This crispy pan fried pork steak recipe combines juicy cuts of pork with a delectably crispy outer crust. We provided a quick and easy guide you can use so you can indulge in restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own home.
Best Cuts of Pork to Use for Pan Frying
When it comes to pan frying pork steaks, buying the right cut of meat is essential. Always pick cuts with the right amount of fat and enough thickness to ensure they don’t dry out during cooking. Some of the best cuts for pan-frying include boneless pork loin chops, bone-in pork chops, and pork tenderloin. These are the cuts that cook quickly and evenly, making them perfect for an authentic fried pork steak experience.
Sauce Ideas for Pork Steak
Pan fried pork steak is good on its own. But you can always elevate the experience by serving your pork steaks with a selection of delectable sauces. Here are some ideas you can use:
Classic Pan Gravy: Create a rich and savory pan gravy using the drippings from the cooked pork steaks, combined with broth, butter, and a touch of flour for thickening.
Tangy BBQ Glaze: Brush your pork steaks with a smoky barbecue glaze while cooking, enhancing them with a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Mushroom and Wine Sauce: Sautee mushrooms in butter, then deglaze the pan with a splash of wine and add some cream for a luxurious and velvety sauce.
Honey Mustard Sauce: Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and a dash of apple cider vinegar for a delightful sweet and tangy sauce that complements the pork beautifully.
Top Tips to Make the Best Fried Pork Steaks
If you want to make the best pan-fried pork steak you have ever made, follow these easy tips.
Bring the Pork to Room Temperature: Allow the pork steaks to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step guarantees that the meat will cook evenly even at the thickest parts.
Pat Dry the Meat: Before seasoning, pat the pork steaks dry with paper towels. This step is necessary for you to achieve a better sear and crispiness on the meat’s exterior.
Season Generously: Rub the pork steaks with a mixture of your favorite seasonings, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired herbs and spices. Not all the seasoning goes into the meat so you have to make allowances.
Always Preheat the Pan: This step will prevent the meat from sticking to the pan and ensure the delicious sear this dish is known for.
Never Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the meat causes steaming, which will prevent the crust from forming. If you’re cooking for a big group, start early and fry the pork steaks in batches, or get a bigger pan for cooking.
Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork steaks reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal juiciness.
Pan-Fried Pork Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pork steaks (boneless pork loin chops or bone-in pork chops)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick of heat)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Remove the pork steaks from the refrigerator and thaw or let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Pat the pork steaks dry with paper towels and liberally season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned pork steaks to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Lower the heat and add the butter to the pan. Let it melt and spoon it over the pork steaks to baste them, enhancing the flavor and moisture.
- Continue cooking the pork steaks for another 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Notes
- If you’re using bone-in pork chops, increase the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning by adding other herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika.
- Rest the cooked pork steaks for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute to the fibers of the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Conclusion
By choosing the best cuts of pork, trying different sauce ideas, and following the tips we provided in this article, you can recreate this dish easily in your own kitchen. So level up your home-cooking game and enjoy the incredible flavors of these pan-fried pork steaks today!
Pan Fried Pork Steak
Ingredients
- 4 pork steaks (boneless pork loin chops or bone-in pork chops)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick of heat)
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Remove the pork steaks from the refrigerator and thaw or let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Pat the pork steaks dry with paper towels and liberally season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned pork steaks to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Lower the heat and add the butter to the pan. Let it melt and spoon it over the pork steaks to baste them, enhancing the flavor and moisture.
- Continue cooking the pork steaks for another 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Notes
- If you’re using bone-in pork chops, increase the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning by adding other herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika.
- Rest the cooked pork steaks for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute to the fibers of the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.