Pork Steaks

With this Pork Steaks recipe, dry pork chops will never be served again. Ring the dinner bell because in just 30 minutes, full-flavored, juicy chops will be hitting the table.

This dinner requires minimal effort and time. In fact, if you have a measly 10 minutes to spare, you'll most definitely want to make the brown gravy that goes along with these pork steaks. Not only does the gravy cook in the same pan as the pork steaks (making clean-up a breeze), but it adds so much flavor and comfort food vibes to the dish!

What are Pork Steaks?

If you aren't familiar with pork shoulder steaks, you have been missing out! Not to be confused with ham steaks, which come from the leg of a pig, pork steaks are thinly sliced steaks that come from the shoulder; a hard-working cut of meat positioned next to the ribs, therefore tough by nature. Because of all that hard work, meat from the shoulder can be a little tough. This is why you often see pork shoulders slow-cooked or braised and served as pulled pork.

However, there is another way to cook this cut of meat and still achieve phenomenal results. Sliced pork steaks can be cooked similarly to pork chops, and when done right, the result is tender, juicy pork steaks - no marinade, no time-consuming braise required!

Why This Recipe Works

This quick-fix pork dinner recipe cooks entirely on the stovetop. Our simple pan-sear prep and cooking process makes a masterpiece dinner out of budget-friendly pork steaks in less than 30 minutes (and that's including the gravy). We follow a similar process for our steak pasta!

And, if you need an even quicker dinner, pork steaks are absolutely delicious without the gravy thanks to our simple spice combo.

Ingredients

• Shoulder Blade Steaks | This cut of pork is often labeled "Shoulder Blade Steaks" or "Blade Steaks" and is found near the pork chops in the meat section of your grocery store. More often than not, have a blade bone running through them, similar to a Porterhouse Steak.
• Oil | Avocado or canola oil are excellent choices for this.
• Seasoning | Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

For the Brown Gravy

• Unsalted Butter
• Yellow Onion 
• All-Purpose Flour
• Unsalted or Low-Sodium Beef Broth | A lower level of salt in the broth will give you more control over the sodium levels in your gravy and prevent it from turning too salty.
• Worcestershire Sauce | Worcestershire sauce adds tang, intensifies meaty flavors, and gives your pork gravy extra depth of savoriness.

How to Cook Pork Steak

Prep | In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, pat the pork dry with a paper towel and sprinkle both sides liberally with the seasoning. Set aside until ready to use.

Sear the Steaks | Next, prep the pan by adding the oil and allow it to come to temperature. Do not add the pork before the oil is hot. Sear the steaks in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Your pork steaks will be delicious at this point, and you could totally stop here if needed. But if you want to make them next-level delicious, keep the pan hot and follow these steps to make this easy gravy...

Try It with Pork Steak Gravy

The extra few minutes to throw together this easy pork steak gravy is well worth it.

Cook the Onion | Before adding the butter, reduce the heat to medium so that it does not burn. As soon as the butter has melted, add the onion to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes.

Make the Gravy | Flour will serve as the thickener for your gravy. We go through a similar process in our pot roast recipe. Sprinkle it over the onions and stir until they are evenly coated. To ensure a smooth and creamy gravy, add the beef broth one big splash at a time, whisking well after each addition. Once the mixture starts to resemble pudding, add the remaining broth all at once. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, just until slightly thickened.

Serve | Remove from the heat and ladle over your pork steaks to serve!

Additional Cooking Methods

Even though our favorite way to cook pork steaks is quick and easy on the stovetop, they'll definitely come together deliciously in the air fryer, the crockpot, the oven, or on the grill as well. Super versatile!

Air Fryer

If you have an air fryer, this is a very simple and easy way to cook your pork steaks.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Once preheated, add your prepped and seasoned pork steaks. You may only be able to cook 2 at a time; try not to overcrowd the basket too much.
3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time.
4. Once the chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F, remove them from the air fryer, allow them to cool slightly, and enjoy.

Crockpot

Thanks to all that marbling, pork steaks are excellent candidates for the slow cooker. This cooking method is also a great way to avoid preheating the oven in the summertime. Let's keep that kitchen cool!

1. Add the seasoned pork steaks to your slow cooker and cover.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Grill

Enjoy the great outdoors and patio time, and the added flavor of fire and smoke to your pork steaks. We support that delicious combo!

1. Preheat your grill the medium-high.
2. Once the grill is preheated, add the prepped and seasoned pork steaks.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
4. Remove from the grill, allow to cool slightly, and enjoy.

The BEST Side Dishes for Pork Steaks

It's beyond easy to put together a well-rounded comfort food dinner with pork steaks as that star. Any Southern grandma will be proud of a menu featuring this lineup:

• A starter or side salad, like our wedge or house salad.
• Any Southern-style green in the way of roasted okra, collard greens, or fresh green beans.
• Mashed potatoes and pork steaks with brown gravy go together like PB+J; it just makes sense. Crispy roasted potatoes are a knockout hit, too!
• And you mustn't forget yeast rolls or homemade cornbread!

How to Store Your Leftovers

Store | Pork steaks can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheat | Pork steaks reheat well in the microwave at 1-minute intervals. They can also be reheated in the oven on a rimmed baking sheet or casserole dish at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.

Freeze | This recipe freezes great! Allow to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe, airtight container with little headspace to prevent freezer burn. Keep in the freezer for 2-3 months.

5 More Pork Dinners to Try

• Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy
• Pork Loin Roast
• Crispy Breaded + Baked Pork Chops
• Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
• Smoked Pork Chops

Sources: The Kitchn | A Complete Guide to Pork Chops