Savory Ham Steak with Gingered Pear Salsa
This Savory Ham Steak with Gingered Pear Salsa offers a delightful twist to your traditional ham dish. Tender, juicy ham steak is elevated with a vibrant topping of sweet canned pears, enriched with aromatic ginger and fresh mint. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining friends, this recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
4
Servings
85
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sliced Pears
1 can (15 1/4 ounces) (Drained and reserve juice)
Ham Steak
1 piece (about 1 lb, 1/2 inch thick) (Fully cooked)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For browning the ham)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (For thickening the sauce)
Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon (For flavoring the sauce)
Cold Water
1 tablespoon (To mix with cornstarch)
Fresh Mint
1-3 teaspoons (Snipped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the sliced pears from the can, reserving the juice for later use.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ham steak and brown it on both sides until the exterior is crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
3
Drain any excess oil from the skillet, returning it to the heat. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and ground ginger, then stir in the cold water to create a smooth paste.
4
Pour the reserved pear juice into the skillet and add the cornstarch mixture. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5
Return the ham steak to the skillet, along with the reserved sliced pears. Gently heat everything through, allowing the flavors to meld together for another 2-3 minutes.
6
Finally, sprinkle snipped fresh mint over the top before serving. Enjoy your deliciously sweet and savory ham steak!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
9g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Ham Steak with Gingered Pear Salsa?
It is a quick and easy dish featuring a browned ham steak topped with a sweet and savory sauce made from canned pears, ginger, and fresh mint.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 85 calories.
What type of ham should I use?
The recipe calls for one piece of fully cooked ham steak, about 1 pound in weight and 1/2 inch thick.
What kind of pears are needed?
You will need one 15 1/4 ounce can of sliced pears.
Should I throw away the pear liquid?
No, you should drain the pears but reserve the juice to use as the base for the sauce.
How long does it take to cook the ham?
The ham steak should be browned for about 4-5 minutes per side until the exterior is crispy.
What oil is best for browning the ham?
The recipe recommends using one tablespoon of olive oil.
How is the pear sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened using a mixture of 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water.
What gives the salsa its ginger flavor?
The flavor comes from 1 teaspoon of ground ginger mixed into the sauce.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is finished with 1 to 3 teaspoons of snipped fresh mint.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknights?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy meal ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 8 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 9 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
While the recipe calls for ground ginger, you can substitute fresh ginger, though the flavor profile may be slightly more intense.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Do I cook the pears with the ham?
The pears are added back to the skillet after the sauce has thickened to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients like ham and cornstarch are typically gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your specific brands.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Fresh mint provides a vibrant flavor and color, but if you must use dried, use a much smaller amount as it is more concentrated.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can whisk in a small amount of water or extra pear juice to reach your desired consistency.
Does this dish have a sweet or savory taste?
It is a combination of both, featuring the saltiness of the ham and the sweetness of the gingered pears.
Is the ham steak supposed to be crispy?
Yes, the instructions suggest browning it until the exterior is crispy.
How do I prepare the cornstarch?
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and ground ginger, then stir in cold water to create a smooth paste.
What size pan should I use?
A large skillet is recommended to accommodate the ham steak.
Can I use other canned fruits?
While specifically designed for pears, canned peaches or apricots could serve as a delicious alternative.
Should the skillet be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions specify to simmer the sauce uncovered.
Is this recipe low in fat?
With only 3 grams of fat per serving, this is a relatively low-fat main dish option.
What is the first step in the recipe?
The first step is to drain the sliced pears and reserve the juice for later use.