Best Oil For Pan-Seared Pork Shoulder Steak

Pork shoulder steaks are a delicious and juicy cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan-searing. When preparing to pan-sear pork shoulder steaks, it is important to start with a good quality cut of meat and to ensure that your steaks are a suitable thickness – around 1 inch is ideal. The key to a successful pan-seared pork shoulder steak is in the preparation and cooking technique. Start by patting the steaks dry and applying a generous amount of seasoning or marinade. Heat a cast-iron skillet or another heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, and add a little cooking oil. When the pan is hot, add the steaks and sear for around 2 minutes on each side, until nicely browned. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. This should take around 5 additional minutes per side. Finally, allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Olive oil is a good choice for pan-searing pork shoulder steak

One of the main concerns when cooking with olive oil is the potential health risk associated with its relatively low smoke point. However, studies have shown that olive oil performs well under high-heat conditions and is even good for the postprandial insulin response of obese, insulin-resistant women. In addition, the flavour of olive oil is not always imparted to the food when cooking, especially when used for searing meats that are then served with other ingredients like a sauce.

Another benefit of using olive oil for pan-searing is its ability to promote browning. By lightly oiling the meat and the pan, you can achieve a lovely brown colour on the outside of the steak while keeping it medium-rare inside.

When choosing olive oil for cooking, opt for light olive oil or regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil. Light olive oil has a smoke point of around 460°F, while extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point closer to 400°F. This makes light olive oil a better choice for high-temperature cooking methods like searing.

In conclusion, olive oil is a safe and effective option for pan-searing pork shoulder steak. It can help create a delicious crust on the meat without imparting an unwanted flavour, and it may even have some health benefits when used for high-heat cooking.

Vegetable oil is also suitable for pan-searing pork shoulder steak

Vegetable Oil for Pan-Searing Pork Shoulder Steak

The smoke point of vegetable oil is 450°F, which is lower than the temperatures usually used for cooking steak on the grill or in the oven. However, this is a good thing as it helps create a tasty, golden crust on your pork shoulder steak.

To use vegetable oil for pan-searing pork shoulder steak, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes. You can also use another heavy-bottomed skillet that is at least 10 inches in diameter. Blot the steaks dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper or your favourite seasoning mix. Add the vegetable oil to the pan, ensuring the bottom is evenly coated. Place the pork steaks in the pan and sear for about 2 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the meat to rest and the juices to redistribute, ensuring your pork shoulder steak is juicy and tender.

You can also use vegetable oil to cook pork shoulder steak on the grill. Simply wipe hot, clean grill grates with a vegetable-oil-sprayed rag. Sear the steaks for 3-5 minutes on each side on the hot side of the grill, then move them to a cooler side to finish cooking to the desired doneness.

Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat

When pan-searing pork shoulder steak, heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. The cast iron evenly distributes heat across its surface and retains heat well, resulting in a uniformly cooked piece of meat. The intense heat is needed for searing, creating a deliciously crisp crust while cooking the interior to perfection.

Before heating the oil, pat the steak dry and season both sides liberally with salt and pepper. Ensure your pan is well-seasoned before use and allow it to fully heat up before adding your steak, as this prevents the meat from sticking to the skillet.

Use oils with a high smoke point like peanut, canola, grapeseed, avocado, or vegetable oil. These oils have smoke points over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which can withstand the high heat needed to cook steak. Heat the oil until it shimmers and begins to smoke slightly.

Once the oil is heated, gently place the steak into the pan. Sear the pork shoulder steak for about 2 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Then, lower the heat to medium and continue cooking.

Sear the pork shoulder steak for 2 minutes on each side

When pan-searing pork shoulder steak, the first step is to heat up a frying pan over medium-high heat. You can use a cast iron skillet or another heavy-bottomed pan for best results.

Once the pan is hot, add a little cooking oil or butter to the bottom of the pan. You can use vegetable oil or olive oil. You only need to add enough oil to coat the surface of the skillet.

Now it's time to add the pork shoulder steak to the pan. Sear the pork steak for about 2 minutes on each side until nicely browned. You may also want to sear the edges to get them nice and crispy.

After searing, lower the heat to medium and continue cooking. If you are cooking more than one steak and they are large, you may need to cook them one at a time or use two skillets on adjacent burners.

The pork shoulder steak is done when it reaches an internal temperature of about 145°F. This may take about 5 additional minutes per side. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Once the steak is done, transfer it to a warm plate and tent it with foil to keep it warm while it rests. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Season the pork shoulder steak with salt and pepper

Seasoning your pork shoulder steak with salt and pepper is a simple yet effective way to add flavour to your meat. You can use plain sea salt or get creative with curry salt. Freshly cracked black pepper is always a good choice, but you can use whatever variety of pepper you prefer.

When seasoning your pork shoulder steak, be liberal with the amount you use and rub it into the meat. You can season your steaks up to a day in advance and keep them in the fridge, but be sure to take them out of the fridge and bring them to room temperature before cooking.

If you want to add even more flavour to your pork shoulder steak, you can marinate it before seasoning. A mixture of olive oil, lager, garlic powder, and oregano is a great option, but you can use your favourite marinade or a store-bought option.

Once you've seasoned your pork shoulder steak, you're ready to start cooking. You can pan-fry your steaks, or try grilling, roasting, or slow cooking them.

Frequently asked questions