Southern Comfort Free recipe

Country Ham Steak

Country Ham Steak is Southern done right -- salty pan-fried country ham with a quick red-eye pan sauce. Keeping the oil at the right temperature is what separates crisp, greaseless results from soggy ones.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Total: 20 min

20Minutes

4Servings

4.7Rating

EasyLevel

Why you'll love this recipe

Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
The components can be made ahead and reheated without losing quality.
Built for contrast -- a crisp exterior with a tender, juicy interior.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

4 slices country ham
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup brewed coffee
2 tbsp water
1 tsp brown sugar

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

90Calories

6gFat

1gCarbs

7gProtein

Estimated from the ingredients above; actual values vary by brand and exact measurements.

Method

Step 1
Heat a skillet over medium. Add the butter and the ham slices.
Step 2
Fry the ham 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned at the edges, then move to a plate.
Step 3
Pour the coffee and water into the hot pan and add the brown sugar.
Step 4
Simmer 2 minutes, scraping up the browned bits, until slightly reduced - this is red-eye gravy.
Step 5
Spoon the gravy over the ham and serve with grits or biscuits.

Cook's tips

Keep the oil between batches at the target temperature; frying too many pieces at once cools the oil and makes the coating greasy instead of crisp.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving -- salt levels vary a lot between brands of broth, sauce, and canned goods.

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