How Long to Cook Pork Steaks on a Pellet Grill: A Comprehensive Guide

Pork steaks, sliced from the pork shoulder, offer a delectable blend of pulled pork’s succulence and pork chop’s distinct flavor. Cooking them on a pellet grill allows for a gradual, smoky infusion that enhances their taste. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how long to cook pork steaks on a pellet grill, ensuring tender, juicy results.

Preparation:

1. Dry Brining: Enhance the steaks’ flavor by dry brining them for several hours or overnight. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over the meat’s surface and refrigerate uncovered. This process draws out moisture, allowing the salt to penetrate and season the meat deeply.

2. Seasoning: Apply a generous amount of your preferred BBQ rub to the steaks, ensuring an even coating on both sides. Let the rub sit for 10 minutes, allowing it to adhere to the meat’s surface.

Cooking on a Pellet Grill:

1. Preheat and Smoke: Set your pellet grill to 200°F (93°C) with indirect heat. If your grill has a water pan, fill it up to create a moist environment. Place the seasoned pork steaks directly on the grill grates and cook for two hours without disturbing them. This initial smoking phase infuses the meat with a delicate smoky flavor.

2. Glazing and Finishing: After two hours, remove the steaks from the grill and brush them with a thinned-out BBQ sauce. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy layer to the meat. Return the steaks to the grill and raise the temperature to 225°F (107°C). Continue cooking for an additional 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.

3. Resting: Once the steaks reach the desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes under loose foil. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

Cooking Time Variations:

The cooking time for pork steaks on a pellet grill can vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and the desired level of doneness. As a general guideline:

• For 1-inch thick steaks, cook for 2.5-3 hours at 225°F (107°C).
• For 1.5-inch thick steaks, cook for 3-3.5 hours at 225°F (107°C).
• For 2-inch thick steaks, cook for 3.5-4 hours at 225°F (107°C).

Tips:

• Use a digital meat thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature of the steaks.
• If you don’t have a water pan, you can place a disposable aluminum pan filled with water on the grill grates to create a similar effect.
• For a more intense smoky flavor, use a flavorful wood such as pecan or hickory.
• Serve the pork steaks with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, or grilled vegetables.