How Long to Grill Pork Steaks for Perfectly Cooked Meat Every Time

As an avid griller and pork lover, I’m often asked how long you should grill pork steaks to get them cooked just right. The answer depends on a few key factors, but follow my guide and you’ll be able to achieve grill-marked, juicy pork steak perfection every time.

What Are Pork Steaks?

Pork steaks, sometimes called pork blade steaks or pork shoulder steaks, are cuts of meat from the pork shoulder or blade region of the pig. They contain a good amount of fat marbling which keeps them moist during cooking. Pork steaks are an economical cut that are perfect for grilling.

Compared to other pork chops, pork steaks are thicker with an average thickness between 1-2 inches. Their shape is irregular and they contain a good amount of connective tissue. All this means they require slightly longer cooking times to reach ideal doneness, especially if you want them well done.

Factors That Affect Grilling Times

There are a few key factors that impact how long you’ll need to grill pork steaks:

Thickness

The thickness of the steaks is the main factor that determines grilling time. Thinner steaks around 1 inch thick will cook faster and may only require 4-5 minutes per side. Thicker 2-inch steaks need longer, sometimes up to 8 minutes or more per side.

Always consider thickness when determining grill times. If you have steaks of varying thickness, you may need to remove the thinner ones sooner.

Desired Doneness

Do you like your pork steaks rare, medium, or well done? Grill times must be adjusted based on desired doneness:

• Rare: 145°F internal temp
• Medium: 160°F internal temp
• Well Done: 170°F+ internal temp

The longer you grill the steaks, the more well done they become. I find pork steaks are ideal when grilled to medium doneness, between 150-160°F internally.

Grill Heat

Grilling times will vary depending on your grill temperature, A hot grill around 400-450°F will cook the steaks faster A cooler grill around 300-350°F will require longer cooking times,

I recommend preheating your gas or charcoal grill to a moderately high heat, around 400°F, for grilling pork steaks. Grill thermometers are handy for monitoring grill temp.

Bone-In vs Boneless

Bone-in pork steaks will take slightly longer to cook than boneless steaks since the bone acts as an insulator. Expect bone-in steaks to require an extra 2-3 minutes per side to reach desired doneness.

How Long to Grill 1-Inch Thick Pork Steaks

For 1-inch thick boneless pork steaks grilled over medium-high heat to medium doneness, follow these recommended grill times:

• Direct High Heat: 4-5 minutes per side
• Indirect Medium Heat: 6-8 minutes per side

The direct heat method involves grilling the steaks directly over the heat source the entire time. Use tongs to flip them halfway through.

The indirect heat method places the steaks off to the side of the direct heat. This gentler heat helps cook the steaks evenly without burning the exterior.

I recommend starting the steaks over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to get grill marks. Then move them to indirect medium heat to finish cooking through to the center without overcharring the outside.

Testing Doneness

The best way to test doneness for any thickness of pork steak is to use an instant read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak and it should read between 150-160°F for medium doneness.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use the poke test or nick test. Gently poke the steaks with your finger – medium steaks should feel slightly firm. Or make a small nick and check the internal color – it should be light pink for medium.

When in doubt, cut into one of the steaks to visually inspect the interior after grilling. The middle should have a light pink color.

Bone-In Steaks

For bone-in, 1-inch thick pork steaks, add an extra 2-3 minutes to the grill times above. Use tongs to flip the steaks carefully without dislodging the bone.

Follow the same doneness testing methods. The bone may obstruct the thermometer, so rely on the poke test or visual cues after slicing into the meat if needed.

How Long to Grill 2-Inch Thick Pork Steaks

Here are the approximate grill times for 2-inch thick boneless pork steaks:

• Direct High Heat: 6-8 minutes per side
• Indirect Medium Heat: 8-10 minutes per side

The thicker 2-inch steaks require additional grill time to ensure the centers fully cook before the outsides burn. Use the same grilling method as the thinner steaks – sear over direct heat before moving to indirect heat to finish cooking.

Expect bone-in 2-inch pork steaks to require around 10-12 minutes per side to reach medium doneness. Rely on an instant read thermometer for the best accuracy.

Tips for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Pork Steaks

Follow these tips for the most tender, juicy grilled pork steaks:

• Pat the steaks dry before grilling. Excess moisture on the exterior can inhibit browning and lead to steaming.

• Use an oil-based marinade or rub. The oil helps keep the steaks extra moist and promotes charring.

• Allow the steaks to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling before slicing and serving. This allows juices to redistribute for a juicier eating experience.

• Cook to the right doneness. For tender, juicy steaks avoid overcooking beyond 160°F internal temperature.

• Watch for flare-ups if basting with sugary sauces. Move steaks temporarily to a cooler zone until flames die down.

Grilled Pork Perfection

Mastering pork steak grill times helps you achieve tender, mouthwatering results every time. For 1-inch steaks, target 4-5 minutes per side direct or 6-8 minutes indirect. Up the time to 6-8 minutes or 8-10 for thicker 2-inch cuts.

Use an instant read thermometer to monitor doneness and pull the steaks between 150-160°F for ideal medium juiciness. Follow my grilling tips for flavorful, grill-striped beauties your whole family will love.