Barbecued pork steaks have a special place in my heart, reminding me of summer cookouts and the smoky aroma filling the backyard. This recipe is my go-to for those times I crave something satisfying and full of flavor without a lot of fuss. I remember the first time I successfully grilled pork steaks, and the sheer joy of biting into that tender, juicy meat coated in a sticky glaze – it was a game-changer! If you’ve ever wondered how to make the best barbecued pork steaks, this guide is for you. These easy barbecued pork steaks are perfect for any occasion, delivering incredible taste with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Barbecued Pork Steaks

Get ready to fall in love with these incredible barbecued pork steaks! They’re a surefire hit for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: The combination of a savory rub and sweet, tangy BBQ glaze creates a taste sensation you won’t forget.
Quick Prep Time: With just a short rest time for the rub, you can get these on the grill fast, making them perfect for weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Pork shoulder is an economical cut that becomes incredibly delicious when cooked low and slow.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will devour these juicy, flavorful steaks – they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Perfectly Tender: You’ll achieve wonderfully tender barbecued pork steaks thanks to the specific cooking method.
Versatile: These tender barbecued pork steaks pair well with almost any side dish you can imagine.
Smoky Goodness: Achieve that authentic barbecue flavor with optional wood chunks on the grill.

Ingredients for Barbecued Pork Steaks

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering barbecued pork steaks. The magic starts with a simple yet effective dry rub and our signature BBQ mop, which doubles as a fantastic pork steak BBQ marinade base. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; substitutions can work, but this combination is tried and true for that perfect flavor.

4 bone-in pork shoulder steaks, about 1 inch thick, 8–10 oz each (2–2.5 lb total) – this cut has great marbling for tenderness
2 tbsp packed brown sugar – adds a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization
1 tbsp kosher salt – essential for drawing out moisture and seasoning
2 tsp smoked paprika – for that signature smoky depth
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper – a classic spice
1 tsp garlic powder – for savory flavor
1 tsp onion powder – complements the garlic
1/2 tsp mustard powder – adds a subtle tang
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – for a hint of heat
1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce – the backbone of our glaze
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – for a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness
1 tbsp honey – enhances the glaze’s sticky texture
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – adds umami and depth
1/4 cup apple juice (for spritzing, optional) – helps keep the meat moist during grilling
1 tbsp neutral oil (for grates) – prevents sticking
1–2 fist-sized chunks of hickory or apple wood (optional for smoke) – if you’re looking for that authentic smoked flavor

How to Make Barbecued Pork Steaks

Follow these simple steps to master how to grill pork steaks for BBQ. This method ensures a fantastic sear and a tender, juicy finish every time.

Step 1: First, let’s get that rub on! In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Pat your pork steaks dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the rub generously over both sides of the steaks, about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons per steak. Gently press the rub into the meat to help it adhere. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes while you prepare the grill and the sauce. For the sauce, stir together your favorite BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
Step 2: Now, let’s set up the grill for success. Preheat your grill for two-zone cooking. You want one side hot (450–500°F) for searing and the other side cooler (275–300°F) for indirect cooking. If you’re using a charcoal grill, bank your coals to one side. For a gas grill, turn one burner high and the other low or off. If you’re aiming for that authentic smoky flavor, add your wood chunks to the hot side of the grill now. Clean your grill grates thoroughly and then oil them with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil to prevent the steaks from sticking. This step is crucial for how to grill pork steaks for BBQ.

Step 3: Time to sear! Place the seasoned pork steaks directly over the hot side of the grill. Sear them for about 3–4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep, beautiful brown color and nice grill marks. This searing locks in the juices and builds a fantastic crust. If you want to keep the surface extra moist during the indirect cooking phase, you can give them a light spritz with apple juice right after searing.
Step 4: Move the steaks to the cooler, indirect side of the grill. This is where the magic happens for tender, juicy BBQ pork steaks. Brush a thin layer of your prepared BBQ sauce mixture over the top of each steak. Close the grill lid and let them cook for about 25–35 minutes, making sure to maintain that indirect heat between 275–300°F. In the last 5–10 minutes of cooking, brush on another layer of sauce. This will create a beautiful, sticky glaze. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 185–195°F. This temperature ensures the collagen breaks down, resulting in incredibly tender bites. Once they’re done, transfer the steaks to a platter, tent them loosely with foil, and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfectly cooked barbecued pork steaks!

