Pork Shoulder Steaks

Pork Steaks

As opposed to pork chops which can be cut from various parts of the pig, in the majority of instances, pork steaks are carved from a particularly flavorful cut of pork - the pork shoulder near the neck. They typically contain part of the shoulder blade bone which is why they are often called pork shoulder blade steaks

Another name for this cut of pork is Boston butt. As opposed to the denser and easy to overcook picnic shoulder the pork shoulder blade cut is nicely marbled and exceptionally tender.

Its higher fat content infuses the meat with flavor and makes it juicy as it melts away during cooking. For lovers of pork like myself pork shoulder blade steaks (or roasts) are to die for. I'd turn down a beef steak any time for a juicy grilled pork steak. Any time. 

There is another pork steak, called the arm steak, cut from above the front hocks and just underneath the picnic shoulder. It is quite tough, so for the most part pork shoulder blade cuts are considered THE pork steak.

Where to Buy Pork Shoulder Steaks?

Pork steaks are growing in popularity and you can find them sold in the meat section of most grocery stores. 

The shoulder steaks should look like these below. If you cannot find them pre-cut like this, carving your own is not too hard - see our instructions below the recipe card. 

How to Cook Pork Shoulder Steaks?

Pork steaks lend themselves very well to quick cooking methods such as grilling and pan frying.

That being said blade steaks are also excellent when cooked in the oven or braised but in this post we focus on the faster preparations. 

Prep Steps

• Before you grill or pan fry a pork shoulder steak, marinate the meat in order to infuse its surface with flavor.
• Even though you could, you do not need to pound the pork steaks with a meat tenderizer - if nicely marbled and sliced from the neck area of the shoulder the meat will be as tender as pork can possibly get. 

Pork Steak Marinade

To flavor your steaks it is always helpful to marinate them before grilling or pan frying.

And if you will be charcoal grilling them, a marinade containing beer will not only add great flavor, but will also help inhibit the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) . These carcinogenic substances naturally form on the surface of charcoal-grilled meats and marinating in beer before hand has been proven to greatly reduce their emergence. 

If you do not already have a favorite marinade you might get inspired by one on this list of Pork Marinade Recipes.

In this example we use a mixture of olive oil, sweetish Czech red pilsner with nice malty, biscuity notes and herbal undertones, fresh oregano (using dry is fine), paprika, cumin, garlic powder and a bit of salt.

Grilled Pork Steak

• Step 1. Mix a marinade and let the pork steaks bathe in it for a few hours refrigerated - overnight works great. 
• Step 2. Take the pork out of the fridge and bring it to room temperature. Meanwhile heat your grill to medium-high (about 400 F  for gas or 375 F for charcoal, coals will have a faint coat of ash). If using a grill-pan indoors heat it over your stove top on medium-high heat.
• Step 3. Scrape off the marinade from the steaks and grill for 5-8 minutes on each side, depending on how thick they are. Under ¾ inch around 5 minutes per side, well over an inch close to 8 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper a little before you flip them (first side) and a few minutes before you remove them from the grill. 

Pork shoulder steak is food safe when the internal temperature reaches 145 F.   

You can grill pork steaks until up to 160 - 180 F for well-done before you take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes, the meat juices should run clear. You can loosely cover them with foil during the rest.

Pan-Fried Pork Shoulder Steak 

This stove top method is generally more suitable for thinner steaks, less than and inch to  ¾ inch thick.

Select a cast iron skillet or another heavy bottomed pan for best results.

• Step 1. Marinate the pork steaks refrigerated for a few hours, then take them out and bring to room temperature.
• Step 2. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. When hot, add a bit of cooking oil, just enough to coat the surface of the skillet.
• Step 3. Scrape of the marinade and sear each side of the pork steaks for about 2 mins, then reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook (both sides) until the steaks reach internal temperature of 145 F measured in the thickest part. This may take 5 additional minutes per side. Season each side with salt and pepper towards the end and let rest (tented) before slicing. 

Also check out this recipe for Seasoned Skillet Pork Steak.

Grilled Pork Steak Serving Suggestions

We love to serve the grilled pork steaks family style on a big platter or simply on a cutting board, surrounded by various sides and with plenty of craft beer to wash down all the goodness. 

You can always throw some corn on the cob and some vegetables like sweet peppers, padrons or shishitos on the grill to accompany the juicy pork. Potato salads or cheesy potatoes are always complementary as are all manner of other salads - this hearty barley salad, coleslaw, greens with berries or grilled peaches, etc.

Barbecue sauce goes beautifully with grilled or pan-fried pork blade steak - apply generously. 

Leftovers Idea

If you end up with leftover pork steak, here is a way to reuse it (a favorite in our family).

Slice it against the grain into thin strips (smaller than your pinky finger) and toss them in corn or potato starch - coat them well. Pan fry them in about 1 inch of cooking oil heated to 350 F until they just get nice and crispy (about 2 mins). Drain over paper towels and serve over ramen noodles, rice or make crispy pork tacos.