Barbecued Pork Steaks Recipe

Sizzling BBQ Pork Steaks Recipe: Juicy Backyard Magic!

Juicy barbecued pork steaks bring summer gatherings to life with mouthwatering aromas that make everyone smile.

Rich marinades infuse tender meat with incredible depth and complexity.

Backyard cookouts transform into memorable experiences when these succulent cuts sizzle over hot coals.

Grilling masters know perfectly seasoned pork creates instant crowd-pleasing moments.

Marinades help tenderize and enhance natural meat flavors while adding delicious layers of taste.

Professional chefs recommend selecting high-quality cuts for maximum flavor impact.

You’ll be the neighborhood grill champion after mastering these incredible techniques.

Grab your tongs and get ready to impress everyone at your next cookout!

Why Barbecued Pork Steaks Taste So Bold

  • Unleash Quick Flavor Explosion: This recipe transforms ordinary pork steaks into a mouthwatering meal with minimal prep time and maximum taste impact. Spice rub and barbecue sauce create layers of deliciousness that will impress everyone at the table.
  • Master Grill-Friendly Technique: Perfect for backyard cookouts and weekend gatherings, the low-and-slow grilling method ensures tender, juicy meat every single time. Indirect heat cooking prevents burning while developing rich, caramelized exterior that seals in natural pork juiciness.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible spice blend allows home cooks to adjust heat levels and flavor profiles. Cayenne can be increased or decreased, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
  • Weekend Warrior's Delight: Requires just 45-60 minutes of cooking time, making it an ideal recipe for relaxed weekend cooking. Simple ingredients and straightforward grilling steps mean even novice grill masters can achieve restaurant-quality results without stress.

Ingredients For Barbecued Pork Steaks

Meat:
  • Pork Steaks: Tender cuts perfect for grilling, choose well-marbled steaks for juiciness and flavor.
Spice Blend:
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne: Aromatic spice mix that adds depth and warmth to the meat, choose fresh ground spices for maximum flavor.
Cooking Liquids:
  • Olive Oil, Barbecue Sauce: Olive oil helps spices adhere and creates a nice crust, while barbecue sauce provides sweet and tangy caramelization, select a robust sauce that complements pork.

Steps To Make Barbecued Pork Steaks

Step 1: Spice Up Your Meat

Grab your pork steaks and give them a gentle pat with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Create a flavor explosion by mixing these spices:
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper

Massage olive oil all over the steaks, then generously coat both sides with the spice blend, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Fire Up The Grill

Warm up your grill to a cozy medium temperature around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, create a two-zone heating setup with a hot and cool side. This technique will help you achieve perfectly cooked meat without burning.

Step 3: Slow Cooking Magic

Carefully place the seasoned pork steaks on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and let them cook gently for 45-60 minutes. Rotate the steaks occasionally to ensure even cooking and tender results.

Step 4: Sauce And Caramelize

Time to add some sticky goodness! Brush both sides of the pork steaks with your favorite barbecue sauce. Transfer the steaks to the hot side of the grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, basting and flipping to create a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Step 5: Rest And Indulge

Remove the pork steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping enthusiasts.

Tips For Tender Barbecued Pork Steaks

  • Maximize Meat Moisture: Pat pork steaks completely dry before seasoning to ensure the spice rub adheres perfectly and creates a delicious, crispy exterior.
  • Balance Spice Blend: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spice profile that suits your taste buds.
  • Master Indirect Grilling: Use the two-zone grill method to prevent burning and allow slow, even cooking that keeps the pork tender and juicy.
  • Sauce Glazing Technique: Apply barbecue sauce during the final grilling stage to prevent burning and achieve a beautiful caramelized finish with rich, deep flavors.
  • Resting Ritual: Always let the pork steaks rest for 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite remains succulent and flavorful.

How To Store Barbecued Pork Steaks

  • Refrigerate leftover pork steaks promptly in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the meat remains fresh and safe to eat.
  • Wrap individual steaks tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to prevent moisture loss and maintain optimal flavor.
  • When reheating, warm the pork steaks in the oven at 325°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which helps preserve their juicy texture and prevent dryness.
  • Avoid freezing barbecued pork steaks with sauce, as the sauce can separate and change texture during thawing.
  • If you need to freeze, store plain cooked pork steaks in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, wrapping each steak separately to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.

