Fall-Off-the-Bone Tender: The Ultimate Guide to Slow Cooking Pork Steaks in the Oven

Forget dry, chewy pork steaks. With the perfect oven slow cooking method, you can achieve fork-tender, juicy pork steaks loaded with flavor. This complete guide details every step for mouthwatering oven-baked pork steaks.

Why Slow Cook Pork Steaks?

Tough cuts like pork shoulder steaks greatly benefit from slow moist cooking. Here’s why it’s the best cooking method:

• Breaks down connective tissue for tenderness
• Allows fat to render slowly for juiciness
• Infuses with spices and flavorings over time
• Gives hassle-free, hands-off cooking
• Provides even, consistent heat all over

Slow cooking transforms tough steaks into succulent delicious meals with little effort.

Choosing the Best Pork Steaks

Look for these features when selecting pork for oven slow cooking:

• Thick steaks, at least 1-inch
• Marbling visible throughout
• Nice fat cap on one side
• Avoid chops or cutlets
• Purchase still in cryovac package

Thick, well-marbled shoulder steaks braise best. The fat keeps them moist during the long cooking time.

Top Tips for Oven Slow Cooking

Follow these tips for perfect oven-braised pork steaks

• Bring to room temp – Take steaks out of fridge 30 minutes before cooking

• Pat dry – Dry the steaks well so spices stick.

• Generously season – Use 2-3 times more seasoning than for other cooking methods.

• Sear first (optional) – Quickly brown steaks in a skillet for added flavor.

• Use a roasting pan – Provides more even heat distribution.

• Add vegetables – Carrots, onions, potatoes soak up juices.

• Use broth or stock – Keeps steaks moist and imparts flavor.

• Cover tightly – Foil or a lid traps steam to tenderize meat.

• Check doneness – Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Follow these best practices, and your steaks will turn out perfect every time.

Step-By-Step Oven Slow Cooking Method

Now let’s walk through the full oven slow cooking process from start to tasty finish.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork shoulder steaks, 1 1⁄2-inches thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions:

1. Take steaks out of fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring closer to room temperature. Pat very dry with paper towels.

2. Prepare seasoning – Mix together salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Generously season steaks on both sides, using about 2 teaspoons per side.

3. Sear steaks (optional) – Heat oil in a skillet. Brown steaks 2-3 minutes per side to develop flavor.

4. Prepare vegetables – While steaks are searing, slice onion and cut carrots into chunks.

5. Pour broth in pan – Place steaks in a large roasting pan and add onions and carrots around meat. Pour in broth.

6. Cover pan tightly with foil – Make sure pan is completely sealed to trap moisture.

7. Cook in 300F oven – Slow cook for 3-4 hours until fork tender. Check temperature to confirm doneness.

8. Rest before serving – Let steaks sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to absorb.

9. Make gravy from juices – Spoon vegetables and steaks onto serving platter, then make gravy from the delicious pan juices.

Follow this simple oven slow cooking method, and your steaks will turn out juicy, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth tender every time.

Oven Slow Cooking Temperature and Time

The keys factors for tender oven-braised steaks are low temperature and longer cooking time.

• Temperature – Between 250F and 325F
• Time – Allow at least 1 hour per 1⁄2 inch thickness

For 1 1⁄2-inch steaks, cook at 300F for around 3 hours. Thicker 2-inch steaks may need 4 hours. Always check for doneness by temperature and fork tender meat.

How to Tell When Oven Pork Steaks Are Done

With oven slow cooking, you can’t rely on appearance alone. Use these methods:

• ** Temperature** – Use a meat thermometer to confirm minimum safe internal temperature of 145F.

• Fork tender – Meat should pierce easily with a fork.

• Toothpick test – A toothpick should slide in and out smoothly.

• Active flex – Gently bend steaks; fully cooked meat will crack rather than bend.

Take pork steaks out of oven when both thermometer and tenderness tests confirm they’re perfectly done.

Seasonings and Flavorings

Slow cooking provides the perfect opportunity to infuse pork steaks with lots of flavor.

• Dry rubs – Coat steaks generously with spice rubs before cooking.

• Fresh herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage add flavor to the braising liquid.

• Aromatics – Onions, garlic, carrots lend sweetness.

• Citrus – Orange, lemon or lime juice brighten the dish.

• ** Chili paste** – Adobo, gochujang, harissa offer a kick.

• Smoky flavors – Paprika, chipotle, cumin add depth.

Get creative with herbs, spices, veggies and sauces for delicious steaks.

Gravy and Sauces

Never toss leftover braising liquid! Transform it into rich gravy or sauce:

• Make a roux – Whisk flour into the hot pan juices for an easy gravy.

• Simmer and reduce – Let liquid boil down until thickened into a glaze.

• Finish with cream or butter – Mount with dairy for a silky sauce.

• Puree veggies – For a vegetable gravy, blend until smooth.

• Add spices and herbs – Punch up pan juices with extra flavor.

Delicious gravy takes your steaks over the top.

Expert Serving Suggestions

You’ve perfected oven slow cooked pork steaks – now it’s time to serve them in style:

• With mashed potatoes – The classic pairing to soak up the tasty pan gravy.

• Over soft polenta – Creamy cornmeal is a delicious base.

• On buns for sliders – Pile tender pulled meat onto rolls.

• With roasted veggies – Pair with potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots.

• On cheesy grits – Southern comfort food at its finest.

• Over egg noodles – Tender noodles soak up the rich sauce.

Take your steaks from oven to table for incredible, crave-worthy meals.

Oven Slow Cooking Pork Steak FAQs

Get answers to common questions about braising pork steaks:

What if my steaks aren’t fork tender?

Check the temperature and return them to the oven for 30-60 minutes if under 145F. Add more broth if pan is dry.

Can I speed up the cooking time?

Not recommended! Low and slow is key for tender steaks. Rushing it risks dry, chewy meat.

Should I flip the steaks during cooking?

No need to flip. The indirect oven heat and steaming action will gently cook the steaks evenly.

Can I prepare steaks ahead of time?

Absolutely! Fully cook steaks, then cool, refrigerate and reheat gently in sauce.

Now that you’re a pork steak slow cooking pro, enjoy this easy method for succulent oven-baked steaks any night of the week. Ditch dry pork steaks forever, and make this your new go-to recipe for guaranteed tender, juicy results.