How Long to Grill Pork Steaks for Perfectly Cooked Results

Grilled pork steaks make for a quick, delicious meal during the warmer months. When seasoned and cooked properly, pork steaks come off the grill juicy, tender and full of smoky flavor. However, grilling pork steaks does require paying attention to cook times to avoid under or overcooking. In this article, we’ll cover how long you need to grill pork steaks to get ideal doneness.

What are Pork Steaks?

Pork steaks are cuts of meat from the shoulder of the pig They contain a cross-section of shoulder muscles and connective tissue. Pork steaks are boned and sliced 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches thick for grilling The bone-in version is called pork blade steaks.

Compared to other pork cuts, pork steaks are fattier with more connective tissue. This requires lower heat and longer cook times to break down and tenderize while grilling. When done right, the fat keeps them juicy and flavorful.

Benefits of Grilling Pork Steaks

There are several advantages to grilling pork steaks versus other cooking methods:

• Infuses smoky, charbroiled flavor from the grill.
• Allows fat to render gradually for tender, moist meat.
• Quick cooking time compared to oven roasting.
• Easy to monitor and flip during grilling.
• Can be marinated or rubbed for extra flavor.
• Fun, interactive meal to cook outdoors.

Grilling brings out the best in thinner pork steaks. Oven roasting tends to dry them out.

How Long to Grill Pork Steaks

The grill time for pork steaks depends on their size and thickness. Here are general guidelines:

• 1-inch thick steaks – Grill for 7-9 minutes per side.
• 1 1⁄2-inch thick steaks – Grill for 10-12 minutes per side.
• 2-inch thick steaks – Grill for 12-15 minutes per side.

Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp rather than just relying on time. Pork steaks are safe to eat and properly cooked when they reach:

• 145°F for medium doneness
• 160°F for well done

An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part ensures they reach the proper internal temperature. Check temperature periodically if grilling extra thick pork steaks.

Tips for Grilling Juicy, Tender Pork Steaks

Follow these tips for the most tender juicy grilled pork steaks

• Choose steaks 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches thick. Thinner dries out. Thicker takes too long.
• Trim off excess fat to avoid flare-ups. Leave some fat for moisture.
• Marinate 4 hours to overnight in something acidic. Tenderizes meat.
• Pat steaks dry before grilling. Wet surface causes steaming.
• Grill over medium heat. High heat toughens pork.
• Flip once halfway through. Limit flipping to prevent moisture loss.
• Move to indirect heat if flaring up. Direct heat chars exterior.
• Brush with glaze or sauce only during last 5 minutes to avoid burning.
• Rest 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Properly grilled pork steaks are tender enough to cut with a fork If your pork steaks turn out tough or dry, they likely needed more time on the grill at a lower temp.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilling Pork Steaks

Follow this simple process for grilling juicy, flavorful pork steaks:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork shoulder steaks, 1-1 1⁄2 inches thick
• Pork steak marinade or dry rub
• Oil for grilling

Directions:

1. Mix together marinade ingredients in a zip-top bag or baking dish. Add pork steaks and marinate 4-8 hours in the fridge.

2. Take steaks out of fridge and let come to room temp 30 minutes before grilling.

3. Prepare grill for direct medium heat.Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.

4. Pat steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with additional dry rub if desired.

5. Place steaks on hot grill. Cook for estimated time based on thickness. Flip once halfway through.

6. Check temperature periodically. Grill until steaks reach 145°F internally.

7. Transfer steaks to platter and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 5 minutes.

8. Serve steaks warm with your favorite sides!

Always monitor pork steaks closely to avoid over or undercooking. Use tongs instead of piercing meat with a fork. Letting rest allows juices to absorb back into the meat.

Pork Steak Grilling Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to go wrong grilling pork steaks if you aren’t careful. Here are some common mistakes:

• Not marinating or brining. This leaves pork steaks flavorless and prone to drying out.

• Grilling over high heat. High direct heat toughens pork and burns exterior before inside cooks.

• Undercooking. Pork must reach 145°F minimum for safety and ideal doneness.

• Overcooking. Pork dries out quickly if cooked past 160°F. Use a meat thermometer.

• Flipping too often. Constant flipping causes moisture loss. Only flip once if possible.

• Applying sauce too early. Sugary sauces burn if applied too soon. Wait until last 5 minutes.

• Cutting into pork before resting. Juices spill out without proper resting period after grilling.

FAQs

What is the best cut of pork for grilling?

Pork shoulder steaks, loin chops, and tenderloin are ideal cuts for grilling. Avoid grilling very lean cuts which dry out.

Should you marinate pork steaks?

Yes, marinating 4-8 hours tenderizes pork steaks and infuses flavor. Acidic marinades with citrus, vinegar, or yogurt work great.

What temp do you grill pork steaks?

Use medium heat, around 350-400°F, for even cooking without burning exterior. High direct heat overcooks pork.

How do you keep pork steaks moist on the grill?

Marinate, pat dry before grilling, flip once, grill to 145°F, tent after cooking, and let rest 5 minutes before eating.

Grilled Pork Steak Recipes to Try

Here are two tasty recipes for grilled pork steaks:

Citrus Mojo Pork Steaks

• Marinate pork steaks in orange juice, lime juice, cilantro, and garlic.
• Grill 10-12 minutes per side over medium heat.

Beer Brined Pork Steaks

• Soak pork steaks 1-2 hours in a beer, brown sugar, and spice brine.
• Grill marinated steaks 8-10 minutes per side.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with marinades, spice rubs, barbecue sauces, and glazes to make your grilled pork steaks exceptional.

Conclusion

Learning how long to grill pork shoulder steaks ultimately takes some practice. With the right preparation, seasoning, and grilling technique you can achieve tender, juicy results every time. Use an instant-read thermometer for doneness. Allow 10-15 minutes total grilling time for steaks 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches thick. Mastering the art of grilling pork steaks will make for an amazing meal.