Buying pork can be difficult for the uninitiated. If you don’t cook often or you are not a fan of going to the butcher, you will most probably be clueless about the cuts of pork available. The right choice will depend on several things, such as the way you intend to cook the meat.
Among others, two of the most common terms that you will encounter when buying pork are pork steak and pork chop. Which one is the better option? How are they different or similar? Keep on reading this short article about pork steak vs pork chop and learn from the insights we’ll share.
What is Pork Steak?
Also called pork blade steak and Boston butt, a pork steak is a cut that originates from the shoulder of the pig. It comes with the blade bone. It is often more flavorful compared to pork chops, but it is a cheaper cut. It is dark-colored meat that comes with a lot of fat and connective tissues.
What is Pork Chop?
Pork chop is the most popular loin pork cut. It is from the part of the pig that is perpendicular to the spine and usually comes attached to the rib or vertebra. This meat runs from the hip to the shoulder. Other common names that are used to refer to pork chop include sirloin, rib, loin, blade chop, and top loin. This part is often dry, so take that into account when you are cooking pork chop.
How to Choose Pork Steak and Pork Chop
Regardless whether you are choosing pork chop or pork steak, the considerations are the same. One of the most important is the color, which should be pinkish-red. This is one of the visual cues that will be indicative of the freshness of the meat.
Aside from the color, you should also look for some marbling or fat. This will add more flavor to the meat. Another good thing about marbling is that it will add a little oil to the meat, which means that it will be moist and juicy instead of being dry.
Don’t choose the cheapest cut. Many of you might be tempted to pick the most affordable but that also means that quality is far from premium. So, spend if you must if you want the best pork chops and pork steak.
Tips for Cooking Pork Steak
One of the best ways to cook pork steaks is through the 6-2-2 method. For this method, you will need a 2cm steak or thicker if you prefer. Prepare a pan and wait until it is hot. Then, cook the pork steak for six minutes on one side. Flip and cook the steak on the other side for two minutes. Then let it sit for another two minutes and serve. This will result in a juicy and flavorful steak with the right level of doneness. It is a little pink in the middle.
Another way to enjoy port steak is to have it barbecued. If this is the case, then you have to cook it low and slow. Patience is a virtue when you are cooking pork steak. Keep an eye on the heat, making sure that it stays low throughout the process. Otherwise, the meat will be uneven once it is cooked.
When grilling pork steaks, you can go simple and use only salt and pepper. You can also slather it up with your favorite sauce depending on your taste.
Tips for Cooking Pork Chop
Pork chops can be tough and difficult to chew, so pay attention to making it tender. One of the best things that you can do is brine the meat. Use a mixture of salt, water, and herbs. Leave the meat sitting in the mixture for at least 15 minutes. This is more than enough to add flavor to the meat while also increasing its tenderness. It will prevent meat from being dry.
Do not cook the pork chop immediately after taking it out of the freezer. It would be best to leave it sitting at room temperature for at least half an hour. This simple technique will make sure that the pork chop is evenly cooked.
Consider the thickness of the pork chop when cooking the meat. The thickness can range from .5 to 2 inches depending on the cut. The thickness of the meat is the main deciding factor on how long it needs to be cooked. Obviously, thinner meats can be cooked quicker even in low heat compared to thicker cuts.
To know if the pork chop is already cooked, you can never go wrong with an internal food thermometer. This will eliminate the need for guesswork. Experts recommend that the internal temperature of the meat should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, you can expect the meat to be juicy and tender with just the right color once you cut it.
There are many ways to cook pork chops, but one of the best would be in the oven. Start by giving the meat a quick sear in a stove. Then cook it in the oven. To make the pork chop more special, you can also consider stuffing it. You can be experimental on the ingredients to use depending on the flavors that tickle your taste buds. When it is stuffed, add more minutes in the cooking time to make sure that everything is fully cooked.
Conclusion
In sum, when it comes to pork steak vs pork chop, the difference lies on where they are from. Pork steak is from the shoulder of a pig while pork chops are from the rib and loin. Pork steak is often more flavorful and cheaper. Pork chops tend to be dryer. Regardless, pork steaks and chops are known for being excellent cuts because they are versatile. There are endless ways to make a delicious dish out of them.
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