A classic Southern breakfast dish featuring pan-fried ham steaks and a rich, savory gravy made with coffee and pan drippings.
5 min prep
15 min cook
4 servings
350 kcal/serving
Ingredients
4 (6-ounce) ham steaks, about 1/2-inch thick
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup strong brewed black coffee
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Hot cooked grits or biscuits for serving
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ham steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and heated through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Stir in the coffee, water, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any remaining bits.
Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the ham steaks to the skillet, turning to coat with gravy. Serve immediately over hot grits or biscuits, spooning extra gravy on top.
Tips
For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso or add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules.
Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To make it extra rich, replace water with heavy cream.