Barbecued Pork Steaks

Barbecued Pork Steaks are a juicy, flavorful, and satisfying alternative to ribs or chops—perfect for backyard grilling. Cut from the pork shoulder, these steaks are marbled with fat for extra flavor and tenderness, and they’re slathered in BBQ sauce for that irresistible sticky-sweet finish. Whether slow-cooked over coals or grilled hot and fast, pork steaks are a barbecue classic you’ll want on repeat all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly juicy and packed with flavor
• Uses budget-friendly pork shoulder cuts
• Perfect for grilling or slow-cooking over indirect heat
• Classic BBQ taste with minimal ingredients
• Easy to prepare for weeknight dinners or cookouts
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Delicious with almost any BBQ sauce
• Pairs well with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread
• Naturally gluten-free (depending on sauce)
• Ideal for summer cookouts and backyard parties

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork shoulder steaks (bone-in or boneless, about ¾–1 inch thick)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Olive oil
• Your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). Set up for indirect heat if cooking low and slow.
2. Pat the pork steaks dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Place the pork steaks on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Move the steaks over direct heat and brush both sides with BBQ sauce. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, basting with more sauce, until nicely caramelized and internal temperature reaches 145–155°F.
5. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Use a dry rub with brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne for extra kick
• Marinate pork steaks overnight in apple juice, vinegar, and spices for added tenderness
• Swap BBQ sauce for mustard-based or vinegar-based varieties
• Cook in a foil packet for ultra-moist results, then finish with sauce on the grill
• Top with grilled onions or pineapple for a sweet-savory twist
• Add wood chips to the grill for smoky flavor

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked pork steaks for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What cut is a pork steak?

Pork steaks are cut from the pork shoulder (also called Boston butt), which is well-marbled and flavorful.

Can I use boneless pork steaks?

Yes, both bone-in and boneless pork steaks work well for this recipe.

How do I keep pork steaks tender?

Cook them over indirect heat first, then finish with sauce over direct heat to avoid drying them out.

What internal temperature should pork steaks be?

They’re safe to eat at 145°F, but cooking to 150–155°F makes them extra tender and flavorful.

Can I bake pork steaks instead of grilling?

Yes—bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, then broil with BBQ sauce for a caramelized finish.

Should I marinate the pork steaks?

It’s optional. A dry rub or quick marinade adds flavor, but seasoning and BBQ sauce alone are plenty tasty.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! Grill and refrigerate, then reheat and baste with fresh sauce before serving.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Choose your favorite—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. Homemade or store-bought both work great.

Do pork steaks taste like pork chops?

They’re richer and juicier than loin chops thanks to their higher fat content and marbling.

What sides go well with barbecued pork steaks?

Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, or cornbread are all great choices.

Conclusion

Barbecued Pork Steaks are a down-home grilling favorite that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re a BBQ beginner or pitmaster-in-training, these tender, saucy steaks are a foolproof way to impress your guests or elevate your next backyard dinner. Fire up the grill, grab your favorite sauce, and get ready to savor one of the most underrated cuts in barbecue.

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