What Goes Well With Barbecued Pork Steaks

  • Elevate Flavor with Tangy Slaw: Pair the rich, smoky pork steaks with a zesty coleslaw featuring apple cider vinegar, which cuts through the meat's richness and adds refreshing crunch.
  • Complement with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Zinfandel or Syrah that matches the barbecue's intense flavors, with enough tannin structure to stand up to the spicy, caramelized pork.
  • Boost with Grilled Corn Elote: Serve Mexican-style grilled corn slathered with mayo, chili powder, and cotija cheese, which echoes the barbecue's spicy-sweet profile and provides a creamy counterpoint to the meat's texture.
  • Refresh with Crisp Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that can handle the sauce's sweetness while offering a clean, carbonated palate cleanser between each succulent bite.

Delicious Swaps For Barbecued Pork Steaks

  • Spicy Honey Glaze Pork: Swap barbecue sauce with a homemade honey-sriracha glaze, combining honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger for a sweet and fiery kick.
  • Herb-Crusted Pork Steaks: Create a fresh herb rub using chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley mixed with garlic powder and sea salt for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Asian-Inspired Marinade: Marinate pork steaks in a mixture of rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated garlic, green onions, and five-spice powder for a tangy and complex taste experience.
  • Smoky Chipotle Version: Replace the original spice mix with ground chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, cumin, and brown sugar to develop a rich, smoky southwestern-style preparation.

FAQs About Barbecued Pork Steaks

  • What makes these pork steaks so special?

The secret is in the two-stage cooking method. By grilling low and slow first, then finishing with a high-heat sear, you’ll get incredibly tender meat with a delicious caramelized barbecue sauce crust.

  • Can I use a different type of pork cut?

While pork steaks are ideal, you can substitute with pork shoulder steaks or bone-in pork chops. Just adjust cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the cut.

  • How spicy are these pork steaks with the cayenne pepper?

The cayenne adds just a subtle kick of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or completely omit the cayenne for a milder flavor profile.

  • Do I need a special type of grill for this recipe?

No, this recipe works great on gas or charcoal grills. The key is creating two heat zones – a cooler side for slow cooking and a hot side for the final sear and sauce caramelization.

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Barbecued Pork Steaks Recipe

Barbecued Pork Steaks Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Barbecued Pork Steaks deliver mouthwatering flavors straight from the grill, promising a sizzling culinary experience. Smoky seasonings and perfectly charred edges will make guests crave seconds at your next backyard gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 4 pork shoulder (blade) steaks (about 1 inch thick/2.54 centimeters thick)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Oil and Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat by gently patting the pork steaks until completely dry, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence. Create a robust spice blend combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne for a complex flavor profile.
  2. Thoroughly coat each steak with olive oil, massaging the spice mixture evenly across both surfaces to guarantee maximum flavor penetration.
  3. Configure the grill for indirect heat, establishing a temperature around 350°F with distinct hot and cool zones to facilitate controlled cooking.
  4. Strategically position pork steaks on the cooler grill section, maintaining a covered environment to promote even, gentle cooking. Rotate periodically during the 45-50 minute process until the meat approaches complete tenderness.
  5. Generously brush barbecue sauce across the entire surface of the steaks, transferring them to the high-temperature zone of the grill.
  6. Sear each side for 3-5 minutes, frequently basting and flipping to develop a rich, caramelized glaze that enhances the meat’s natural flavors.
  7. Remove from heat and allow the pork steaks to rest for 5 minutes, permitting internal juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum succulence.
  8. Plate the steaks and offer additional barbecue sauce on the side for those desiring extra flavor intensity.

Notes

  • Customize the spice blend by adjusting cayenne pepper for heat level, making it mild or spicy according to personal preference.
  • Opt for bone-in pork steaks to enhance flavor and retain more moisture during grilling, preventing dryness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe and perfectly cooked pork, avoiding overcooking.
  • Experiment with different barbecue sauce varieties like homemade, smoky chipotle, or sweet honey-based sauces to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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