Why Pork Shoulder Makes the Best Pork Steaks

Pork shoulder, from which these steaks are cut, is one of the most flavorful and tender cuts of meat on the pig. Known for its marbling—small streaks of fat running through the meat—pork shoulder is both juicy and rich in taste. When cooked properly, this fat breaks down, infusing the meat with moisture and tenderness, which is especially important when grilling or slow-cooking. Pork shoulder steaks offer an excellent balance of fat and meat, making them a great choice for a barbecue dish.

Unlike leaner cuts, such as pork loin, pork shoulder steaks are forgiving and remain moist during cooking, even when grilled at high heat. This makes them an ideal choice for a BBQ-style meal, where you want both crispy, caramelized edges and a juicy, tender interior.

Preparing Barbecued Pork Steaks for the Grill

The key to achieving perfectly grilled pork steaks lies in the preparation. Start by ensuring that your pork steaks are dry before seasoning. Patting the meat with paper towels removes any excess moisture that could prevent the seasoning from sticking or cause the meat to steam on the grill. Once dry, the next step is to coat the pork steaks with olive oil, which helps the rub adhere and ensures the meat cooks evenly.

For seasoning, a simple mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika works wonders. The salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the meat’s natural flavors, while the garlic and onion powders contribute savory depth. Smoked paprika adds a distinct smokiness that complements the grilling process, giving the pork steaks that authentic BBQ flavor without needing a smoker.

Once seasoned, let the pork steaks sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before grilling. This ensures more even cooking and helps to avoid a tough texture when the meat hits the heat.

Grilling the Pork Steaks: Indirect and Direct Heat

Grilling pork steaks requires a bit of technique to get the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender inside. Begin by preheating the grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Set up for indirect heat by placing the coals on one side of the grill or adjusting the burners on a gas grill to create a hot and cool side. The cool side will be used for initial cooking, and the hot side for finishing with BBQ sauce.

Start by placing the pork steaks over indirect heat. This allows the steaks to cook gently and evenly without charring the outside too quickly. Cook the pork steaks for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This phase ensures the pork reaches an internal temperature of around 135-145°F and develops a good sear.

After the steaks have cooked through, it’s time to move them to the direct heat zone. This step is where the magic happens. Brush the steaks with your favorite BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes per side. As the steaks grill over the direct heat, the sauce caramelizes and creates a sticky, flavorful glaze. Be sure to baste the steaks with more sauce as they cook to build layers of flavor and achieve that ideal BBQ coating.

During this final grilling step, monitor the internal temperature of the pork steaks. The USDA recommends a final temperature of 145°F for pork, but some prefer to cook it a bit longer for a slightly firmer texture or to achieve a caramelized outer crust.

The Resting Period: Why It’s Important

Once your barbecued pork steaks reach the perfect level of doneness, it’s essential to let them rest before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that the pork stays moist and tender when sliced. Allow the pork steaks to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to achieve the best texture and flavor.

During this time, the sauce will set slightly, so the steaks won’t be too saucy when you cut into them, allowing for a clean, satisfying bite. The slight cooling of the meat also makes it easier to handle and prevents burns while eating.

The Perfect BBQ Sauce for Pork Steaks

A key component of barbecued pork steaks is, of course, the BBQ sauce. While store-bought BBQ sauces offer convenience, making your own sauce allows for greater customization to suit your taste. Sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy—the choice is yours. A good BBQ sauce should complement, not overpower, the rich flavors of the pork steaks.

When choosing or creating a BBQ sauce, consider balancing the sweetness of ingredients like brown sugar or honey with acidity from vinegar or citrus. Smoky elements like smoked paprika or chipotle can enhance the grilled flavor, while a touch of spice from hot sauce or cayenne pepper adds a nice kick. Brush the sauce generously on the steaks during the final grilling phase to create that signature sticky, caramelized glaze.

Serving Suggestions for Barbecued Pork Steaks

Barbecued pork steaks are versatile when it comes to side dishes, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. For a classic BBQ meal, serve the pork steaks with coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. The cool, crunchy texture of coleslaw contrasts beautifully with the tender, smoky pork, while the sweetness of baked beans pairs perfectly with the rich BBQ sauce.

For a lighter option, consider pairing your pork steaks with grilled vegetables, a simple salad, or roasted sweet potatoes. These sides provide a fresh and healthy balance to the hearty pork steaks and BBQ sauce.

If you’re feeding a crowd or hosting a cookout, serve the pork steaks alongside traditional BBQ favorites like potato salad, corn on the cob, and macaroni and cheese. This combination offers a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy, no matter their tastes.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Flavorful BBQ Experience

Barbecued Pork Steaks are a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ without the need for ribs or chops. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a juicy, flavorful dish that is perfect for grilling season. The combination of the tender, marbled pork shoulder, smoky rub, and sticky BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress guests at any cookout or family gathering.

Whether you prefer your pork steaks cooked over direct heat for a crispy, caramelized exterior or with a slower, more gentle cooking method, this recipe can be adapted to suit your grilling style. With the right technique and a little patience, you’ll be able to enjoy these tender, flavorful steaks that embody the essence of classic BBQ, all while keeping things simple and delicious.