1. Heat frying pan and add butter and water.
2. Add ham steak. This can be bone-in (1/4 inch thick) or boneless (1/8 inch thick).
3. Cook at hot temperature 30-45 seconds on each side. Use tongs to make sure it does not stick.
4. Ensure that the ham is heated thoroughly, but not too much for it to dry out. Look for color in the drippings in the pan. It should be brown, but not too dark. Remove ham steak from the pan.
5. To make red-eye gravy, using the pan drippings, add any of the optional ingredients for flavor: sugar, brown sugar, or orange juice. Add some strong coffee and stir to heat through.
6. Serve the ham steak with the red-eye gravy poured over the ham and drizzled around the side. Garnish the dish with a sprig of parsley and a slice of orange.
7. You can view the instructional video below.
8.
Step-by-step video of professional chef demonstrating how to fry Virginia country ham so it's tender and flavorful