Pork shoulder steak, also known as pork shoulder blade steak or Boston butt steak, comes from the upper part of the front leg of the pig. It is a flavorful, moderately tender cut of pork that takes well to braising, stewing, grilling, and roasting.
Quick Answers
– Pork shoulder steak has a rich, meaty pork flavor.
– The texture is moderately tender but can be tougher than loin or rib cuts. Slow, moist cooking methods like braising are best.
– The fat marbling gives pork shoulder steak a lot of flavor but can make it prone to drying out if overcooked.
– When cooked correctly, pork shoulder steak is juicy and succulent with a delicious porky taste.
Flavor and Texture
The flavor of pork shoulder steak is deep, rich and meaty. This is an flavorful cut due to its abundant marbling of fat running through the meat. The higher fat content keeps the pork juicy and succulent when cooked. While not as tender as chops or loin cuts, it has more flavor.
When cooked properly, pork shoulder steak is moist and tender enough to cut with a fork. The texture can be a bit chewy compared to loin or rib cuts but is not tough. Slow cooking methods like braising or stewing break down the collagen in the connective tissue, resulting in fork-tender meat.
If cooked incorrectly by overcooking, pork shoulder steak can become dry and tough. The key is keeping it moist through slower cooking times. Well-done shoulder steak loses moisture and can have a texture closer to pot roast.
Cooking Methods
The best cooking methods for pork shoulder steak utilize slow, moist heat to break down the connective tissues. This cut lends itself well to braising, stewing, grilling and roasting.
Braising
Braising pork shoulder steak results in incredibly tender, fall-apart meat in a flavorful sauce. Brown the meat first in a pan, then braise in liquid like wine, broth or barbecue sauce at low heat for 1-3 hours until fork tender.
Stewing
Stewing pork shoulder steak with vegetables gives you flavorful pork and gravy. Brown the meat, add to a slow cooker with stock and vegetables, and cook on low 6-8 hours.
Grilling
Grilling pork shoulder steak over medium heat works great if slices are kept thick enough. The fat helps keep it from drying out. Go low and slow, letting it come up to temperature gently. Use a digital thermometer to check for doneness.
Roasting
Roast pork shoulder steak low and slow in the oven at 300°F until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Baste periodically with pan drippings to keep it moist.
Spice Rubbed Pork Shoulder Steak
Here is a delicious recipe for spice rubbed pork shoulder steak cooked on the grill:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder steak, cut into 1-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin and brown sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper. Rub spice mixture all over the pork shoulder steak slices.
- Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill pork shoulder steaks for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through and charred on the outside.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What About Pork Shoulder Blade Steak?
Pork shoulder blade steak, also called Boston butt steak, comes from the upper part of the shoulder, while regular pork shoulder steak/butt steak is from the lower portion. The two have a very similar flavor and texture.
Pork shoulder blade steak is triangular in shape with more marbling, whereas regular shoulder steak is more rectangular. Blade steak is super flavorful and does well with slow roasting or grilling. Treat it the same as regular pork shoulder steak when it comes to seasoning and cooking.
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for a 3 ounce serving of grilled pork shoulder steak:
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 122 | 3g | 25g | 0g |
It is an excellent source of high quality protein. As long as it is not cooked with high fat additions, pork shoulder steak can be part of a healthy diet.
Buying Pork Shoulder Steak
When purchasing pork shoulder steak, look for pieces with visible marbling but not too much excess fat around the edges. Color should be pink to light red.
Opt for thicker shoulder steaks where possible, at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks can dry out on the grill or in the pan quicker.
Price
Pork shoulder steak is very economical compared to other pork cuts like loin or chops. You can often find it for $2-4 per pound.
Substitutions
If you can’t find pork shoulder steak, substitute with one of these cuts:
- Pork butt roast – Can slice into steaks
- Pork shoulder roast
- Boneless country style pork ribs
- Pork sirloin chops
Conclusion
Pork shoulder steak has a supremely delicious, juicy and tender texture when prepared properly using moist cooking methods. The abundant marbling provides tons of rich pork flavor. Braise, stew, grill or roast shoulder steak low and slow for maximum enjoyment of this quality affordable cut.