📍 Where this dish comes from: Harlem, New York City · The Apollo Theater
Discover the history of this region →
Discover the history of this region →
Redeye gravy is about as old-school Southern as breakfast gets — a country ham steak seared hard in its own fat, then the pan deglazed with strong black coffee until it turns into a thin, dark, salty-sweet gravy. It’s naturally low in carbs as written, and it’s the kind of simple, bold dish that tastes like it came straight from a farmhouse kitchen.
What You’ll Need
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 310kcal
Ingredients
- 4 country ham steaks about 4 oz each
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 3/4 cup strongly brewed black coffee
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp brown sugar substitute (erythritol blend)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat avocado oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear ham steaks 2–3 minutes per side, until browned at the edges. Remove and set aside, tented with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour coffee and broth into the same skillet, scraping up the browned bits from the ham.
- Stir in the brown sugar substitute and simmer 3–4 minutes, until slightly reduced and glossy.
- Season gravy with black pepper to taste. Return ham steaks briefly to the pan to warm through.
- Plate ham steaks and spoon the redeye gravy generously over top.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 310kcal | Protein: 28g | Fat: 18g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Health Benefits
- Country ham is a concentrated source of protein, though naturally high in sodium — best enjoyed as an occasional dish.
- The gravy uses no flour or added fat beyond the pan drippings, keeping the dish light.
- Coffee in the gravy contributes antioxidant compounds along with its signature bitterness.