Julie Clark
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How to Cook Pork Steak
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Learn how to cook pork steak perfectly, both in the oven and on the grill. Top with homemade garlic chive butter while the steak rests.
Looking for something new for a quick dinner idea? Learn how to cook pork steak, an economical cut of meat that cooks quickly in both the oven and on the grill.
This easy pork steak recipe may only take 20 minutes, but with our garlic chive butter, it makes a beautiful presentation, for holidays, game day, or any day!
Thanks to the Ohio Pork Council for sponsoring this post and allowing us to share this pork recipe. Ohio has more than 3500 family pork farms that raise enough pork to feed more than 25 million people. You may also love our cast iron skillet pork chops, pork ribs and and slow cooker pork butt.
What is pork steak?
Pork steak is a cut of pork that comes from the shoulder area of the pig, specifically the Boston butt or pork shoulder. It’s a flavorful and relatively inexpensive cut of meat. It’s know for its marbling, which helps keep it moist and tender during cooking.
Are pork chops and pork steak the same? No, although they can often be used with the same marinades and cooking methods. Pork chops are cut from the pork loin and are leaner than pork steaks. They can also be called shoulder blade steaks.
Pork Steak Ingredients
- Pork Steaks. You can buy pork steaks in the meat department of your local grocery store. They come anywhere from 1/2″ to 1″ steaks and I’ve tested both. I prefer a thinner ½ inch steak, because they cook so quickly on the grill. Choose whatever thickness you’d like, knowing the thicker the steak, the longer it will take to cook. But either way, they are fairly fast!
- Butter. The base of the garlic chive butter.
- Garlic & chives. To season the herbed butter compound that rests on the steaks after cooking.
- Salt & pepper. The steaks will get seasoned with salt and pepper, and salt will go in the garlic butter, too. Other spice options: garlic powder, onion powder or thyme.
Is it best to fry or grill pork steaks?
Whether to fry or grill pork steaks depends on your personal preference and the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Both methods have their advantages:
Frying Pork Steaks: This is an easy method because it can be done in doors and you have complete control over the cooking temperature. Searing the steaks in the skillet first allow you to get a nice golden brown crust on the steak. Add any seasonings or flavors you like while they cook.
Grilling pork steaks: Grilling steaks give a smoky, charred flavor that many people love. This method is great for summer and outdoor gatherings. The steaks cook quickly over high heat and end up with a nice crust on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
How to Cook Pork Steak
There are two methods to quickly cook pork steak: on the stovetop and on the grill. Either way you choose, pat the steaks dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
But first, make the garlic chive butter by using a hand mixer to blend the room temperature butter, garlic, salt and chives until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Grill the steaks. Preheat a grill to 400ºF. Place the steaks on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. (a total of 6-8 minutes for a 1/2″ steak. See guide in notes for other thicknesses). The internal temperature should reach 145ºF.
- Pan fry the steaks. Add two tablespoons of oil to a large skillet and preheat over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, sear the pork steaks on each side until browned, then reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This should take a total of 6-8 minutes for a 1/2″ steak.
How do you keep pork steaks from getting tough?
Here are 3 key tips:
- Even Thickness: Try to select pork steaks of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. If the steaks are uneven, pound them to an even thickness.
- Do Not Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure you cook the pork steaks to the recommended internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooking pork can lead to toughness. Pork is safe to eat with a blush of pink inside, just like traditional steak.
- Rest the meat: Once you’ve finished cooking the pork steaks, let them rest for 5 with the garlic butter on top before slicing or serving. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, which results in juicier and more tender steak.
Make it a meal.
The seasoned pork steaks make a great starter to any dinner. Complete the meal with one of the following side dishes:
- bake potatoes in the oven and load them with your favorite toppings
- pasta and alfredo sauce with mushrooms
- broccoli salad
- lemon asparagus
- cheddar herb stuffing
Storage Instructions
Have leftovers? Once they’ve cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, wrap the meat in heavy-duty aluminum foil, freezer paper, or place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Removing as much air as possible will help prevent freezer burn.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving.
Other Steak Recipes
How to Cook Pork Steaks
Learn how to cook pork steak perfectly, both in the oven and on the grill. Top with homemade garlic chive butter while the steak rests.
Servings 4
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Ingredients
For the pork steaks:
- 4 bone-in pork shoulder steaks about 3 pounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the garlic chive butter:
- 1/2 cup salted butter 4 ounces, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives
Instructions
- Allow the pork steaks to rest at room temperature 30 minutes before cooking if possible. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Make the garlic chive butter:
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the room temperature butter, garlic, salt and chives until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
To grill the steaks:
- Preheat a grill to 400ºF. Place the steaks on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. (a total of 6-8 minutes for a 1/2" steak. See guide in notes for other thicknesses). The internal temperature should reach 145ºF.
To pan fry the steaks:
- Add two tablespoons of oil to a large skillet and preheat over medium-high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, sear the pork steaks on each side until browned, then reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This should take a total of 6-8 minutes for a 1/2" steak.
Add the garlic chive butter:
- As soon as the steaks come off the grill or out of the skillet, gently spread or scoop the garlic chive butter on top of the steaks. Allow the steaks to rest for 4-5 minutes while the butter melts over the steaks.
Video
Notes
- For 1/2″ Cut Pork Steaks: Approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- For 3/4″ Cut Pork Steaks: Approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
- For 1″ Cut Pork Steaks: Approximately 7-9 minutes per side.
Nutrition
Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 910mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.03g | Vitamin A: 712IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.1mg
