Hey y'all! Nothing says backyard gathering or weeknight treat quite like a plate of juicy, smoky barbecued pork steaks. This recipe delivers incredibly tender pork steaks, charred to perfection, coated in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Whether you're grilling for a family cookout, a Sunday dinner, or just craving something hearty and delicious, these pork steaks won't disappoint. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Barbecued Pork Steaks Recipe
- Super juicy and tender, every bite melts in your mouth.
- Easy to prepare—minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
- Deliciously smoky with a perfectly caramelized BBQ sauce crust.
- Great for grilling season, but can be made year-round on a grill pan.
- Budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients for the Best Barbecued Pork Steaks
- 4 bone-in pork shoulder blade steaks (about 8 oz each, 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite—store-bought or homemade)
How to Make The Best Barbecued Pork Steaks
Step 1: Prep the Pork Steaks
- Pat pork steaks dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil.
- Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over both sides of the pork steaks, rubbing in to coat evenly.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your charcoal or gas grill to medium-high (about 400°F/200°C). Clean and oil the grates well.
Step 3: Grill the Pork Steaks
- Place pork steaks over direct heat and grill uncovered for 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely browned and slightly charred.
- Brush both sides generously with barbecue sauce, then move steaks to indirect heat.
- Cover the grill and cook for another 10-12 minutes, flipping once and basting with more sauce halfway through. Pork steaks are done when they reach an internal temp of 145°F (63°C). Learn more about safe cooking temps.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Transfer pork steaks to a platter, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 min
Notes for the Best Barbecued Pork Steaks
- Marinate the pork steaks with dry rub for up to 24 hours for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness without drying the meat out.
- If using a grill pan, keep heat at medium and tent with foil to mimic covered grilling.

Variations for Barbecued Pork Steaks
- Spicy Korean BBQ: Swap BBQ sauce for a Korean gochujang glaze.
- Applewood Smoked: Use applewood chips on the grill and add a maple-infused BBQ sauce.
- Classic Dry Rub: Omit sauce and double the dry spices, serving with a dip alongside.
Essential Equipment for The Best Barbecued Pork Steaks
- Gas or charcoal grill (or grill pan)
- Grill brush for cleaning
- Long-handled tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
Storage Instructions for Barbecued Pork Steaks
- Place cooled pork steaks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Freeze cooked pork steaks for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions for The Best Barbecued Pork Steaks
- Serve with creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled corn on the cob.
- Pair with crispy potato wedges or a fresh garden salad.
- Enjoy with a chilled beer or iced tea for the ultimate BBQ experience.
Pro Tips for Perfect Barbecued Pork Steaks
- Let your pork steaks come to room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
- Always rest your steaks after grilling to lock in juices and boost tenderness.
- Baste during the last few minutes only to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce. More about saucing BBQ safely.
FAQ: The Best Barbecued Pork Steaks
- Can I use boneless pork steaks?
- Yes, boneless works as well, but bone-in steaks provide extra flavor and juiciness during grilling.
- What's the best BBQ sauce for pork steaks?
- Sweet and tangy sauces complement pork perfectly—choose your favorite or make a homemade batch for more control over flavor and sweetness.
- Can I bake pork steaks instead of grilling?
- Absolutely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, basting with sauce halfway through, until steaks reach 145°F internal temperature.
Ingredients
- 4 pork shoulder steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
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2Rub the mixture all over the pork steaks. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
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3Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
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4Place pork steaks on the grill and cook for about 12–15 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred and cooked through.
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5During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the pork steaks with barbecue sauce on both sides.
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6Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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