Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any night of the week? Look no further! Crock Pot pork steaks is a sumptuous dish that’s not only easy to make but is also packed with so much flavor. The juicy pork steaks are slow-cooked in a Crock Pot with your choice of sauce to give you a dish that will easily become a household favorite. So say goodbye to flat-tasting pork and say hello to satisfying Crock Pot pork chops
that will have everyone asking for seconds. Continue reading to learn how to make this dish for yourself and your family.
Tips to Perfect Pork Steaks in the Crock Pot
To ensure that your slow cooker pork chops are cooked to perfection, you have to follow a few important tips. These simple yet effective techniques will level up your meal and result in tasty, tender pork steaks every single time. Here are the steps that will help you create this mouthwatering meal.
Always Pat Your Pork Steaks Dry
Before adding your pork steaks to the slow cooker, you have to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the meat’s surface. This will allow the rub or spices to adhere better and create a more even, flavorful crust while cooking.
Don’t Add Too Much Liquid
Resist the urge to add extra liquid to your Crock Pot when making pork steaks. Unlike when boiling, slow cookers are designed to retain moisture. Your steaks will also release their own juices as they cook. Adding more liquid can result in a watery sauce and prevent the meat from developing a rich, concentrated flavor. Remember that slow cooking is different from boiling. So let the slow cooker work its magic.
Use a Rub You Love and Trust
The secret to incredibly flavorful pork steaks lies in using a rub that you truly enjoy. Whether you prefer a sweet, spicy, or smoky rub, choose one that complements the natural taste of pork and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Leave the experimentation for those times when you will be eating alone. Feel free to experiment with different blends and find your signature seasoning, but make sure you only cook small batches at a time so you don’t waste food if you end up not liking what you made.
Flavorful Pork Steak Rub Variations
To give you some ideas on flavoring your pork steaks, here are 5 rub variations that offer a unique taste that will impress your guests. These rubs cater to a wide range of flavor preferences so that you can invite anyone – even those with discerning palates. So get ready to explore your options and discover the perfect rub for your slow-cooked pork steaks.
Sweet and Smoky:
Capture the essence of a barbecue by making a rub that combines brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This rub offers a perfect balance between sweetness and smokiness, with just the right amount of heat and spice to tickle your taste buds.
Herbaceous and Savory:
For a more earthy and aromatic flavor, try a blend of dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This rub offers a good contrast against the deep, intense pork flavor.
Citrus and Spice:
Add a zesty twist to your pork steaks with a rub that features chili powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, dried orange or lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. This combination creates a vibrant flavor profile that will light up your sense of taste.
Garlic Lovers’ Delight:
Garlic enthusiasts will adore this rub, which combines generous amounts of garlic powder with onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a touch of dried parsley. The pungent garlic isn’t the best-smelling ingredient out there, but we’re counting on it to pack a punch that is sure to be unforgettable.
Asian-Inspired:
Transport your taste buds to the Far East with a rub that features five-spice powder, ginger powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of brown sugar. This warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet blend adds several layers of flavor that further highlights the taste of pork.
Pork Steaks in the Crock Pot Recipe
Ready to create your very own tender, succulent Crock Pot pork steaks? This recipe will guide you step by step, ensuring you achieve desired results. So have your ingredients ready and prepare to impress your family and friends with this dish.
Ingredients
- 4 pork steaks, about 1-inch thick
- Your favorite rub or seasoning blend
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat the pork steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Add your favorite rub or seasoning blend to both sides of the steaks, pressing it into the meat for better adherence.
- Place the seasoned pork steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful sauce, and make sure there are no lumps.
- Pour the sauce over the pork steaks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is fork-tender and cooked through.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the pork steaks from the slow cooker and serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
How Do You Pick the Best Pork Steak Cuts?
To make the best-slow-cooked pork steaks, you must start with fresh pork cuts. This will guarantee tenderness, flavor, and the safety of all your diners. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect cut of pork for your steaks:
Look for marbling: Marbling refers to the thin veins of fat running through the meat. A well-marbled pork steak will have a more tender texture and richer flavor, as the fat will melt during cooking, keeping the meat moist and juicy. Note that marbling on beef differs from marbling on pork, so don’t be surprised if you can’t find pork with the same patterns or colors.
Choose the right cut: Pork steaks are typically cut from the shoulder or the loin. Shoulder steaks (also known as Boston butt or pork blade steaks) have higher fat content and are generally more flavorful but can be slightly tougher. Loin steaks (including center-cut, rib-end, or sirloin steaks) are leaner and more tender but are not always as flavorful as shoulder steaks. Make sure you pick the cut best suited to your recipe.
Thickness matters: Aim for pork steaks that are about 1 inch thick. This thickness allows the steaks to retain their juiciness and tenderness and guarantees even cooking.
Check the color: Fresh, high-quality pork should have a light pink color with a slightly moist appearance. Tainted or old pork cuts will look too pale, gray, or excessively wet.
Examine the fat: The fat on pork steaks should be white and firm to the touch. Cuts with yellowish or soft fat indicate poor quality and must be avoided.
Additionally, you should consider factors such as the source of the meat, ethical farming practices, and personal preferences when making your choice.
Conclusion
All in all, Crock Pot pork steaks are delicious and hassle-free meals that will satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds. By following the tips and the recipe we provided, you should be able to impress your loved ones with this dish in no time. So go ahead and try this slow cooker recipe – you won’t regret your decision to do so!
Pork Steaks in the Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 4 ~1inch thick pork steaks
- your favorite rub or seasoning blend
- 1 cup barbeque sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat the pork steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture
- Add your favorite rub or seasoning blend to both sides of the steaks, pressing it into the meat for better adherence
- Place the seasoned pork steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible
- In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful sauce, and make sure there are no lumps
- Pour the sauce over the pork steaks, ensuring they are evenly coated
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is fork-tender and cooked through
- Once cooked, carefully remove the pork steaks from the slow cooker and serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!