Are you looking to make pulled pork but can’t find the right cut of meat? Have you come across pork shoulder steaks and wondered if they would work?
Look no further!
In this article, we’ll explore whether or not pork shoulder steaks can be used for pulled pork. We’ll also provide tips on how to cook them to perfection, whether it’s on the grill, in the oven, or in a slow cooker.
So, let’s dive in and find out if pork shoulder steaks are the secret to delicious pulled pork!
Can I Use Pork Shoulder Steaks For Pulled Pork?
The short answer is yes, you can use pork shoulder steaks for pulled pork. Pork shoulder steaks are cut from the front end of the pork shoulder, which is also known as the pork butt. This cut of meat is perfect for pulled pork because it has a lot of connective tissue and collagen, which breaks down during slow cooking and gives the meat that tender, juicy texture that we all love.
While pork shoulder steaks may not be the traditional cut of meat used for pulled pork, they can still be a great option. They are often cheaper than a whole pork shoulder or pork butt, and they are already sliced into smaller portions, which is great for smaller families or those who don’t want to cook a large amount of meat.
What Are Pork Shoulder Steaks?
Pork shoulder steaks, also known as Boston butt or pork blade steak, are thin cuts of meat that are taken from the shoulder area of the pig. Unlike pork chops, which are cut from the loin area and are leaner and more tender, pork shoulder steaks are cut from a fatty part of the animal, making them beautifully marbled and very juicy. They are also very flavorful due to the high amount of fat content in the meat.
Pork shoulder steaks typically contain part of the shoulder blade bone, which is why they are often called pork shoulder blade steaks. This bone adds flavor to the meat during cooking and helps to keep it moist. The shoulder area of the pig is full of flavor and is often used for pulled pork, so using pork shoulder steaks for this purpose makes perfect sense.
While pork shoulder steaks can be tougher than other cuts of pork due to the high amount of collagen in the meat, they can still be cooked to perfection with slow cooking methods such as braising, stewing or simmering in barbecue sauce. They can also be grilled or pan-fried for a quick and easy meal.
How To Cook Pork Shoulder Steaks For Pulled Pork
To cook pork shoulder steaks for pulled pork, there are a few different methods you can try. One popular option is to use a slow cooker, which allows the meat to cook low and slow over several hours. However, since pork shoulder steaks are already sliced thin, you may find that they come out too mushy if cooked in a slow cooker for too long.
Another option is to grill or smoke the pork shoulder steaks. This method can give the meat a delicious smoky flavor and crispy exterior. To prepare the steaks for grilling or smoking, start by marinating them in your favorite marinade for at least a few hours in the refrigerator.
Once marinated, remove the steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Preheat your grill or smoker to around 250 F and grill or smoke the steaks for about 90 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time.
After 90 minutes, remove the steaks from the grill or smoker and place each one on a large piece of aluminum foil. Pour some of the reserved marinade over each steak and seal tightly in foil. Increase the grill or smoker temperature to around 350 F or place the foil-wrapped steaks in an oven heated to that temperature.
Continue cooking for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 175 F. Once done, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before shredding with a fork.
Grilling Pork Shoulder Steaks For Pulled Pork
Grilling pork shoulder steaks for pulled pork is a great option if you don’t have a smoker or don’t want to spend hours slow cooking in the oven. The key to grilling pork shoulder steaks for pulled pork is to cook them low and slow, just like you would with a whole pork shoulder or pork butt.
To start, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. While the grill is heating up, prepare your pork shoulder steaks by generously seasoning them with salt and pepper or your favorite dry rub. You can also marinate them in a mixture of oil, garlic, soy sauce, onion powder, brown sugar, salt and black pepper for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Once the grill is hot, place the pork shoulder steaks on the grates and cook for 5-8 minutes on each side, depending on how thick they are. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. For pulled pork, you’ll want to cook the steaks until they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
To achieve that tender, juicy texture that we all love in pulled pork, you’ll want to cook the steaks low and slow. One option is to wrap each steak in aluminum foil with a little bit of apple juice before placing them back on the grill. This will help keep the meat moist and tender while it cooks.
Once the pork shoulder steaks are cooked to your desired temperature and texture, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before shredding or slicing. You can then use the pulled pork for sandwiches, tacos, or any other recipe that calls for shredded pork.
Oven-roasting Pork Shoulder Steaks For Pulled Pork
One of the best ways to cook pork shoulder steaks for pulled pork is by oven-roasting them. This method is easy and produces tender, juicy meat that is perfect for shredding.
To begin, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the pork shoulder steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This will help them cook evenly.
Next, scrape off any excess marinade from the steaks and season them with salt and black pepper on both sides. Place the steaks on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the oven for about 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C). You can also check the internal temperature after 30 minutes to avoid over-cooking.
Once the pork shoulder steaks are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the meat into small pieces. You can also add your favorite BBQ sauce or seasonings at this point.
Pork shoulder steaks are a great option for pulled pork, and oven-roasting is an easy and delicious way to cook them. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before cooking, season them well, and cook them low and slow in the oven for tender, juicy meat that is perfect for shredding.
Slow-cooking Pork Shoulder Steaks For Pulled Pork
To slow-cook pork shoulder steaks for pulled pork, start by seasoning the meat with your preferred seasoning, such as steak seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, place the pork shoulder steaks in a 5-quart or larger slow cooker along with any vegetables and liquid of your choice. You can use root beer or any carbonated beverage, beer, or regular club soda as a liquid.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours. It’s important to note that since pork shoulder steaks are already sliced thin, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Check on the meat periodically to ensure it doesn’t turn to mush.
Once the meat is fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks or place it in a stand mixer and mix slowly until shredded. Discard any remaining liquid and replace the shredded pork into the slow cooker. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the meat, using about half a bottle for steaks and a whole bottle for a roast.
Cook the meat for another hour on high or 2-3 hours on low. Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with caramelized onions as an optional topping. This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed by all.