How to Cook Juicy, Flavorful Pork Shoulder Steak in the Oven

Pork shoulder steak is an underrated and incredibly delicious cut of meat that comes from the shoulder of the pig. When cooked properly, it can turn out super tender and bursting with flavor. Oven roasting is one of the best hands-off methods for achieving perfect pork shoulder steak every time.

In this comprehensive guide I will walk you through everything you need to know to cook foolproof mouthwatering pork shoulder steak in the oven. We will cover how to select the best cut, prep it, season it, as well as tips for ensuring it turns out juicy and flavorful. By the end, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with this satisfying oven-baked meal. So let’s get started!

Selecting the Best Pork Shoulder Steak

The first step is choosing high-quality pork shoulder steak at the store. Here are some tips for picking the right cut:

• Go for steaks that are 1 to 2 inches thick Thinner cuts tend to dry out in the oven.

• Choose steaks with nice marbling throughout. This intra-muscular fat ensures delicious flavor and moisture.

• Look for steaks with a bright pink color without any grayish tones. This indicates freshness.

• Avoid steaks with a lot of excess fat around the edges that you’ll have to trim off.

• Organic and pasture-raised pork usually has a better flavor profile.

Prepping Pork Shoulder Steak for the Oven

Once you have the right pork shoulder steaks, proper prep work is key to ensuring they cook evenly and turn out perfectly:

• Trim off any excess fat or silver skin: Use a sharp knife to remove the thicker fat cap and silver skin membrane. Leaving it on can cause the steak to curl while cooking.

• Pat steaks dry: Blot the steaks with paper towels to remove any excess surface moisture. Wet steaks won’t sear or brown properly.

• Bring to room temperature: Take steaks out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. Room temp meat cooks more evenly.

• Season generously: Rub both sides all over with a flavorful blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and dried herbs.

How to Cook Pork Shoulder Steak in the Oven

Now comes the fun part – baking these flavorful steaks in the oven:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C): This high heat helps create a lovely browned crust on the exterior.

• Place steaks on a wire rack: Elevating the steaks allows air to circulate for even cooking. Line the pan below with foil for easy cleanup.

• Cook for 25-35 minutes: Check frequently and remove steaks once internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C). Cook times vary based on thickness.

• Rest before slicing: Let steaks rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This makes them extra juicy!

• Slice against the grain: Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers for tender meat.

Pork Shoulder Steak Marinade Ideas

Marinating the steaks before roasting infuses them incredible flavors. Here are some amazing marinade ideas:

• Mediterranean marinade – olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, rosemary

• Korean barbecue marinade – soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger

• Mexican marinade – lime juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic

• Jamaican jerk marinade – lime juice, allspice, thyme, brown sugar, habanero

• Cajun marinade – Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, garlic, onion powder

Marinate the pork for at least 2-4 hours or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor infusion.

Cooking Times for Different Thicknesses

To ensure your pork shoulder comes out perfectly cooked, here are some oven roasting times based on steak thickness:

• 1 inch thick steaks – Cook for 25-30 minutes

• 1 1⁄2 inch thick steaks – Cook for 35-40 minutes

• 2 inch thick steaks – Cook for 45-50 minutes

Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness instead of relying solely on time. Remove steaks once they reach the ideal internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Choosing the Best Pork Shoulder Steak Recipe

While simply seasoning and oven roasting pork shoulder steak is delicious, you can take the flavors up a notch with rubs, glazes and sauces. Here are some amazing recipe ideas:

• Pernil (Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder) – heavily seasoned with achiote, garlic, citrus and cumin

• Brown sugar bourbon glazed pork steak – sweet and savory brown sugar glaze made with bourbon

• Jamaican jerk pork shoulder steak – fiery Jamaican jerk dry rub and glaze

• Pork shoulder steak with peach mustard sauce – roasted peaches and whole grain mustard make a tastysauce

• Coffee crusted pork shoulder steak – crusted with aromatic coffee, brown sugar and spices

Browse online to find a recipe that incorporates your favorite flavors. The options are endless!

Handy Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Follow these useful tips and tricks to ensure your pork shoulder steak turns out perfect every time:

• Generously season all sides with salt, it aids browning and flavor penetration.

• Avoid poking steaks with a fork, it causes juices to escape. Use tongs to flip instead.

• Brush with glaze or sauce only during last 10-15 minutes to prevent burning.

• If pan juices accumulate, drain halfway through to prevent steaming the meat.

• Meat continues to cook as it rests. Remove pork before it reaches desired temp.

• Let rest at least 5 minutes, up to 15 for very thick cuts to redistribute juices.

• For extra brown crust, broil for 1-2 minutes at end. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Common Pork Shoulder Steak Mistakes to Avoid

It’s also helpful to be aware of some common mistakes homemade cooks make, so you can avoid them:

• Not bringing the meat to room temperature before cooking

• Forgetting to remove the fat cap and silver skin membrane

• Cooking at too low of a temperature

• Overcrowding the pan which steams instead of browns

• Cutting into steak right after cooking without resting

• Cutting with the grain instead of against for tough meat

• Overcooking and drying out the pork

With proper preparation, seasoning, and cooking technique, it’s easy to avoid these pitfalls.

The Best Side Dishes for Pork Shoulder Steak

A flavorful pork shoulder steak deserves equally delicious side dishes to complete the meal. Here are some excellent options to consider pairing it with:

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Sauteed greens like kale, spinach or broccoli rabe

• Rice pilaf or creamy polenta

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette

• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant and peppers

• Corn on the cob slathered with compound butter

• Buttery dinner rolls or cornbread

With endless possibilities, you can create the perfect meal to complement your succulent oven-roasted pork shoulder steak.

Satisfying Leftover Ideas

Leftover pork shoulder steak is versatile for creating tasty meals throughout the week.

• Slice and add to fried rice or pasta

• Pile onto sandwiches or tacos

• Dice and add to soups, stews or chili

• Shred and use for quesadillas, omelets or hash

• Toss with barbecue sauce and serve over cornbread

With proper storage in an airtight container, leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.