Kentucky Country Ham Steaks with Red-Eye Gravy

Introduction

Few dishes capture Southern tradition like thick-cut Kentucky country ham steaks seared perfectly and finished with classic red-eye gravy. Using an Arteflame grill, we'll achieve a steakhouse-quality sear at over 1,000°F in the center while locking in flavor and juices. The flat top griddle ensures an even cook, letting us prepare the gravy right alongside the ham. Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!

Ingredients

• 2 thick-cut country ham steaks
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup strong black coffee
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for gravy)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over top of the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build; you’ll be ready to cook in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the country ham steaks

1. Once the grill is hot, place the ham steaks on the center grill grate.
2. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until you see a dark brown crust form.
3. Move the ham steaks to the flat cooktop and cook until they reach 130°F internal temperature.
4. Remove the ham steaks from the grill and let them rest.

Step 3: Make the red-eye gravy

1. Add 1 tbsp butter to the flat top griddle.
2. Pour in the black coffee and chicken broth, letting it sizzle.
3. Add brown sugar and black pepper, stirring to combine.
4. Allow the gravy to reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

1. Place ham steaks on a plate.
2. Spoon red-eye gravy over the top.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Remove ham steaks from the grill when 15°F below the target temperature; they will continue cooking while resting.
• Use high-quality coffee for the best red-eye gravy flavor.
• Adjust the cooktop positioning for perfect heat control, placing steaks nearer to the outside if you need to lower the heat.

Variations

1. Spicy Red-Eye Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the gravy a spicy kick.
2. Maple Bourbon Glaze: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon while reducing the gravy.
3. Herb Butter Ham Steaks: Mix butter with fresh rosemary and thyme and baste the ham steaks as they cook.
4. Honey-Sweetened Gravy: Replace brown sugar with honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
5. Garlic Butter Ham Steaks: Infuse the butter with minced garlic before searing for added depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Kentucky country ham steaks with red-eye gravy are a timeless dish bursting with bold flavors. The Arteflame grill ensures a deep, rich sear while locking in the juices. Whether you keep it traditional or experiment with variations, this dish is sure to impress!

Best Pairings

• Buttermilk biscuits
• Creamy grits
• Southern-style collard greens
• Scrambled eggs
• Sweet tea or bourbon