Texas Ham Steaks with Brown Sugar Glaze

Introduction

Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these mouthwatering Texas Ham Steaks glazed in a delicious brown sugar and mustard reduction. Using the Arteflame Grill, we’ll achieve a steakhouse-quality sear at over 1,000°F and finish the ham to perfection on the flat top griddle. This recipe brings out the bold, sweet, and savory flavors that define true Texas BBQ—without ever touching a pot or pan.

Ingredients

• 2 thick-cut ham steaks (about 1 inch thick)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (dark preferred for richer flavor)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the fire bowl.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the fire to burn. Your Arteflame will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Your Glaze

1. On the flat top cooktop, melt butter closer to the center zone for higher heat efficiency.
2. Whisk in brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika directly on the griddle with a spatula.
3. Once it thickens and caramelizes slightly, move it to a cooler spot on the cooktop to keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the Ham Steaks

1. Place your ham steaks directly on the center Arteflame grill grate once it reaches searing heat (1,000°F).
2. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes for that signature caramelized crust.
3. Once seared, move the steaks to the flat cooktop cook zone to finish cooking evenly.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish

1. Spoon the glaze over the ham steaks several times as they cook on the flat cooktop.
2. Turn and rotate the steaks occasionally, ensuring the glaze caramelizes and forms a glossy coating.
3. Grill the ham until its internal temperature reaches 130°F. Remove from the grill as it will continue cooking to the ideal 145°F off heat.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let your ham steaks rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve hot off the grill.

Tips

• Aim for even caramelization, not burning—adjust positioning on the flat top as needed using the cooler outer zones.
• Brush the glaze on multiple times for thicker, more flavorful coating.
• Always rest meat before slicing to retain juiciness.
• Use butter instead of oil while grilling on the flat top—it enhances richness and flavor.
• Monitor internal temperature carefully. Remove meat 15°F before your final target temperature to prevent overcooking.

Variations

1. Spicy Texas Ham Steaks: Add 1 tsp chipotle powder and a splash of hot sauce to the glaze for a fiery kick.
2. Maple-Mustard Ham Steaks: Substitute half the brown sugar for maple syrup and use whole grain mustard.
3. Pineapple Teriyaki Glazed Ham: Swap brown sugar and mustard for pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic for a Hawaiian fusion twist.
4. Bourbon BBQ Ham Steaks: Mix in a tablespoon of bourbon and BBQ sauce to your glaze for smoky-sweet goodness.
5. Honey Garlic Texas Ham: Replace mustard with crushed garlic and brown sugar with honey for a sticky, aromatic result.

Conclusion

This Texas-style grilled ham steak recipe is incredibly simple, massively flavorful, and perfect for outdoor gatherings. With the Arteflame Grill, you’ll get a perfectly seared exterior and juicy interior without needing a lid or oven—just pure flavor and precision grill mastery.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn with chili-lime butter
• Cast iron-baked mac and cheese (grilled on the flat top)
• Texas-style baked beans on the side of the griddle for warmth
• Fresh grilled pineapple slices
• Sweet tea or a smoky bourbon cocktail