I’ve perfected this method for cooking ham steak in the Instant Pot—it’s a foolproof way to achieve tender, flavorful results without the fuss. The pressure cooker locks in juices while the glaze caramelizes beautifully.
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. A simple smoky-sweet glaze elevates the ham steak into something special with minimal effort.
The Instant Pot ensures even cooking, so every bite is moist and packed with flavor. The glaze reduces into a sticky, savory coating that clings to the meat.
Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients for Ham Steak Instant Pot
Fully cooked ham steak plus pantry staples for a smoky-sweet glaze everyone loves.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Cooked Ham Steak 🍖 | 2 lb | Bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick |
| Brown Sugar 🍚 | ½ cup | Light or dark, packed |
| Honey 🍯 | ¼ cup | For natural sweetness |
| Dijon Mustard 🟡 | 2 tbsp | Smooth, not whole grain |
| Apple Cider Vinegar 🍏 | 1 tbsp | For tangy balance |
| Worcestershire Sauce 🍶 | 1 tbsp | Adds umami depth |
| Ground Cinnamon 🌿 | ½ tsp | For warm spice note |
| Smoked Paprika 🌶️ | ½ tsp | For smoky flavor |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 3 cloves | Minced for glaze |
| Chicken Broth 🍲 | ½ cup | Low-sodium preferred |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | For richness in glaze |
| Cornstarch 🌾 | 1 tbsp | For thickening glaze |
| Kosher Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
The ham steak is the star—look for 1-inch thick cuts at the deli counter (bone-in holds up better to pressure cooking). Honey Baked Ham or Hormel brands work well if you’re short on time. For the glaze, use real honey (local is great) and light brown sugar for that classic caramelized finish. Most supermarkets carry everything you need in one trip.
No brown sugar? Maple syrup plus a tablespoon of molasses mimics the flavor. Out of Dijon? Regular mustard with a pinch of turmeric works. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar in a pinch (though the flavor will be sharper). For a deeper smoke note, add half a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the glaze.
Store leftover ham steak wrapped in foil for up to 5 days. The glaze keeps in a jar for 1 week—great for sandwiches or breakfast hash. Reheat gently to preserve moisture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget: I toss the ham steak in the Instant Pot with the glaze, press a button, and walk away—dinner’s done in 15 minutes flat.
- Sweet & Tangy Magic: Brown sugar and honey caramelize while the Dijon and apple cider vinegar cut through with a zesty kick I can’t resist.
- Feeds Everyone: It’s my go-to for Sunday dinner, busy weeknights, or even a quick holiday centerpiece when guests drop by.
- Lunches for Days: Honestly, the leftovers taste even better sliced thin on sandwiches or chopped into salads all week.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ham Steak with Smoky Sweet Glaze
This method delivers tender ham with a rich, glossy glaze using your pressure cooker.
Step 1: Sear the Ham Steak
Pat the 2 lb Fully Cooked Ham Steak dry with paper towels and season both sides with 0.5 tsp Kosher Salt and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter to melt.
Once the butter foams, add the ham steak and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step builds flavor and prevents sticking. Remove the ham and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Build the Glaze Base
In the same pot, add minced 3 cloves Garlic Cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 0.5 cup Brown Sugar, 0.25 cup Honey, 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce, 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon, and 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and the sugar begins to dissolve. Watch for the edges to darken slightly—this indicates the flavors are melding.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Ham
Pour in 0.5 cup Chicken Broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, ensuring no bits remain stuck. Return the ham steak to the pot, spooning some of the glaze mixture over the top.
Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. The ham is already fully cooked, so this short time infuses it with the glaze flavors without drying it out.
Step 4: Thicken and Finish the Glaze
Once the cooking cycle completes, quick-release the pressure and remove the ham to a serving platter. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again and stir in 1 tbsp Cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens to a syrup-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Pour the glaze over the ham steak and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze spooned on top.
Pro Tips For Making Ham Steak Instant Pot
- Use Natural Release: I learned this the hard way—quick-releasing the pressure can make the ham steak tough. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- Score the Steak: Cut shallow diamond patterns into the ham before cooking. This helps the brown sugar and honey glaze penetrate deeper for more flavor in every bite.
- Thin the Glaze: The brown sugar and honey can get too thick and burn. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or water to the glaze mixture to prevent sticking and make it easier to coat the ham.
- Skip Extra Liquid: Since the ham is fully cooked, it releases enough moisture on its own. Adding too much liquid just dilutes the glaze—stick to 1/4 cup max for the Instant Pot.
Health Benefits of This Dish
Protein Powerhouse
This dish delivers high-quality protein—about 20-25 grams per 3-ounce serving—to support muscle repair and growth. Since the ham is pre-cooked, the Instant Pot simply enhances its natural juiciness while keeping all the protein intact. 💪
Rich in B Vitamins
Ham steak is packed with B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, which are vital for energy metabolism and nervous system health. A single serving provides a significant portion of your daily needs for these essential nutrients.
Low in Carbs
With only 1-2 grams of carbs per serving in the ham itself, this dish is ideal for low-carb or keto diets. The glaze adds some sugars, but you can reduce the brown sugar by half if you’re watching your carb intake.
Iron and Zinc Boost
Ham is a great source of iron and zinc, minerals that support immune function and wound healing. The Instant Pot cooking method helps retain these nutrients better than boiling or frying.
Quick Energy Source
The natural sugars in the glaze provide a quick energy boost, while the protein in the ham ensures sustained energy. This makes the dish perfect for active days when you need fuel that lasts.
Balanced Nutrition
Pair this with roasted vegetables or a side salad to create a well-rounded meal. The combination of protein, healthy fats from the glaze, and fiber from the sides offers balanced nutrition in every bite. 🥗
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of ham?
Yes, but stick to fully cooked cuts about 1-inch thick. Bone-in holds up better, but boneless works too. Avoid country ham as it’s saltier and drier.
What if my glaze is too thin?
Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes longer or mix 1 tsp cornstarch with cold water and stir in. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
How do I prevent the ham from sticking?
Deglaze the pot thoroughly after searing and ensure there’s enough liquid (0.5 cup broth) before pressure cooking. This prevents the burn notice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Cook and glaze the ham, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the Instant Pot with 2 tbsp broth to maintain moisture.
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