This Pork Steak recipe (also called Boston Butt Steak) is a juicy, tender and meaty main dish. Pork shoulder steaks seasoned and grilled or pan-fried – better than pork chops and so easy to make!.
Boston butt pork steaks, also known as pork shoulder steaks are a treasure for anyone who loves rich, flavorful pork. This cut comes from the upper part of the front leg and has the perfect marbling that keeps the meat tender and juicy when cooked. I love cooking up these Boston butt steaks for backyard barbecues weeknight dinners, and special occasions when I want to impress guests with a delicious main course. In this article, I’ll share my tips for how to cook up the tastiest Boston butt pork steaks. With the right seasoning, techniques, and cooking methods, these meaty cuts can become your new go-to pork dishes. Let’s get cooking!
Selecting High-Quality Boston Butt Pork Steaks
Step one is to pick out good Boston butt steaks at the butcher shop or grocery store. Look for cuts that are 1-1. 5 inches thick with nice marbling throughout. There are thin lines of fat running through the meat that keep it juicy and flavorful. I like to hand-select my steaks so I can find the best ones. Pass on steaks with large pockets of hard fat along the edges. The steaks should have a fresh, red color without any dry, brown spots. For food safety, use the steaks within 2 days of purchasing.
Preparing Boston Butt Pork Steaks for Cooking
Before cooking your Boston butt steaks. you’ll want to prepare them using a few simple steps
- Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Trim off any excess hard fat around the edges that won’t render well during cooking.
- Apply a thin coat of oil on both sides to prevent sticking, about 1 tsp per steak. Olive, avocado, or grapeseed oil work well.
- Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and other spices or herb rubs. I like a simple salt and pepper or sometimes a store-bought pork rub for extra flavor.
Proper seasoning is key for maximizing the flavor of these steaks. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Boston Butt Pork Steaks
During the warmer months, grilling Boston butt pork steaks is one of my favorite ways to eat them. Grilling gives food a great smoky flavor and a good char on the outside with direct high heat. Here are some tips for grilling up the perfect pork shoulder steaks:
- Prepare a two-zone fire with direct and indirect heat areas. Use medium-high heat, around 400°F.
- Place the steaks over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side to get grill marks.
- Move the steaks to indirect heat and close the grill lid. This allows the inside to gently cook to the proper doneness without burning the outside.
- Grill for 8-12 minutes per side based on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for 145°F for medium.
- Rest grilled steaks for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into tasty pork steaks ready to serve.
Pan Searing for a Crispy Crust
My next favorite option after grilling is searing these steaks in a cast iron skillet to develop an irresistible, crispy brown crust. Here is my easy method for pan-seared pork shoulder steaks:
- Heat your largest cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Add just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom, about 1 tsp.
- When the oil shimmers, add steaks in a single layer without crowding.
- Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Reduce heat to medium and flip steaks every 2 minutes until cooked through, about 8-10 more minutes.
- Check for 145°F internal temperature. Remove steaks and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
The brown crust from pan searing adds incredible depth of flavor and texture contrast to the succulent pork interior.
Low and Slow Oven-Roasted Boston Butt Pork Steaks
For a hands-off approach, oven roasting allows the Boston butt steaks to slowly cook to fork-tender perfection Here’s my simple oven method
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place steaks on a foil-lined baking sheet and lightly rub with oil. Generously season.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until nicely browned on the first side.
- Flip steaks over and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes until reaching 145°F.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving these melty, delicious oven-roasted steaks.
The low heat gently renders the fat to keep the pork moist. Roasting concentrates the flavors for a savory, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Tips for the Best Boston Butt Pork Steaks
- Always let steaks rest after cooking for juicier results. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat fibers.
- Slice against the grain for more tender bites. Look for the muscle direction and cut perpendicular to it.
- Add a flavorful sauce, like a mustard glaze, savory mushroom gravy, or reduced balsamic for a gourmet finish.
- Leftovers make amazing sandwich or taco fillings. Store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- For food safety when grilling or searing, use different plates and utensils for handling raw and cooked steaks.
How to Make Pork Steak Recipe
Time needed: 30 minutes
Follow these steps and tips for the perfect pork steak recipe every time!
- Choose the right cut. The best pork steak comes from the shoulder. It’s also known as a pork shoulder blade steak or a pork shoulder steak.
- Trim the fat. Cut off any extra fat that’s on the steaks, but don’t get rid of all of it. Fat equals flavour.
- Rub on the flavour. Add the salt and pepper to the spices and rub them all over the steaks.
- Grill to perfection. On medium heat, grill them for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until they’re done and both sides are caramelized.
- Test for doneness. To make sure the temperature inside is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, use an instant-read thermometer.
- Let them rest. Let your pork steaks rest before you serve them. This will keep them juicy.
Is pork steak good?
Yes! Because it has a little more fat than pork chops, pork steak is a tasty and flavorful cut that is tender and juicy.
Boston Pork Butt Steak – recipe
FAQ
Should pork steaks be cooked fast or slow?
How long do you cook a pork steak for?
How to cook pork steak in a frying pan?
What is the difference between a pork chop and a pork steak?
How to cook Boston butt pork steak?
Baking is another option for cooking Boston Butt Pork Steaks. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the steaks on the baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F as measured in the thickest part.
What is a Boston butt steak?
The Boston Butt Pork Steak is also known as a pork blade steak and is often referred to as a regional cut of meat in the Midwest. This cut of pork can include bones and has both tender and tough parts. It is a relatively easy cut to cook, and it can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, pan-frying, or baking.
How long do you cook a pork butt steak?
Lower the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F to 205°F. Rest the steaks before slicing and serving. Grilling pork butt steaks infuses the meat with a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks. To use this method, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
How do you season pork butt steak?
To enhance the flavor of pork butt steaks, proper seasoning is crucial. Here are some tips for seasoning pork butt steaks: 1. Dry Rubs: Create a dry rub using a combination of herbs, spices, and seasonings. Common ingredients include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.