Fried pork steak is a delicious dish that can be served with a variety of sauces and side dishes and enjoyed by your family and friends. In this article, we will discuss what fried pork steak is, the different ways of cooking it, ideas for sauces, seasonings, rubs, and more! Let’s get started.
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What is fried pork steak?
Fried pork steak is a famous dish made from boneless pork cuts, typically from the shoulder or loin. The pork cuts are seasoned, breaded, and then fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Normally this dish is served with various sides such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, pasta, or rice, and can easily be paired with different types of sauces to add to its flavor.
Different Methods of cooking fried pork steak
Even though this dish is created by frying, there are still many ways or methods to cook pork steak, with each approach resulting in a slightly different texture and flavor. Here are some of the most common methods you should try:
Pan-frying: This is the quickest and the most common method of cooking fried pork steak. Just heat the oil in a skillet or pan over medium-high heat, and fry the breaded pork steaks for 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Deep-frying: If you want extra crispy crusts, deep-fry your breaded and seasoned pork steaks. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C), and fry the steaks for about 6-8 minutes, making sure you turn them occasionally. Use an easy-read thermometer to check if you have reached the desired internal temperature for your pork cuts.
Air-frying: This is the preferred method of more health-conscious people trying to avoid using oil when cooking. To use this method, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), and cook the pork cuts for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach desired doneness.
Sauce Ideas for Pork Steak
Fried pork steak can be served with a variety of sauces to suit your as well as your guests’ preferences. Here are some varieties to consider:
Gravy: Gravy is a classic choice and the perfect partner for fried pork steak. You can choose to make a simple brown gravy, or if you’re feeling fancy, add mushrooms, onions, or herbs for extra flavor.
Barbecue sauce: For a tangy, smoky twist, serve your fried pork steak with your favorite barbecue sauce. Store-bought sauce is good, but you may want to create your own concoction so you can control the ingredients.
Sweet and sour sauce: Add some Asian flair to your dish by pairing it with a sweet and sour sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice or vinegar to add acidity.
Seasonings and Rubs
Before frying your pork steaks and dipping them in flour or breading, you’ll want to season them to add flavor. A simple mix of salt and pepper should do the trick, but you can also experiment with different rubs and seasonings. Consider using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. Just play around with the proportions until you find the perfect blend.
Classic Pan-Fried Pork Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork steaks, about ½-inch thick
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Season the pork steaks liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each pork steak in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, coat the steak in breadcrumbs, pressing them gently onto the surface to ensure they stick. You may choose to tenderize the meat cuts before doing all of these steps.
- Heat about ½-inch of oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded pork steaks for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the oil, which could result in undercooked pork cuts.
- Transfer the fried pork steaks to a paper towel-lined plate or a draining plate to get rid of any excess oil. Slice and serve immediately with your choice of sauce and sides.
Cooking tips
- If you want more flavor, marinate the steaks for a few hours before you take them to your DIY breading station.
- If you have any remaining pork steaks, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Conclusion
Fried pork steak is a versatile and delicious dish that you can make quickly for an easy dinner and even when you’re expecting guests over. They can be enjoyed in many different ways using various cooking methods and pairing them with delicious sauces and seasonings. You can also customize this meal to suit your taste buds or specifically for your family or friends. Try the classic fried pork steak recipe above, and once you’re more confident, don’t be afraid to get creative and create your own unique recipes!
Classic Pan-Fried Pork Steak
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork steaks, about 1/2 inch thick
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Season the pork steaks liberally with salt and pepper on both sides
- Set up three shallow dishes: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs
- Dip each pork steak in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg, making sure it's fully coated. Finally, coat the steak in breadcrumbs, pressing them gently onto the surface to ensure they stick. You may choose to tenderize the meat cuts before doing all of these steps
- Heat about ½-inch of oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded pork steaks for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the oil, which could result in undercooked pork cuts
- Transfer the fried pork steaks to a paper towel-lined plate or a draining plate to get rid of any excess oil. Slice and serve immediately with your choice of sauce and sides
Notes
- If you want more flavor, marinate the steaks for a few hours before you take them to your DIY breading station.
- If you have any remaining pork steaks, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.