Effortless Cooking: How to Cook Ham Steak in the Microwave

Growing up, my mother always had a knack for whipping up delicious meals with minimal effort. I would watch in awe as she effortlessly prepared dinner, leaving me wondering how she managed to make everything taste so incredible without spending hours in the kitchen. One of her secret weapons was the microwave, and in particular, her ability to cook ham steak in this trusty appliance. In this article, I will share with you her method for cooking ham steak in the microwave, so you too can enjoy a mouthwatering meal with minimal hassle.

The Perfect Ham Steak

Why Choose Ham Steak?

Ham steak is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or lazy Sunday brunches. Unlike a whole ham, which can be quite large and time-consuming to cook, ham steak offers all the deliciousness of ham in a convenient and manageable size. It is also easily available at most grocery stores and comes pre-sliced, making it a convenient option for those short on time.

Gathering the Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:

Preparing the Ham Steak

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the ham steak for cooking. Follow these simple steps:

1. Place the ham steak on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Using a fork, carefully pierce the surface of the ham steak on both sides. This will help the flavors penetrate and ensure even cooking.
3. Season the ham steak with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Be generous with the seasoning to enhance the flavor.
4. Let the seasoned ham steak sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cooking the Ham Steak

Now comes the exciting part – cooking the ham steak in the microwave! Follow these steps:

1. Place the microwave-safe plate with the seasoned ham steak in the microwave.
2. Cover the plate loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help trap the steam and prevent the meat from drying out.
3. Set the microwave to 50% power, as cooking on high power can result in tough and dry meat.
4. Cook the ham steak for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on its thickness. Flip the ham steak halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the ham steak from the microwave. Be cautious, as the plate and ham steak will be hot.

Adding the Finishing Touches

To take your ham steak from good to great, we need to add a final touch. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or oil. This step is optional but helps in achieving a nice sear on the ham steak.
2. Once the butter or oil is hot, carefully transfer the ham steak from the microwave-safe plate to the skillet.
3. Sear the ham steak for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This will give it a beautiful caramelized crust.
4. Remove the ham steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
5. If desired, drizzle a bit of honey, maple syrup, or glaze over the ham steak for some added sweetness.

Serving and Enjoying

Now that our ham steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy our effortlessly delicious meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to serving ham steak, so feel free to get creative and try out different combinations that suit your taste buds.

In conclusion, cooking ham steak in the microwave is a simple and hassle-free way to enjoy a tender and flavorful meal. By following these easy steps, you can achieve a perfectly cooked ham steak with minimal effort. So why not give it a try and experience the joy of effortless cooking? Happy cooking and bon appétit!