Smoking pork steaks is a delicious way to add amazing flavor and tenderize the meat. In this article, we will guide you through the process of smoking pork steaks to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will help you create mouthwatering pork steaks.
Preparing the Pork Steaks
To begin, place the pork steaks on a sheet pan or a similar surface. Sprinkle kosher salt on the top side of the steaks. Most chefs recommend using half a teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of meat when dry brining. Let the steaks sit uncovered in the fridge for about 3 hours, or overnight if you have the time. This process will draw out the meat juices and allow the salt to penetrate deep into the meat, tenderizing it and enhancing the flavor.
After dry brining, lay the steaks on a flat surface and generously sprinkle them with Jeff’s original rub. Avoid store-bought rubs or heavily salted seasonings. Allow the steaks to sit for about 10 minutes until they develop a “wet” look.
Setting up the Smoker
While the pork steaks marinate, it’s time to prepare your smoker for cooking. Set the smoker to 225°F (107°C) with indirect heat. If your smoker has a water pan, fill it up. Whether you’re using a smoker or a grill, the pork steaks will turn out great. If using a pellet grill, give them 45-60 minutes on the special smoke setting to infuse them with high-quality smoke.
Use pecan wood or your favorite smoking wood to add flavor. Keep the smoke going for at least an hour, ensuring it remains light. Monitor the pork steaks’ internal temperature using a digital probe meat thermometer. Aim for a temperature of around 185°F (85°C).
Glazing and Finishing
When the pork steaks are about 30 minutes away from being done, glaze the top side with Jeff’s barbecue sauce. Allow the sauce to caramelize for 15 minutes, then flip the steaks over and sauce the other side as well.
The cooking time for smoked pork steaks varies depending on factors such as meat thickness, starting temperature, weather conditions, and the accuracy of your smoker thermometer. Generally, it takes around 2.5 hours for the pork steaks to reach 185°F (85°C).
Once the pork steaks reach the desired temperature, remove them from the heat. Loosely cover them with foil and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness.
FAQs
Can I cook the smoked pork steaks faster and get them done sooner?
If you want to reduce the cooking time, you can increase the temperature to 275°F (135°C). At this higher temperature, the pork steaks will be ready in approximately 1.5 hours.
Why do you recommend cooking pork steaks to 185°F (85°C)? Won’t that dry them out?
Pork steaks have a lot of connective tissue and marbling, making them perfect candidates for long, slow cooking. The extra fat helps keep the meat juicy even when cooked to 185°F (85°C).
Can I grill the smoked pork steaks instead?
While grilling is an option, it’s not optimal for flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can smoke the steaks for about 30 minutes and then finish them on a hot grill. This combination will give you the best flavor-to-cook time ratio.
For more expert tips and high-quality smoking products, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill. Enjoy your perfectly smoked pork steaks!