Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pineapple Ham Steaks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor profile, you can add a pinch of freshly grated ginger or a dash of sesame oil to the teriyaki sauce before pouring it over the ham. These small additions can elevate the dish significantly without requiring extra time or complicated techniques.

Always taste your sauce before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure the balance of sweet and savory is to your personal preference, as some store-bought sauces can be quite salty or overly sweet.

Another helpful tip is to ensure that the pineapple rings are drained well before placing them on the ham. While the juice adds flavor, too much excess liquid can dilute the teriyaki glaze.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can remove the ham after it is cooked and simmer the remaining sauce in a small saucepan on the stove for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. This adds a professional touch to the presentation and concentrates the delicious flavors of the pineapple and teriyaki.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Ham: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce before pouring it over the ham. This will give the dish a pleasant kick that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar perfectly.
• Garlic Ginger Ham: Incorporate two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger into the sauce mixture. These aromatics add depth and a fresh element to the dish that pairs wonderfully with the savory ham steaks.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or in a saucepan over low heat until the ham is warmed through.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool down to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing them in an airtight container. Properly stored, the ham steaks will maintain their quality in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it is best to do so gently to avoid drying out the meat, perhaps adding a small splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep things moist and flavorful during the process.

This dish is excellent for making ahead of time, as the flavors often meld and deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, keep it refrigerated, and then simply set the slow cooker to cook when you are ready the next day.

This makes it a perfect option for those who want to come home to a ready-made dinner after a long day at work or other activities.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham steaks hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a warm platter. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or jasmine rice, which helps to soak up the delicious teriyaki and pineapple glaze. For a hearty dinner, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots, which complement the sweet and savory notes of the ham and pineapple perfectly.

Consider garnishing the final dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a pop of color and an extra layer of texture. These simple additions can make the meal feel more complete and visually appealing when serving guests or family.

The combination of the tender ham, the sweet pineapple, and the savory glaze creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit at any table, regardless of the occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pineapple Ham Steaks

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 large ham steaks
• 4 rings canned pineapple rings
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

Instructions

1. Place the ham steaks into the slow cooker insert, ensuring they are arranged in an even layer. Top each steak with a pineapple ring to allow the juices to permeate the meat during the long cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple-topped ham steaks. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the entire assembly, ensuring it coats the meat thoroughly. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, let the meat rest at least 3 minutes before serving.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the ham steaks from the slow cooker and allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the meat retain its moisture and tenderness, resulting in a superior texture when sliced or served whole.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

9 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

30 g

Sodium

1200 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.