Pro Tips for the Best Barbecued Pork Steaks

Want to elevate your barbecued pork steaks from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that guarantee success:

Don’t skip the rub rest! Letting the rub sit on the steaks for 20-30 minutes allows the salt to work its magic and the sugars to start hydrating, creating a better crust.
Master the two-zone heat. Searing on direct heat first builds that delicious exterior, while indirect heat allows the pork steaks to cook through gently without burning the glaze.
Apply the BBQ sauce in layers, especially towards the end. This prevents the sugars in the sauce from burning too quickly and creates that perfect sticky, glossy finish.
Always cook to temperature, not just time. For the most tender results, aim for an internal temperature of 185–195°F.

What’s the secret to perfect barbecued pork steaks?

The real secret is patience and temperature control. Cooking them low and slow on the indirect heat after searing allows the connective tissues to break down, turning them into incredibly juicy BBQ pork steaks. Applying the sauce in the final minutes is key to a beautiful glaze without burning. For more grilling tips, check out this guide on grilling techniques.

Can I make barbecued pork steaks ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prep these ahead! You can apply the rub up to 24 hours in advance and store the seasoned steaks, covered, in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling as usual.

How do I avoid common mistakes with barbecued pork steaks?

The biggest mistake is overcooking them before they reach that tender internal temperature, which results in dry meat. Another common pitfall is applying the sugary BBQ sauce too early, causing it to burn. Remember to cook to temperature and glaze late in the process for the best outcome. Learn more about preventing food spoilage.

Best Ways to Serve Barbecued Pork Steaks

These flavor-packed barbecued pork steaks are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic cookout feel, I love serving them with creamy coleslaw and a side of baked beans. The sweet and tangy glaze on the pork complements the cool crunch of the slaw perfectly. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try serving them with some grilled pineapple slices; the tropical sweetness of barbecued pork steaks with pineapple is a match made in heaven! Another great option is a simple potato salad or some corn on the cob. Whatever you choose, these steaks are sure to be the star of your meal. Consider pairing them with a refreshing summer salad.

Nutrition Facts for Barbecued Pork Steaks

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for these delicious barbecued pork steaks:

Calories: Estimated 450-550
Fat: Estimated 25-35g
Saturated Fat: Estimated 8-12g
Protein: Estimated 35-45g
Carbohydrates: Estimated 30-40g
Fiber: Estimated 1-2g
Sugar: Estimated 25-35g
Sodium: Estimated 1000-1500mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific BBQ sauce and rub ingredients used. For more information on pork nutrition, consult resources like the National Pork Board.

How to Store and Reheat Barbecued Pork Steaks

Proper storage is key to enjoying these easy barbecued pork steaks later. Once cooked, let the steaks cool completely at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Stored this way, they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the cooled steaks for up to 3 months. For reheating, the best method is to gently warm them in a covered oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of water or broth until heated through, usually about 15–20 minutes. You can also reheat them on the grill over indirect heat. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes dry them out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecued Pork Steaks

What cut of pork is best for barbecued pork steaks?

For the most tender and juicy results, pork shoulder steaks (also known as pork butt steaks or neck steaks) are the absolute best. They have fantastic marbling and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during the cooking process, leading to incredibly tender barbecued pork steaks.

How do I make the best barbecued pork steaks?

To achieve the best BBQ pork steak recipe results, focus on a flavorful rub, proper searing over direct heat, and then slow cooking over indirect heat until tender. Applying the BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes of cooking prevents burning and creates a perfect sticky glaze. Don’t forget to let them rest! For more tips on achieving perfect results, explore cooking techniques.

Can I use a different cooking method besides grilling?

Absolutely! While grilling is fantastic, you can achieve delicious results with other methods. Oven baked BBQ pork steaks can be made by searing them on a stovetop then finishing in a 300°F oven until tender. For a hands-off approach, a slow cooker BBQ pork steaks recipe is also a great option, though you won’t get the same char or smoky flavor.

What temperature should I aim for when grilling pork steaks?

When grilling pork steaks, you’ll want to use a two-zone setup. Sear them over direct heat at 450–500°F for a few minutes per side. Then, move them to the indirect heat zone set at 275–300°F to cook until they reach an internal temperature of 185–195°F for maximum tenderness.

Variations of Barbecued Pork Steaks You Can Try

Looking to shake things up or cater to different tastes? These variations on classic barbecued pork steaks are fantastic. For a deeper flavor profile, try a smoked pork steaks recipe by adding more wood chunks to your grill and cooking at a slightly lower temperature for a longer period. If you’re avoiding gluten, simply ensure your BBQ sauce and rub ingredients are certified gluten-free. For a tropical twist, consider adding some pineapple juice to your BBQ sauce or grilling pineapple rings alongside the steaks. You can also experiment with different rubs, like a spicy Cajun blend or a sweet and savory Memphis-style rub, to create entirely new flavor experiences with your barbecued pork steaks.

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