How to Properly Cook A Pork Porterhouse Steak

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photo by Christine licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Pork porterhouse steak, or porterhouse pork chop, is an incredibly delicious cut of meat that deserves its place at any dining table. They’re large, juicy, and flavorful cuts marbled with mouthwatering fat throughout.


In this guide, we will tell you everything there is to know about this sumptuous cut of meat and how you can turn it into an unforgettable piece of steak.

What Is Pork Porterhouse Steak?

Pork Porterhouse steak is a delectable cut of meat taken from the center most portion of the pork loin, making it distinguishable from both top loin and tenderloin cuts which are found at either side of the center.

Meatology

The pork porterhouse steak dates all the way back to the 12th century in Europe. During a rural agricultural revolution, pork made the best-tasting and most tender steaks when left on the bone. This discovery quickly spread throughout Europe, elevating pork porterhouse steak to its current status as a popular dish around the world!

Where Can You Buy Pork Porterhouse Steak?

If you’re looking for the perfect cut of pork for yourself or for your guests, you can easily get this cut at many local grocery stores. There are also online retailers and specialty butchers that offer delivery right to your doorstep.

Different Methods of Cooking Pork Porterhouse Steak

There are several ways to enjoy a good pork porterhouse cut. We discuss these methods below.

How to Cook Pork Porterhouse Steak In The Oven

  • Season the steak generously with salt and pepper before pan-searing it in a high heat oven. Make sure that you have an oven thermometer handy so you can precisely monitor the heating time.
  • Once seared, transfer the steak to a roasting pan or baking sheet lined with foil and place it in a preheated 350°F oven.
  • Roast for approximately 18 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  • Use your thermometer to confirm that your pork has reached an internal temperature of 145°F before serving!

How to Cook Pork Porterhouse Steak On the Stove

  • Use a light oil, such as canola, for seasoning and begin with medium-high heat for about two minutes per side. This searing technique will create the wonderful crust that makes this steak so coveted.
  • After the initial searing, turn down the heat and cook it until your desired doneness (140 to 145°F  internal temperature).
  • Let your pork porterhouse steak rest for five minutes before serving to retain juices.
  • Enjoy your meal!

How to Reverse Sear Pork Porterhouse Steak

  • Heat your oven to 200°F  and pat the steak dry with a paper towel.
  • Place the steak on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and then season generously with salt and black pepper.
  • Place in the middle rack of the oven and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into its thickest part reads 130°F (135-minute cook time for 4 inch thick slabs).
  • Transfer to your preheated grill over medium-high heat and cook each side until browned and slightly charred; about 1-3 minutes per side.
  • Rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Cook Pork Porterhouse Steak Sous Vide

With the sous vide method, all you need to do is season the steak with your favorite spices, then place it into a sealed plastic bag in a water bath at 138°F for one and a half hours. Take the steak out of the bag after cooking, then quickly sear it on each side for one minute in a hot pan.

How to Cook Pork Porterhouse Steak On the Grill

Charcoal Grill

To make the best of your pork porterhouse steak, start by seasoning it with a rub of your choice! Light up a charcoal grill and spread out the coals across the bottom of the grill so they cook evenly. Place your seasoned steak over them – 4-6 inches should be good – and let it sear for 3-5 minutes per side or until cooked to perfection. 

Gas Grill

Cooking a delicious pork porterhouse steak on the gas grill doesn’t have to be intimidating, and with these steps you’ll have it mastered in no time.

  • Set the grill up for direct high heat and preheat it for 10 minutes.
  • Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper and put it onto the preheated grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (depending on thickness). Don’t press down or move the steak around while it’s cooking.
  • Insert an instant read meat thermometer into its center after 4-5 minutes cooking time; 125°F is medium-rare.
  • Take off the grill, rest, slice, then enjoy a perfectly cooked pork porterhouse!

How to Air Fry Pork Porterhouse Steak

  • Season the steak generously with your favorite spices or rub.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the bottom of the basket of your air fryer lightly with cooking oil before adding the steak.
  • Cook for roughly 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through. 
  • Once the steak has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, remove from the fryer and let rest before serving!

How to Smoke Pork Porterhouse Steak

  • Season your pork porterhouse.
  • Place it in a smoker preheated to 225°F and smoke it until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.
  • Rest for 10 minutes before serving – this helps keep all its succulent juices sealed inside.
  • Enjoy your smoked pork porterhouse steak with your guest.

PORK PORTERHOUSE STEAK RECIPE

Ingredients

  • 1 pork porterhouse steak (about 1 pound)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F 
  • Rub pork steak with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
  • Place pork on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for 25 minutes.
  • In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth, white wine, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Cook over low heat until mixture is slightly thickened.
  • Remove pork from the oven and spoon sauce over steak.
  • Sprinkle it with blue cheese and return to the oven.
  • Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted
  • Rest, slice, and serve. Bon Appetit!

Notes

  • Steak should be cooked at a moderate temperature to prevent over- or undercooking.
  • Use indirect heat so that the outside of the steak does not get burnt while the inside remains juicy.
  • Cut against the grain so that the steak is not tough.
  • Making a steak sauce can amplify the flavors of the steak.

Conclusion

The pork porterhouse steak is one of the most popular cuts of pork out there – and it’s not hard to see why. Its rich marbling and juicy, tender texture make it a delight to eat, inspiring home chefs from around the world to come up with new recipes or their own favorite marinades. There’s no one right way to cook steak, it all depends on what you prefer. So feel free to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process of making the perfect pork porterhouse steak!

properly cooking porterhouse steak pan seared

Pork Porterhouse Steak

Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pork porterhouse steak (about 1 pound)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F
  • Rub pork steak with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper
  • Place pork on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for 25 minutes
  • In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth, white wine, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Cook over low heat until mixture is slightly thickened
  • Remove pork from the oven and spoon sauce over steak
  • Sprinkle it with blue cheese and return to the oven
  • Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted
  • Rest, slice, and serve. Bon Appetit!

Notes

  • Steak should be cooked at a moderate temperature to prevent over- or undercooking.
  • Use indirect heat so that the outside of the steak does not get burnt while the inside remains juicy.
  • Cut against the grain so that the steak is not tough.
  • Making a steak sauce can amplify the flavors of the steak.
*photo by Christine licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0