitute it with fresh tarragon or chives, which both pair excellently with mustard and pork.

Best pairings

To create a balanced meal, you need sides that can stand up to the bold, tangy flavors of the ham. Since the main dish is rich and savory, starchy or acidic sides work best to cleanse the palate. In Sweden, this type of dish is almost always served with potatoes, which act as the perfect vessel for any extra sauce. However, the versatility of ham allows for lighter, greener options as well.

• Creamy Dill Potatoes: Boiled baby potatoes tossed in a light cream and dill sauce are the traditional accompaniment.
• Grilled Asparagus: Throw fresh asparagus spears on the Arteflame alongside the ham for a smoky, crisp vegetable side.
• Rye Bread: Serve with slices of dark rye bread and butter to soak up the juices.
• Pickled Cucumbers: Quick-pickled cucumbers add a necessary crunch and acidity to cut through the saltiness of the ham.
• Drink Pairing: A crisp, dry Riesling or a light lager beer complements the sweet and sour notes perfectly.

Conclusion

Grilled Swedish Mustard-Dill Marinated Ham Steaks offer a delightful departure from the standard barbecue fare. The combination of ingredients pays homage to Scandinavian culinary traditions while embracing the rustic, American style of flat-top grilling. It is a recipe that proves complex flavors don't require complex techniques. By simply whisking together a few pantry staples, you create a marinade that elevates humble ham steaks into a centerpiece worthy of any gathering.

Using the Arteflame grill for this recipe ensures that you get that distinctive sear that an oven or pan just can't replicate. The slight smokiness from the wood fire blends seamlessly with the sweet mustard glaze, creating a bite that is crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Give this recipe a try at your next cookout, and bring a taste of Sweden to your backyard.