Fresh Ham Steak Sandwich with Maple Pineapple Sauce
This Fresh Ham Steak Sandwich with Maple Pineapple Sauce is home-cured, resulting in an authentic ham sandwich with deep flavor. The sauce adds a sweet roasted maple profile, while the pineapple and white wine vinegar add brightness. Together, each bite is a “close your eyes” experience as the flavor profiles play beautifully.
Fresh ham steak is both delicious and versatile. Because of this, you will find it can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. We love to make these into sliders for gamedays and parties. Size up and make a large roast to feed a crowd. It doesn’t take any additional work outside of slicing!
Make the steaks your main dish and serve it with mashed potatoes and veggies. Or turn it into fresh ham hash with eggs for a lip-smacking breakfast experience.
Once you learn how easy it is to make fresh ham, you’ll find yourself putting this into your favorite food rotation.
Fresh Ham Steak Sandwich with Maple Pineapple Sauce
Ingredients
Brine - Wet cure
- 2-3 pound fresh ham steak
- 2 quarts water
- ½ cup sea salt fine
- ¼ cup maple sugar substitute: Brown sugar
Crockpot
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika or enough to cover each side, depending on the size of your steak
- 6 ounces pineapple juice 100% - no sugar added
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice no sugar added
- ½ cup maple syrup dark
- ¼ cup maple sugar
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
Buns
- 4 burger buns soft brioche
Instructions
Brine
- Place the water, salt. and maple sugar in a two-gallon bag. Rub the ingredients with your fingers until the sugar and salt are dissolved in the water. Add the ham steak. Press out all of the air and seal the bag. Place the bag in a 2nd two-gallon bag in case the inner bag leaks. ; ) Place the bags in a large casserole dish. The brisket should be entirely submerged in the liquid throughout the brining process.2-3 pound fresh ham steak, 2 quarts water, ½ cup sea salt, ¼ cup maple sugar
- Place in the refrigerator until the brine for a minimum of 48 hours and up to 72 hours.
Crockpot
- Remove the ham from the bags and rinse thoroughly to remove the excess salt. Pat dry and rub each side with smoked paprika to cover.2 tbsp smoked paprika
- Spray the crock with cooking spray. Place ham steak into the crockpot. Pour the juice and syrup on top of the steak.6 ounces pineapple juice, 3 tbsp maple syrup
- Cover and bake the ham for 2 to 3 hours on low or until a thermometer inserted into the middle of the meat reads 155 °F.
- Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Heat on medium-high until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir often to ensure the mixture does not stick or burn. It should cook at a consistently low simmer.1 cup pineapple juice, ½ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup maple sugar, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- Brush the top with the maple pineapple sauce, and broil until glazed. Let sit for 10 minutes. Cut into thin slices.
Serve
- Slice the buns and set on your work surface so the inside of the buns are facing up. Ladle one tablespoon of sauce on the top of the bun, and one tablespoon of sauce on the bottom of the bun. Repeat until all 4 buns are soaked.4 burger buns
- Dip your slices in the sauce with tongs and divide between the four buns. Dip the ham in the sauce each time you add more meat. Serve immediately.
Kitchen Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
De Froid Tip: Cast Iron Skillets
Cast iron skillets bring a rustic feel to your table. Consider using them together with a farmhouse trivet or cutting board. Together, they make a layered statement. Serve your steaks in a skillet outside on a warm summer night. Bring dinner by skillet to a candle-lit table on a cold rainy day. Your imagination is the limit when it comes to this timeless piece.
Small skillets are a perfect vessel for individual-sized portions. If your family loves mac-n-cheese, make an oven-baked version and serve each person their skillet. It sets the mood for a special event at the table.
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