How to BBQ Pork Steaks - Outdoor Cabinets

Introduction

Pork steaks are a popular BBQ dish, especially in the Midwest region of the United States. They are quick and easy to cook, making them a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout with friends and family. With just a few simple steps, you can have deliciously tender and flavorful pork steaks hot off the grill in no time. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to bbq pork steaks from start to finish.

What are Pork Steaks?

Pork steaks, sometimes called pork blade steaks or pork shoulder steaks, are cuts of meat from the shoulder of the pig. They have a good amount of marbling and connective tissue, which keeps them moist and tender during the grilling process. Pork steaks are inexpensive, widely available at most grocery stores, and easy to cook. Unlike other larger cuts of pork, pork steaks cook quickly on the grill or in a grill pan on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. Their mild flavor absorbs other seasonings well.

Benefits of Grilling Pork Steaks

Grilling is one of the most flavorful and easiest cooking methods for pork steaks. The high dry heat of the grill sears the outside of the steaks, creating a crispy, caramelized exterior. Grilling also melts away excess fat, while the bone and connective tissue break down into succulent gelatin that bastes the meat from the inside. This keeps pork steaks incredibly moist and tender. The smoky, charred flavors from the grill take pork steaks to the next level. Grilled pork steaks make for hearty yet easy weekday dinners or crowd-pleasing barbecue fare.

How to Choose Pork Steaks for Grilling

When selecting pork steaks for the grill, keep the following tips in mind:

Choose thick steaks at least 1-inch thick – Thinner steaks will dry out quickly on the grill. Go for steaks that are 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick for the most tender results.
Pick steaks with nice marbling – The fat woven throughout pork steaks keeps them moist during cooking. Look for steaks with long streaks of white fat marbling the pink meat. Avoid steaks with little marbling that look very lean.
Find steaks with a fresh scent – Pork steaks should not smell foul or ammonia-like. The meat should have a mild pork aroma. Always check sell-by dates and pick the freshest steaks possible.
Get steaks with the bone in – The bone adds flavor and moisture during grilling. Boneless pork steaks can work but may need more basting during cooking.
Choose steaks similar in size – Cooking steaks of equal thickness together ensures they cook at the same rate.

How to Prepare Pork Steaks for Grilling

Proper preparation is key for grilling pork steaks correctly. Here are some tips:

Trim excess fat – Use a sharp knife to trim away any thick fat around the edges of the steaks. Leave a thin layer of fat intact to keep the steaks juicy.
Score the fat cap – If your steaks have a fat cap along one side, use a knife to lightly score the fat in a diamond pattern. This allows the heat to penetrate the fat to render and baste the meat.
Season the steaks – Rub or sprinkle both sides of the steaks with a dry seasoning blend. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and other favorite spices.
Let the steaks sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before grilling – This helps them cook more evenly later on.
Oil the grill grates – Before heating, brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Use an oil with a high smoke point like avocado, peanut or grapeseed oil.

Following these preparation tips gets the pork steaks grill-ready for flavorful, tender results. Now let’s get into how to actually grill them to perfection!

How to Grill Pork Steaks

Grilling pork steaks takes just 20-30 minutes for tasty, juicy BBQ results. Follow these simple steps:

1. Heat Grill to Medium-High

For gas grills, heat to 450-500°F.
For charcoal, spread hot coals evenly and grill when covered with a light coating of ash.

2. Grill Steaks 4-5 Minutes Per Side

Place steaks directly over heat. Grill approximately 4-5 minutes without disturbing.
Flip steaks and grill 4-5 minutes more to get crispy, browned exterior.

3. Move Steaks to Cooler Side of Grill

Transfer steaks to indirect heat or move to upper rack.
Cover grill. Cook 8-12 minutes until steaks reach 145°F internal temperature.

4. Let Steaks Rest 5 Minutes

Take steaks off grill and let sit 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Temperature will rise 5-10°F during this time for a perfect medium doneness.

And that’s it – perfectly grilled pork steaks in about 20 minutes! Get ready for incredible caramelized, smoky flavor in every tender, juicy bite.

Tips for Best Results

Use tongs, not forks, to flip steaks – Forks pierce the meat, losing juices.
Grill lid open for initial 4-5 minutes per side – This sears the steaks well.
Close lid after searing to finish cooking gently on indirect heat.
Baste with sauce just during last 2-3 minutes – Avoid burning on sugar-based sauces.
Resist cutting into steaks immediately – Letting rest seals in juices.

With these handy tips, you can achieve the ultimate grilled pork steaks for unbeatable barbecue. Now let’s look at flavored variations beyond the classic salt and pepper preparation.

