How Long to Cook Pork Steaks on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill for Juicy, Tender Results

Pork steaks are a hugely popular cut of meat, especially in the Midwest. Their flavor and texture make them a favorite for backyard barbecues and weeknight dinners alike But cooking pork steaks properly can be a bit tricky Undercook them and they’ll be tough and chewy. Overcook them and you’ll end up with dry, flavorless meat. So how long should you cook pork steaks on a Pit Boss pellet grill to get perfect results every time?

For those not familiar pork steaks are cut from the pork shoulder or butt. They are usually 1 to 2 inches thick and weigh around 1 pound each. Unlike pork chops which come from the loin pork steaks contain more fat and connective tissue. This requires them to be cooked low and slow to break down the collagen into succulent gelatin.

The marbling and connective tissue is what gives pork steaks their signature rich, meaty flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. Think of them as miniature pork butts! Pork steaks are seasoned and sauced just like pulled pork and absorb smoke beautifully when cooked on a pellet grill.

Key Factors That Affect Pork Steak Cook Times

There are a few key factors that will determine exactly how long your pork steaks need to cook for:

1. Thickness

The thickness of your pork steaks will have the biggest impact on cook time. Thinner steaks around 1 inch thick will cook faster than 2 inch thick steaks.

2. Bone-In vs Boneless

Bone-in pork steaks will take a bit longer than boneless. The bones help insulate the meat so it cooks more gently and evenly.

3. Grill Temperature

Cooking at a lower temperature (225-250°F) will result in a longer cook time than higher heat (300°F+). Lower and slower is usually better for breaking down connective tissue. But finishing at a higher temp helps develop a nice crust.

4. Desired Doneness

Pork steaks are best cooked to an internal temp of 195-205°F for ultimate tenderness. If you prefer less done meat, you’ll want to reduce cook times.

Step-By-Step Guide for Cooking Pork Steaks on a Pit Boss

Follow this simple process for juicy, tender pork steaks every time you fire up your Pit Boss grill:

1. Prepare Your Pork Steaks

• Choose pork steaks around 1 inch thick for the shortest cook time.
• Trim off any excess fat or silver skin.
• Apply a dry rub generously on all sides. Meat Church Honey Hog Hot Rub is a good choice.
• Let the steaks sit at room temperature as the grill preheats.

2. Preheat Your Pit Boss Grill

• With the lid open, set your Pit Boss to 225°F using 100% hickory pellets.
• Let it preheat for 10-15 minutes until up to temp.

3. Cook the Pork Steaks Low and Slow

• Place the pork steaks directly on the grill grates.
• Close the lid with the exhaust damper 100% open.
• Cook for 1.5-2 hours until the internal temp reaches 170°F.

4. Glaze and Finish the Pork Steaks

• After the initial low and slow cook, glaze the steaks with BBQ sauce on both sides.
• Increase heat to 300°F.
• Cook for another 15-30 minutes until pork steaks reach 195-205°F internal temperature.
• Glaze again and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Estimated Pit Boss Grill Times for Pork Steaks

Taking all those factors into account, here are some general time estimates for cooking pork steaks on a Pit Boss:

• 1 inch thick boneless pork steaks:
  • 225°F – 1.5 to 2 hours
  • 300°F – 45 mins to 1 hour
• 2 inch thick boneless pork steaks:
  • 225°F – 2 to 2.5 hours
  • 300°F – 1 to 1.5 hours
• 1 inch thick bone-in pork steaks:
  • 225°F – 2 to 2.5 hours
  • 300°F – 1 to 1.25 hours
• 2 inch thick bone-in pork steaks:
  • 225°F – 2.5 to 3 hours
  • 300°F – 1.25 to 1.5 hours

These times are just rough estimates and can vary based on your individual grill. Always rely on an instant read thermometer to tell when your pork steaks are done.

Tips for the Best Pork Steaks

Follow these tips and tricks for mouthwatering pork steaks every time on your Pit Boss pellet grill:

• Choose thicker steaks for more tender, juicy results. The connective tissue needs time to break down.

• Apply a flavorful dry rub up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor penetration.

• Smoke with a heavier wood like hickory or oak rather than a milder fruit wood.

• Use lower grill temps like 225-250°F for most of the cook time to melt collagen.

• Glaze with sauce and finish at 300°F to set the glaze and get grill marks.

• Rest pork steaks for 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

• Slice against the grain for tenderness.

Takeaways for Cooking Pork Steaks on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill

The keys for perfect pork steaks are low and slow cooking followed by a hot and fast finish. For 1 inch boneless steaks, aim for 1.5-2 hours at 225°F and 30-60 mins at 300°F. Check for doneness at 195-205°F internally. Apply a flavorful dry rub and glaze for maximum flavor. Rest before serving.

Cooking pork steaks doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow this guide. You’ll be rewarded with fall-off-the-bone tender, smoky meat that makes everyone go back for seconds. Juicy pork steaks hot off the Pit Boss pellet grill are tough to beat!