How to Slow Cook Pork Steaks in the Oven for Maximum Tenderness

Slow cooking pork steaks in the oven results in incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. The low gradual heat helps break down tough connective tissues and fat to create succulent pork that practically melts in your mouth. While grilling or pan frying are quicker cooking methods oven roasting pork steaks low and slow maximizes moisture and flavor.

Follow this simple guide to learn how to transform inexpensive pork shoulder steaks into a mouthwatering oven-baked dinner the whole family will love.

Benefits of Slow Cooking Pork Steaks

There are several advantages to slow roasting pork steaks rather than cooking them quickly over high heat:

More Tender – The long cook time allows collagen to break down into succulent gelatin
Infuses Flavor – A flavorful dry rub has time to penetrate deep into the meat
Retains Moisture – Low heat prevents the pork from drying out, keeping it incredibly juicy.
Adds Caramelization – The exterior gets nicely browned and caramelized.
Forgiving Method – Oven temperature fluctuations don’t over or undercook the pork.

Choosing the Right Cut

For the best results when slow cooking, choose boneless pork shoulder steaks around 1 inch thick. These affordable steaks have marbling that keeps them moist as they cook low and slow. Other good options are bone-in pork blade steaks or country-style ribs.

Prepare the Pork Steaks

Pat Dry – Blot steaks with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Wet meat won’t brown as well.
Trim Fat – Use a sharp knife to trim off any thick hard pieces of fat.
Season Generously – Coat all sides with a flavorful dry rub. Let rest 30 minutes up to overnight.
Bring to Room Temp – Meat roasts more evenly when it’s not ice cold. Let sit for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

How to Cook Pork Steaks in the Oven

Follow these simple steps for succulent oven-baked pork shoulder steaks:

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 275°F. Low heat is key for tender, fall-apart meat.

2. Sear the Steaks (Optional)

In an oven-safe skillet, quickly sear seasoned steaks over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side to develop flavor.

3. Transfer to Baking Dish

Place seared steaks in a baking dish large enough to accommodate them in a single layer.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Roast at 275°F for approximately 2 hours, until fork tender. For bone-in steaks, cook closer to 2 1/2 hours.

5. Make a sauce from the drippings (Optional)

After removing steaks, make a flavorful sauce by deglazing the skillet with wine or broth.

6. Let Rest, Slice, and Serve!

Allow steaks to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing across the grain. Serve drizzled with the pan sauce.

Oven Roasting Tips

Use a digital meat thermometer to monitor doneness. Cook to between 190°-205°F.
Add liquid like wine, broth, or BBQ sauce to the baking dish prevent drying out.
Turn steaks halfway through roasting for even cooking.
Make sure steaks aren’t touching to allow air flow and browning.
Add smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, and cumin to the dry rub for flavor.

##FAQs

What temperature should pork steaks be cooked to?

For pull-apart tender oven baked pork steaks, cook to an internal temperature between 190-205°F.

How long does it take to bake pork steaks at 300 degrees?

Cooking time can vary based on thickness, but expect 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours for 1-inch thick boneless pork shoulder steaks baked at 300°F.

Can you put pork steaks straight into the oven?

It’s best to let the seasoned pork steaks sit for 30 minutes up to overnight in the fridge so the rub penetrates the meat before oven roasting.

Should pork steaks be covered when baking?

For crispy browning and flavorful bark when oven roasting, cook pork steaks uncovered. Tent loosely with foil at the end to keep moist.

What is the best way to reheat baked pork steaks?

Gently reheat leftover oven-roasted pork steaks in a 300°F oven or in the microwave until heated through, about 3-5 minutes per side.

Incredibly Easy Recipe

These simple baked BBQ pork steaks deliver maximum flavor with just a few ingredients:

Ingredients:

2 lbs pork shoulder steaks
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper
1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions:

Pat steaks dry and coat with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Arrange steaks in a baking dish and roast at 275°F for 2 hours until fork tender.
Brush generously with barbecue sauce during last 10 minutes of roasting.
Let rest 5 minutes then serve. Enjoy!

The ease of throwing seasoned pork steaks straight into the oven makes this a fantastic weeknight dinner. The low roast transforms them into succulent oven-baked perfection.

TENDER FLAVORFUL BBQ PORK STEAKS

FAQ

How long to cook pork steaks at 225?

Set up the smoker for cooking at about 225°F with indirect heat. Use the water pan if you have one. Smoke cook the steaks on the smoker for about 2.5 hours or until they reach 185°F (85°C) in the center. About 30 minutes before they are finished, you can sauce them if you like.

What is the best temperature for pork steaks?

Cooking Temperature of Pork Pork today is very lean, making it important to not overcook and follow the recommended pork cooking temperature. The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts is 145° F. To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer.

How do you keep pork steaks from getting tough?

Try a Marinade or Brine. A marinade or brine can introduce more moisture or lots of flavor into your meat before you cook it. A marinade is a sauce that introduces extra flavor to your pork, depending on the aromatics or herbs you choose to include. A brine pulls more moisture into the meat, which keeps your pork juicy …

How do I slow cook pork without drying it out?

Use a basic brine. For four pork chops, you’ll need 1/2 cup of salt and eight cups of water. Use low heat. Slow cook pork chops anywhere from two to six hours on low heat.

How do you slow cook a pork steak?

To cook the pork steak slow, layer up the pork steak in a casserole with potatoes and carrots and top with a sauce, then slowly cook in the oven for a moist and tender end result. If you have leftovers, let it cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before serving.

How do you cook a pork steak in a crock pot?

Add the 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear each pork steak for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until lightly browned. Place the pork steaks in a roasting pan or glass casserole dish. Pour the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey into the dish and mix well. Cook for 35 to 45 minutes depending on the thickness of the pork steaks.

How do you cook a pork steak in the oven?

Using a basting brush, apply olive oil to the top of each steak; Sprinkle each with 1/4 teaspoon of all-purpose seasoning. Transfer the dish of pork to the center rack of your oven. Bake pork steak in oven at 400°F. for 12 minutes, then use an instant-read digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork.

How do you cook a seasoned pork steak?

Trim any excess fat off of each pork steak. Pat dry with paper towels on each side. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder on both sides. If you have time, let the seasoned pork steaks sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Once the oil is hot, transfer steaks to the pan in a single layer.