Mastering the Art of Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Pork Steaks

As soon as the weather starts warming up I start daydreaming about firing up my grill and cooking flavorful meats outside. And one of my absolute favorite things to grill is pork steaks. Their meaty flavor paired with a touch of smoky char is pure perfection.

But grilling pork steaks can seem intimidating to novice grillers. Questions like, “How do I prevent them from drying out?” and “How long should I actually grill them for?” can leave you feeling unsure of how to proceed. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to grill pork steaks. After reading, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to grill pork steaks like a pro!

Choosing the Right Pork Steaks

The first step is selecting high-quality pork steaks at the store. Here’s what to look for:

• Thickness – 1-inch thick steaks are best. Thinner cuts will dry out quickly.

• Marbling – Good marbling between the muscles provides flavor and moisture Go for steaks with white marbling streaks throughout,

• Color – Pork steaks should be pink to light red. Avoid any with gray, brown, or greenish tints.

• Freshness – Choose steaks that look moist with no dried out spots. Check the sell-by date.

I recommend buying individual steaks rather than a whole pork shoulder roast. Presliced steaks mean less work prepping and faster grilling time.

Trimming and Portioning the Steaks

Once you get your fresh steaks home, do a quick trim:

• Trim Excess Fat – Leave about 1⁄4 inch of fat cap. Trim any hard fat around the edges.

• Remove Silver Skin – Use a sharp knife to remove this tough, silver membrane.

• Cut into Portions – For even cooking, cut excessively large steaks into smaller portions.

Proper trimming optimizes the pork steaks for grilling success. Now let’s focus on flavors!

Marinades and Rubs Add Flavor

Adding a marinade, dry rub, or brine before grilling infuses the pork steaks with delicious flavor.

• Wet Marinade – Marinate 1-12 hours. Use acids like vinegar, wine, or citrus.

• Dry Rub – Coat steaks generously with spices and let sit 30-60 minutes.

• Brine – Soak steaks for 1-2 hours in a saltwater brine to increase moisture.

Get creative with marinade and rub recipes. Play with flavors like garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, maple, and orange zest.

Preparing the Grill

The right grill setup and temperature ensures the steaks cook properly without burning or drying out. Follow these tips:

• Gas Grill – Preheat to medium-high, about 400-450 ̊F.

• Charcoal – Prep coals for two-zone grilling. Sear over hot side, finish over cooler side.

• Clean Grates – Scrub grates and coat with oil to prevent sticking.

• Use a Thermometer – Place an oven-safe thermometer on the grill grate to monitor the temperature.

Grilling Technique

Now we’ve arrived at the fun part – time to actually grill the pork steaks! Follow these steps:

• Sear Thoroughly – Place steaks over direct high heat. Sear about 4-5 minutes per side to get a nice crust.

• Finish Over Indirect Heat – Move steaks to indirect heat and close grill lid. Check temperature periodically.

• Flip Occasionally – Flip steaks every 5 minutes or so for even cooking on both sides.

• Monitor Temperature – Cook until they reach an internal temp of 145 ̊F. Use a meat thermometer to check.

• Baste and Add Wood – During the last 10 minutes, baste with sauce and add wood chips for extra flavor.

• Rest – Let steaks rest 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Juicy, flavorful grilled pork steaks deserve accompaniments that enhance their brilliance. Consider:

• Fresh salsa, chimichurri, or chutney
• Grilled or roasted vegetables
• Creamy potato salad
• Buttery cornbread
• Leafy green salad

After grilling pork steaks a few times, you’ll discover the perfect pairings to satisfy your preferences. Get the whole family involved in tasting new side dish creations.

Common Grilling Mistakes

While grilling pork steaks seems straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Cooking over high heat the entire time
• Skipping the resting period
• Failing to track temperature with a thermometer
• Basting too early with sugary sauce
• Pressing down on steaks with a spatula
• Cutting into steaks immediately to check doneness

With practice, you’ll learn how to avoid these pitfalls for stellar results every time.

Grilled Pork Steak Recipe

To put your new skills into action, test out this easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 pork shoulder steaks (1-inch thick)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to make a marinade.

2. Place pork steaks in a shallow dish and cover with the marinade. Marinate for 1-2 hours.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Oil grates.

4. Grill steaks 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145 ̊F.

5. Let steaks rest 5 minutes before serving.

Mastering the Perfect Grilled Pork Steak

Grilling pork steaks requires getting the details right – choosing a quality cut, flavoring with a marinade, setting up the grill properly, monitoring temperature, and allowing the steaks to rest. With the techniques and tips above, you’ll gain the confidence and skill to achieve tender, juicy, flavorful pork steaks off the grill.

Impress your family with these incredible steaks all summer long. The enticing smell of pork steaks on the grill will have everyone gathered around the picnic table in anticipation of an incredible meal. So fire up your grill and get ready for a new go-to dinner!