Flavorful Marinades and Rubs for Pork Steaks

One of the best parts of grilling pork steaks is adding flavor with spice rubs, marinades and sauces. Get creative with these ideas:

Savory Marinades

Garlic, rosemary and lemon – Combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, lemon zest, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Jamaican jerk – Mix allspice, thyme, scallions, habanero peppers, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and lime juice.
Asian – Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes.
Mediterranean – Blend olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, basil and minced garlic.

Bold Dry Rubs

BBQ – Make a rub with chili powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper and smoked paprika.
Cajun – Stir together cayenne pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper and thyme.
Chipotle – Combine ground chipotle chile pepper, cumin, oregano, garlic powder and light brown sugar.
Kansas City – Mix brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper and salt.

Tangy BBQ Sauces

Bourbon molasses – Reduce bourbon, molasses, ketchup, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown mustard and seasoning.
Carolina mustard sauce – Simmer yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire and spices.
Memphis style – Cook down ketchup, cider vinegar, molasses, tomato sauce, brown sugar and seasoning.
KC classic – Slowly reduce ketchup, molasses, onion, garlic, chile powder, mustard and liquid smoke.

With so many flavors to choose from, you can enjoy new, tasty grilled pork steaks every time. Apply marinades a few hours before grilling for the most flavor penetration. Save thicker bbq sauces just for basting towards the end to avoid burning. Now let’s go over some quick and easy sides to serve alongside your juicy grilled pork steaks.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Pork Steaks

A plate of pork steaks hot off the barbecue begs for the perfect sides. Here are some excellent options:

Baked beans – Loaded with bacon, onion, brown sugar and barbecue sauce, beans are a classic complement.
Tangy coleslaw – Cool, crunchy coleslaw tossed in cider vinegar dressing balances the richness.
Corn on the cob – Grilled corn slathered in butter gets an extra smoky depth of flavor.
Mac and cheese – Creamy, cheesy macaroni is comfort food heaven with pork steaks.
Potato salad – Chunky potato salad with a creamy mustard dressing is easy summer fare.
Grilled vegetables – Zucchini, peppers, onions and more get delicious char-grilled flavor.
Garlic bread – Toasted, buttery garlic bread mops up any tasty BBQ sauce drippings.

With a crisp green salad, your favorite side, and an ice-cold beverage, you’ve got an amazing spread to enjoy those mouthwatering grilled pork steaks to their fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Pork Steaks

Any questions on how to prep, cook and serve pork steaks? Here are answers to some common FAQs:

What is the best cut of pork for grilling steaks?

Shoulder blade steaks or Boston butt steaks have the most fat marbling and connective tissue to stay moist. Avoid very lean loin cuts that can dry out.

What is the danger zone temperature for pork?

Raw pork should stay out of the 40-140°F danger zone. Marinate pork in the fridge, not on the counter. Pre-cook to 145°F minimum internal temperature.

Can you grill pork steaks frozen?

Thawing first leads to more even cooking. If grilling frozen, use a meat thermometer to ensure steaks reach safe temperature. Add extra grill time.

Should pork steaks be grilled with direct or indirect heat?

Use direct heat to sear both sides for 4-5 minutes each. Finish cooking indirectly until done for tender, juicy results.

How do you keep pork steaks moist on the grill?

Choose 1-inch+ thick steaks with marbling. Flip only once. Move to indirect heat to finish cooking gently. Baste with sauce near the end only.

What is the best way to season pork steaks?

For maximum flavor, season with dry rub at least 2 hours before grilling, or marinate in wet marinade overnight in the fridge.

Can you simmer pork steaks in bbq sauce?

Yes, simmer grilled steaks in sauce just until heated through to avoid overcooking. This takes about 5 minutes.

How do you make grilled pork steaks less greasy?

Trim excess fat before grilling. Place steaks on a paper towel-lined plate after cooking to absorb some grease.

Can you grill pork steaks on a pan?

Yes, use a grill pan on the stovetop if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Cook 4 minutes per side over medium-high heat until done.

Conclusion

With this complete guide, you have all the information needed for grilling tender, juicy pork steaks packed with smoky barbecue flavor. Choosing the right thickness of steak, searing over direct heat, then finishing over indirect with the grill lid closed are keys to success. Experiment with fun marinades, spice rubs and bbq sauces to put your unique spin on classic pork steaks. Pair with simple fresh sides like corn, baked beans and slaw for an easy weeknight dinner or fun weekend barbecue. In just 20-30 minutes, you can enjoy incredible pork steaks hot off the grill.