Tender St. Louis-Style Barbecued Pork Steaks
Discover the rich, savory flavors of St. Louis-style barbecued pork steaks that melt in your mouth. This method combines both grilling and braising to achieve an exquisitely tender result, perfect for feeding family and friends. Traditionally made with economical pork shoulder steaks, this dish highlights their natural flavor while transforming tough cuts into succulent, fork-tender delights. Whether you fire up the grill or opt for the oven, the balance of Montreal seasoning, garlic, and a hint of beer in the marinade enhances every bite. Serve these pork steaks alongside your favorite barbecue sides for a delightful meal that transports you straight to the heart of barbecue country.
N/A
Servings
333
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork shoulder steaks
4-6 (bone-in or boneless, trimmed of excess fat)
Montreal grill seasoning
to taste (store-bought or homemade)
garlic powder
to taste (ground)
kosher salt
to taste (coarse)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Emeril's Original Essence
to taste (seasoning blend)
barbecue sauce
to taste (your preferred brand, such as Super Smoker's Championship Sauce)
light beer
to taste (any light lager)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the pork shoulder steaks generously on all sides using Montreal grill seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Emeril's Original Essence. Allow the seasoned steaks to sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the steaks for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are nicely charred and cooked through.
3
Once the steaks are grilled, reduce the grill heat to medium. Place the steaks in a large aluminum roasting pan.
4
In the roasting pan, pour equal portions of barbecue sauce and light beer, enough to cover the steaks almost entirely. Tightly cover the top of the pan with aluminum foil.
5
Transfer the covered pan to the grill, close the grill lid, and allow the steaks to braise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid level remains sufficient; add more beer and barbecue sauce as needed to prevent drying out.
6
When the steaks are fork-tender, carefully remove the pan from the grill and plate the hot steaks. Serve with your favorite barbecue sides and enjoy your delicious creation.
7
For oven preparation, follow the same seasoning and grilling instructions first, then place the steaks in a 2-inch deep, foil-lined baking pan. Add barbecue sauce and beer to almost cover the steaks, cover tightly with foil, and cook in a preheated oven at 250°F for 2-3 hours until tender.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
13g
Carbs
27g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are St. Louis-style barbecued pork steaks?
St. Louis-style pork steaks are thin-cut slices of pork shoulder that are grilled and then braised in a mixture of barbecue sauce and beer until they become fork-tender.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses pork shoulder steaks, which are economical and flavorful cuts also known as pork butt steaks.
Can I use boneless pork steaks?
Yes, you can use either bone-in or boneless pork shoulder steaks for this recipe, though bone-in often provides more flavor.
What seasonings do I need for the pork steaks?
You will need Montreal grill seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Emeril's Original Essence.
How long should I let the meat sit after seasoning?
Allow the seasoned pork steaks to sit for about 15 minutes to ensure the flavors are well-absorbed before grilling.
What is the best grill temperature for the initial cook?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to achieve a nice char on the exterior of the steaks.
How long should I grill the steaks before braising?
Grill the steaks for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are charred and cooked through.
Why are the steaks braised after grilling?
Braising transforms the naturally tough muscle fibers of the pork shoulder into a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What liquid is used for the braising process?
The steaks are braised in a mixture of equal parts barbecue sauce and light beer.
Can I use a different type of beer?
While light beer is recommended to keep the flavor balanced, any light lager will work well for the braising liquid.
How much liquid should be in the roasting pan?
You should use enough barbecue sauce and beer to cover the steaks almost entirely in the pan.
How long does the braising take on the grill?
On the grill, the steaks should braise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours at medium heat while covered with foil.
Should the roasting pan be covered while braising?
Yes, tightly cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture during the braising phase.
Can I prepare St. Louis-style pork steaks in the oven?
Yes, after the initial grilling, you can place the steaks in a foil-lined pan with sauce and beer and cook in the oven at 250°F.
What oven temperature is best for braising?
A low temperature of 250°F is recommended for oven braising to ensure the meat becomes tender without drying out.
How long do the steaks take to cook in the oven?
In a 250°F oven, the steaks typically take 2-3 hours to reach a fork-tender consistency.
How do I know when the pork steaks are finished?
The steaks are done when they are fork-tender, meaning the meat easily pulls apart with minimal resistance.
What should I do if the liquid levels get low during braising?
Check the pan occasionally; if the liquid is low, add more beer and barbecue sauce to prevent the meat from drying out.
Is it necessary to trim the fat from the pork shoulder?
It is recommended to trim excess fat from the edges to prevent flare-ups on the grill and ensure a cleaner final dish.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 333 calories, 20g of fat, 13g of carbohydrates, and 27g of protein.
What type of barbecue sauce is recommended?
You can use your preferred brand, though the recipe mentions Super Smoker's Championship Sauce as a great option.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, pork shoulder steaks are known for being an economical cut of meat, making this a great budget-friendly meal for families.
What should I serve with these pork steaks?
These pair perfectly with traditional barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or cornbread.
What kind of roasting pan should I use on the grill?
A large, disposable aluminum roasting pan is recommended for its size and ease of cleanup when cooking on a grill.
Does this recipe contain a lot of sugar?
The sugar content will depend mostly on the specific brand of barbecue sauce you choose for the braising liquid.
Can I use water instead of beer?
You can use water or apple juice, but beer adds a unique depth of flavor and helps tenderize the meat more effectively.
How many steaks does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed for 4-6 pork shoulder steaks, typically serving 4 to 6 people.
Can I use a gas grill or charcoal grill?
Either works well; charcoal provides more smoky flavor while gas offers better temperature control for the braising phase.
What is Montreal grill seasoning?
It is a coarse spice blend typically containing garlic, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper flakes, dill seed, and salt.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these steaks often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop in the sauce.