Pork steak, also known as blade steak, is a flavorful and budget-friendly cut of meat that can be cooked to tender perfection with the right technique. This guide will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of how to cook pork steak with a savory brown onion gravy, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Pork Steak and Gravy
For the Pork Steak:
- 3-4 pounds thinly sliced pork shoulder blade steaks
- 2 tablespoons canola or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Brown Onion Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Pork Steaks
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pat the pork steaks dry with a paper towel and sprinkle both sides liberally with the seasoning.
- Set aside the seasoned steaks until ready to cook.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Steaks
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork steaks to the pan, taking care not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the seared steaks from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Brown Onion Gravy
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
- Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onion and stir.
- Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and cooked through.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and stir until evenly coated.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, one big splash at a time, ensuring a smooth and creamy gravy.
- Once the mixture resembles pudding, add the remaining broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Allow the gravy to simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Serve the Pork Steak and Gravy
- Place the seared pork steaks on a serving platter and ladle the brown onion gravy over them.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the tender and flavorful pork steak with its rich and savory gravy.
Tips for Cooking Pork Steak with Gravy
- Use a high-quality pork steak: The quality of the pork steak will greatly affect the taste of the dish. Look for steaks that are fresh and have a good amount of marbling.
- Pound the pork steak thin: Pounding the pork steak thin will help it to cook evenly and will make it more tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When searing the pork steaks, do not overcrowd the pan. This will prevent them from cooking evenly and will make them more likely to steam rather than sear.
- Cook the pork steak to the correct temperature: The internal temperature of the pork steak should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit when cooked to medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired temperature.
- Make the gravy ahead of time: The brown onion gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. This will save you time and effort on the day of cooking.
Variations of Pork Steak with Gravy
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for a richer and more flavorful gravy.
- Use a different type of broth: Instead of beef broth, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even white wine to make the gravy.
- Add herbs: Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the gravy for extra flavor.
- Serve with different sides: Pork steak with gravy can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Cooking pork steak with gravy is a simple and straightforward process that yields a delicious and satisfying meal. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can create a tender and flavorful pork steak with a rich and savory gravy that will impress your family and friends.