Cody Casey
Pork loin steaks are a tasty, versatile, and quick meal option. They can be cooked in a frying pan, on a griddle, or on a grill. The key to cooking juicy pork loin steaks is to choose the right thickness (about 1 inch) and to use oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. When seasoning, be generous with salt, pepper, and dried herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. You can also add olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for extra flavour. If you're cooking on a grill, create two heat zones—a direct heat side and an indirect heat side—and grill for 1-1/2 minutes on all four sides, then move to the indirect heat side and grill for 4 minutes on each of the two larger sides. For a frying pan or griddle, cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness |
| Cooking temperature | Medium-high heat |
| Cooking oil | Canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or olive oil |
| Seasonings | Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried sage, steak rub, etc. |
| Sauces/glazes | BBQ sauce, mustard and herb sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth |
| Side dishes | Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, green beans, brussels sprouts, potato wedges, couscous salad, Greek pasta salad |
| Leftovers | Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning the pork loin steaks
Some people prefer to use a dry rub seasoning, as it avoids the risk of burning the marinade on the griddle pan. You can create your own dry rub with spices like garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and dried herbs such as rosemary or sage. A dry rub will add flavour and texture to the steaks.
Additionally, fresh garlic not only adds flavour but also acts as a natural tenderizer, breaking down enzymes in the meat. Lemon juice can also be used as a marinade, adding a tangy flavour and helping to tenderize the steaks. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, consider adding honey or maple syrup to your marinade, but be cautious as these ingredients may burn more easily.
For those who enjoy a more robust flavour, you can create a marinade with ingredients like garlic, lemon, herbs, and olive oil. This will infuse the steaks with flavour and moisture, resulting in juicy and tender meat. Allow the steaks to marinate for at least 2 hours or even overnight for more intense flavours.
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Cooking the steaks
Pork loin steaks are a great option for a quick and easy meal that can be cooked in a frying pan or on a griddle. The steaks can be seasoned with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides and left to sit for 30 minutes. You can also add a little olive oil, dried sage, or other seasonings like Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning, or steak seasoning.
To cook the steaks, heat a griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat and add oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. When the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned steaks into the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, searing until a golden brown crust forms. Only flip the steaks once to prevent drying them out.
For thicker steaks, you may need to cook them a little longer, while thinner steaks may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time as needed. After searing, reduce the heat to medium and cook the steaks for another 4-5 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the steaks reaches 145°F (63°C).
Once cooked, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the steaks or serve them with your choice of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
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Resting the steaks
While the steaks rest, you can prepare your side dishes and sauce. Pork loin steaks go well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, potato wedges, or a fresh chopped salad. For a hearty option, serve them with a kale salad, couscous salad, or Greek pasta salad.
If you are cooking multiple steaks in batches, you can add a knob of butter on top of the cooked steaks as they rest to prevent them from drying out. This will keep them moist and juicy.
Leftover pork loin steaks can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that reheating pork steaks will result in drier and tougher meat compared to the first time they were cooked.
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Choosing a side dish
While pork loin steaks are easy to cook and make for a quick weeknight meal, choosing a side dish can be a challenge. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will perfectly complement your juicy griddle-cooked pork loin steaks:
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a classic side dish that can add a nice touch to your pork loin steaks. You can choose from a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. Roasted vegetables provide a balance of flavours and textures, and they are easy to prepare. Simply toss them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender and slightly charred.
Potato Dishes
Potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and can be prepared in numerous ways as a side dish. You can go for mashed potatoes, which offer a creamy and comforting texture. Alternatively, roasted potatoes with garlic powder and a squeeze of lemon can add a nice kick to your meal. For something more indulgent, potatoes au gratin, loaded with cheese and cream, is a delicious option. Crispy potatoes with a buttermilk ranch drizzle are also a unique and tasty choice.
Salads
If you're looking for something lighter and fresher, salads can be a great accompaniment to pork loin steaks. A simple green salad with leafy vegetables like kale or spinach adds a nutritious touch to your meal. For something more substantial, a Greek pasta salad or a couscous salad can be a good option. A carrot salad with apples and raisins provides a sweet and crunchy contrast to the savoury steaks.
Hearty Sides
If you want something more filling and indulgent, there are several options to consider. Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs well with pork. Collard greens, especially when cooked low and slow, offer a smoky Southern-style flavour. For something more unique, try a cauliflower gratin with Gruyère cheese and a crunchy panko topping.
With these side dish ideas, you can create a well-rounded and delicious meal centred around your griddle-cooked pork loin steaks.
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Reheating the steaks
Leftover pork loin steaks can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheating pork steaks will result in drier and tougher steaks compared to the first time they were cooked. To reheat, you can use a microwave, an oven, or a stovetop.
Microwaving: Cover the pork steaks with a microwave-safe container and heat until piping hot throughout. Reheated pork is safe to consume only if it has reached an internal temperature of 75°C or 165°F.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Arrange the pork in a baking dish with a thin layer of chicken broth. Lightly brush the pork with oil or softened butter, cover with foil, and heat for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through to an internal temperature of 135°. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Stovetop: Reheating pork loin steaks on the stovetop can be done quickly over gentle heat in a frying pan with a lid. Start by adding a very thin film of oil to the pan and heating it over medium heat until the oil is shimmering. Then, place the pork steaks in the pan and reheat until warmed through.
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Frequently asked questions
Season the pork loin steaks on both sides with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil, then griddle on high heat until cooked through. Pork loin steaks should take 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
Pork loin steaks should be cooked for 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Thicker steaks may require a slightly longer cooking time, while thinner ones may cook faster, so make adjustments as necessary.
The USDA recommends cooking pork steaks to an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C).
Pork loin steaks can be served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh chopped salad.
