For BBQ lovers, a beautifully cooked pork steak hot off the Traeger is tough to beat. When you get that balance just right between smoky flavor, tenderness and char, it’s a thing of beauty. But cooking pork steaks on a pellet grill takes skill and know-how to get right.
In this guide I’ll explain step-by-step how to cook mouthwatering pork steaks on your Traeger grill. You’ll learn about choosing the right cuts, proper prep, nailing the Traeger smoking process, and having the whole family begging for more. Let’s get fired up!
Selecting Your Pork Steaks
You can’t go wrong with bone-in pork chops or pork shoulder steaks. Go for at least 1-inch thickness so the interior stays juicy during the smoking time. Look for nice marbling throughout as that adds moisture and flavor.
Aim for steaks that are 12 oz or larger. Small or thin steaks can overcook and dry out more easily. When in doubt, choose thicker, meatier steaks.
For 4-6 people, grab 2-3 steaks per person. Pork steaks shrink as they cook, and you’ll want those leftovers! Shop at your local butcher or trusted grocery store’s meat counter
Pre-Smoking Prep Work
Before firing up the Traeger, you need to get those steaks ready with:
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Trimming: Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat or silver skin. Leave about 1⁄4 inch of fat for flavor.
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Seasoning: Apply a dry rub or marinade at least 1-2 hours before smoking. Get creative with spices and flavors!
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Resting: Let steaks sit out for 30-60 minutes so they start warming towards room temp before smoking.
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Tools: Have tongs, a meat thermometer, spray bottle and towels ready.
Firing Up the Traeger
Traeger grills make smoking super easy, but you still need to follow a few steps:
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Preheat to 225F: This low, indirect heat is ideal for slowly smoking pork steaks.
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Add smoking wood: Use your favorite wood pellets like hickory, apple or mesquite. The wood imparts that irresistible smoky flavor.
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Place a drip tray: Having a tray underneath the steaks captures the tasty drippings.
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Leave the lid closed: Don’t peek! Opening the lid repeatedly lets heat and smoke escape.
Smoking Those Steaks to Perfection
Now for the best part – smoking that meat! Follow these tips:
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Place steaks directly on grates: No need for extra pans or foil. Get that nice sear from direct contact.
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Use a meat probe: Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest section. Remove at 145F for medium doneness.
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Spritz with apple juice: Mist steaks periodically with juice to keep the exterior from drying out.
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Monitor pellet supply: Occasionally check the hopper and refill pellets as needed to maintain 225F.
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Patience! Expect the smoke to take 1-2 hours depending on thickness. Don’t rush it!
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Rest 10 minutes: Before slicing, let steaks rest to allow juices to redistribute.
Serving Up Your Masterpiece
You’re so close to pork perfection. Just a few more steps:
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Slice against the grain: Cut each steak across the grain into 1⁄4 inch strips for tenderness.
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Season again: Sprinkle extra seasoning or BBQ drizzle over the sliced steaks.
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Go for sides: Baked beans, slaw, cornbread and veggies all pair nicely with smoked pork.
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Make sandwiches: Pile sliced steaks on buns with pickles and BBQ sauce for amazing leftovers.
Handy Tips for Pork Steak Excellence
-Play with creative rub flavors like coffee, brown sugar or Southwest spices.
-Change up wood pellet types like hickory, cherry, apple for flavor variations.
-Mix and match BBQ sauces from bold to tangy to complement the pork.
-Add a smoke tube for extra flavor if your Traeger model doesn’t produce enough.
-Use a meat injector to infuse steaks with broth, sauce and seasoning beforehand.
-Crank up the Traeger heat at the end to get crisper bark if desired.
With the right cuts, prep, smoking method and serving style, you’ll be amazed by the incredibly tender, smoky pork steaks you can make at home. It just takes a bit of trial and error to find that sweet spot with your Traeger model. Monitor pellet supply, keep the lid closed as much as possible, let the meat rest properly and stay patient. Before you know it, you’ll have the chops to deliver perfect pork steaks every time and become the neighborhood’s BBQ hero!
Pork Steak on Traeger Grills – how to cook pork steak on pellet grill
FAQ
How long to cook pork steak on a pellet grill?
Do you flip pork steaks on a pellet grill?
What temperature do you cook pork on a Traeger?
What temp do you want pork steaks?
How do you cook pork steak on a Traeger ‘que Grill?
Unwrap the pork steaks from the foil, place directly on the grill grates, and reinsert the probe. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, about 15 minutes more. Brush the steaks on both sides with the Traeger ‘Que BBQ Sauce, then remove from the grill. Let the steaks rest for 3 minutes before serving with more BBQ Sauce alongside.
How long do you cook a steak on a Traeger Grill?
When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 180˚F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke if available. Arrange the steaks on the grill grate. Smoke for 1-1/2 hours. Remove the pork steaks to a plate and increase temperature to 225°F. Preheat 5 to 10 minutes.
What temperature do you smoke pork steaks on a Traeger Grill?
For smoking pork steaks on a Traeger grill, it is generally recommended to set the temperature to around 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows for a slow and low cooking method that helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with smoky flavors. What temperature do you smoke pork steaks on a pellet grill?
How do you cook a pork steak on a grill?
Start by setting up your grill for indirect heat and preheating it to around 225°F. This low and slow cooking method allows the pork steaks to absorb the smoky flavors while becoming tender and juicy. Place the seasoned pork steaks directly on the grill grates and close the lid.