How to Smoke Pork Steaks
Slice into juicy Smoked Pork Steaks and you’ll enjoy every crispy bite. Layering smoke with sweet sauce builds a deeply flavored bark.
If you enjoy crispy, smoked pulled pork then you are in the right place. This steak is cut from the pork shoulder and smoked slowly while gently mopped with a flavorful sauce. Read along to learn how to smoke pork steaks, and you won’t be disappointed.
Need more pork recipes? Try one of our favorites such as Smoked Pulled Pork, Smoked Country Style Ribs, Grilled Pork Steaks, or even Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends, and also Smoked Pulled Ham.
Why This Process Works
Layers of flavor. Smoke, seasoning, and a mop sauce build a complex layering of delicious barbecue flavors with every bite.Strong pork flavor. These juicy pork shoulder steaks have a nice, pure pork flavor in every bite. The thickness of the steak paired with the fatty marbling brings out the natural flavors, still shining through the bark.Simple to cook. Set your smoker at 250°F and let it roll. The hardest work is being present, so you can baste with a mop sauce every so often.
Cooking pork steaks is pretty straightforward, with just a few tips to make sure you are successful. I’ll also break down the mop sauce to make sure you can build that flavor while keeping it moist.
What is a Pork Steak?
These are not always found in grocery stores, so it’s helpful to briefly explain what this cut is.
Pork steaks are butchered from the bone-in pork shoulder, also referred to as the Boston Butt. Typically this cut is smoked low and slow for smoked pulled pork. The fat content enables this cut of pork to retain moisture during the smoking process, also providing a really nice crispy crust.
Simply ask your local butcher if they are able to slice a bone-in pork shoulder for steaks. You’re looking to get at least 1″ if not 1 1/2″ thick. Due to the sheer size, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to slice these at home.
Step 1: Prep and Seasoning
Generously season all sides with your preferred choice of BBQ rub.
My preferred seasoning choices for pork would be the Signature Sweet & Smoky Rub, the Smoky Southwest Dry Rub if you want it to be a little less sweet, or Brad’s House Rub from the Chiles and Smoke Cookbook.
Allow the rub to melt into the pork for about 30 minutes as the meat slowly warms up at room temperature.
Step 2: Smoke the Pork
Set the pork steaks in a preheated smoker at 250°F. Let them cook undisturbed for at least 90 minutes, giving them time to form a bark.
The best part about this cook is that it really doesn’t have many steps. Most of the struggle is being present so that you can baste with the mop sauce, which is coming up next.
Step 3: Mop Sauce Recipe
Most of the time a spritz is used to keep cuts of meat moist as they smoke. It’s not common to see a mop used for backyard cooking. There are a few recipes on the site that include a mop sauce, such as Smoked Beef Back Ribs.
Mix these ingredients together in a sauce pot over low heat until a sauce is formed. I like to place mine right in the smoker to keep it warm and accessible.
- 1 cup water
- 2 smashed garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (recommend Smoky Sweet Heat Sauce)
After the bark has formed on the smoked pork steaks, gently mop the steaks every 45 minutes for a few hours.
Equipment Used
This sauce pot by Finex Cast Iron is a spend, but absolutely worth it. Easy to clean and keeps everything warm. You can even set it right on the coals for live fire cooking.
You’ll need a basting mop, and I like this affordable set that comes with replacement heads.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
The total time for this cook will be about 4-5 hours, depending on the meat. Thinner cuts will be done sooner, so just pay attention.
Finished pork steaks will be crispy on the outside, and probe tender. You should be able to slide a meat thermometer probe with very little resistance. This can start to occur between 185-195°F so pay attention. You’re not going anywhere, you have to be present to mop the pork steaks anyway.
Allow the pork steaks to rest for about 20-30 minutes before slicing in. Each bite of juicy, tender pork is just moments away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, it will be about 4-5 hours to fully smoke a pork steak at 250°F. This can vary depending on the thickness, and fat content. If you choose not to baste, the time will shorten.
Yes, you should flip every time you are ready to baste them. This helps build an even crust on each side.
You can use a spritz of apple cider vinegar instead, but the outside crust will not have the same level of flavor and texture. Get creative and try different combinations.
More Pork Recipes to Love
- The Original Sausage Popper Boats
- Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies
- Smoked Bacon Jerky
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Smoked Pork Steaks
Slice into juicy Smoked Pork Steaks and you’ll enjoy every crispy bite. Layering smoke with sweet sauce builds a deeply flavored bark.
- Total Time: 4-5 hours
- Yield: About 6-8
Ingredients
- 2 pork steaks, at least 1″ thick
- 1/4 cup Signature Sweet & Smoky Rub
- 1 cup water
- 2 smashed garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup Smoky Sweet Heat Sauce
Instructions
- Season the pork steaks generously on all sides with the seasoning. Allow them to rest at room temperature while the smoker preheats to 250°F.
- Place them in the smoker and allow them to cook for at least an hour, until the bark has started to form.
- Make the mop sauce. Combine the water, garlic, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire, and BBQ sauce in a sauce pot. Warm until melted through, and keep warm while you base the pork steaks.
- Once the bark has formed, baste the pork steaks. Continue to apply a layer and flip every 45 minutes until they reach about 185°F.
- Start to check for tenderness by probing the steaks with a meat thermometer. There should be very little resistance as if you’re sticking it into a jar of peanut butter. Once that occurs, remove the steaks from the smoker.
- Allow them to rest for 30 minutes lightly tented with foil before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Smoking pork steaks is more about feel and intuition than temperature. It will be fully cooked, but potentially not tender enough. Keep pushing it and basting as needed.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Pork
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: BBQ
