Ham Steak with Pineapple

Ham Steak with Pineapple is a classic American diner and home-cooked dish featuring a thick slice of cured ham pan-seared or baked, often topped with a caramelized pineapple ring and a sweet glaze. It typically combines the salty, savory flavor of ham with the bright, tropical sweetness of pineapple, sometimes accented with brown sugar, mustard, or cloves. The dish gained popularity in mid-20th century America, reflecting a love for bold, contrasting flavors.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein from the ham and provides a moderate amount of fat, while the pineapple and glaze contribute natural and added sugars. It offers key nutrients like vitamin C from the pineapple, B vitamins, and minerals such as zinc and selenium from the ham. A typical serving (about 4-6 oz ham with one pineapple ring and glaze) ranges from 300 to 450 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	24 g
Fat	10 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	20 g
Sodium	1100 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Zinc	3 mg
Selenium	25 mcg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.6 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Niacin (B3)	4 mg

Per 1 ham steak (170 g) with 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (80 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the pairing of ham and pineapple became a symbol of American 'tropical' or 'Hawaiian' cuisine in the 1950s, despite not being traditional Hawaiian food, and it showcases the appeal of sweet-savory combinations. Nutritionally, the pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can aid in protein digestion, making it a functional complement to the protein-rich ham.