Learning the different cuts of pork can be a challenge, and you’re probably wondering how to keep it all straight. That’s why we’re here for you! One question we hear a lot about is what is the difference between pork chops and pork steaks? There are actually quite a few differences that you should know about for your next cookout.
The difference between pork steak and pork chop may be obvious to experienced butchers or professional chefs, however this is not always the case with home cooks too. It’s important to clarify what makes each different so that you know exactly what you need before you head out to purchase your protein of choice!
Pork Steaks
Pork steaks are also known as Boston butt, pork butt, pork blade steaks or pork shoulder steaks. They are cuts of meat from the shoulder of the pig and, most often, they are used to make pulled pork. Pork steak is a type of meat that is easy to cook and typically turns out better than pork chops.
Cooking the pork steak to 145 degrees F with a three-minute rest leaves you with pink-tinted or clear juices, resulting in meat that is tender and juicy.
The muscle in this cut of meat is more resistant to overcooking and getting too dry because it has a higher fat content. The high amount of collagen in this steak makes it a popular choice for slow-cooking or simmering. There are a lot of people who use this primal cut of meat to make pulled pork because the high fat content and collagen in the meat will dissolve and create beautiful juices.
You can either cook it over low heat or barbecue it. Pork steaks are typically sold boneless, which makes them perfect for slow cooking. For best results when grilling, ask your butcher to cut shoulder steaks that are half an inch thick.
Pork Chops
Pork chops are the most popular cut of pork. Pork chops are cut from the loin section of the pig.
The tenderloin is a small strip of meat located on the part of the loin that runs from the hip to the pig’s shoulder. Pork chops are a leaner cut of pork and they are mild and tender. The boneless chops, otherwise known as pork loin filets, are a type of boneless pork chop that have had the bones and extra fat removed. The boneless chops are a cut from part of the pig that is located towards the head of the loin above the loin chops.
There are a few types of pork chops that are usually used in cooking :
The shoulder chops, also known as blade chops or blade-end pork loin chops, are darker cuts with more connective tissue between the meat and the bone, which makes them good for slow cooking. Blade chops are easily identifiable with their dark color and high fat content. They also contain some blade bone, which makes them more difficult to cut.
The rib-eye chops, also known as rib chops, come from the center of the back of the pig. This cut is leaner and has a lot of fat. Some of the best ways to cook a rib-eye chop is by grilling, broiling, searing, or roasting it.
The loin chops come from the hip and are sometimes included in the tenderloin. The loin chops are cut towards the center of the loin and they are usually with the T-shaped bone. The loin or the top is a cut of pork which is typically more expensive. The loin chops have many T-shaped bones, a mild flavor, and high leanness. The chops have a bone in the middle that is similar to a t-bone steak.
The New York chops, also known as center cuts, are boneless cuts from the top of the loin, which is usually about 2 cm thick. Additionally, it’s important to know that these cuts don’t have any connective tissues, so they are very tender.
Sirloin chops are a cheaper cut from the hip area of the loin. They contain some hip and backbone, with a higher percentage of bone than other chops. The meat is composed of various muscle groups and has lots of pork flavor. Sirloin chops should be cooked over slow, moist heat in the slow cooker, braises or stews for best results.
Tips for Perfect Pork Chops or Pork Steaks
Cook all fresh pork cuts to 145°F and then rest for 3 minutes. Ground pork should be cooked to 160°F. Use a digital meat thermometer for perfectly pink pork at 145°F. Slice against the grain for more tender meat.
Cooking Method for Pork Steaks and Pork Chops
When cooking pork, pan-roasting is a highly versatile method that can be used to improve almost any cut. If you are unsure of what to do, pan-roast the pork steaks or chops thicker than 1-1½ inches, as they will require longer cooking. Heat your oven to 375°F for 20 minutes. After removing the meat from the fridge, season it with salt and black pepper. Place it on a counter to let it come to room temperature.
Adding cooking oil to a cast iron skillet with thick walls and a heavy bottom will help prevent it from sticking to the pan. Place the skillet over medium-high heat, with the range hood turned on.
Place the steaks or chops in the skillet, turn on the burner to medium-high heat, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Then slide the skillet into the oven and let it cook until heated through.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steaks or chops on a baking sheet and roast for 8-10 minutes, turning them once halfway through the cooking time. After the meat is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Pork Loin vs Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a different cut of meat from pork loin. A pork tenderloin is a long, thin, boneless cut of meat from the muscle that runs along the backbone while a pork loin is a wider and flatter cut of meat that can be boneless or bone-in.
Pork Steak Vs Pork Chop
The main difference between pork steak and pork chop is the location where the meat is taken from in a pig. Each cut has unique features which make it distinguishable from the others.
Pork chops come in a variety of cuts, while pork steak is more straightforward and uniform. When recipes call for pork chops, it can be more confusing because there are many different types of pork chops.
Pork chops are a lean meat cut that is lower in fat and calories per pound. This means the meat has less flavor than pork steak cuts that are marbled and flavorful. Some people prefer to add flavor to their pork chops by using a flavorful marinade or dry rub.
Even though every grocery store may have different pricing, pork chops are typically sold at a higher price than pork steaks, as pork steaks are more commonly available.
Pork steak is a tougher cut of meat and takes longer to cook than pork chop, but it is considered easier to work with and less likely to dry out.
Regardless of pork steaks or pork chops, always cook the pork to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.
Pork steak is a tender, fatty meat that is perfect for making pulled pork sandwiches, sausages, and other dishes that benefit from the juiciness of the meat. This steak is often cooked at a slow rate because it has a high amount of collagen. You can either choose to stew this cut of meat or simmer it in barbecue sauce. If you want to grill a piece of meat, the pork chop is the best option.
Nutritional Content
The nutritional content of these two cuts is likely to be different, given their differing fat content.
Based on nutritional facts from fatsecret website, for a small cut of pork chop and pork steak, the nutritional contents are:
Calories:
Pork Chop = 118
Pork Steak = 335
Fat:
Pork Chop = 6.76g
Pork Steak = 19.24g
Protein:
Pork Chop = 13.27g
Pork Steak = 37.8g
If you are looking for a healthier option, the pork chop is what you want to get.
Frequently Asked Questions about Difference Between Pork Steak And Pork Chop
Are pork steaks more tender than pork chops?
Pork steak is a tender, fatty cut of meat that makes great pulled pork sandwiches, sausages, and other dishes that need a lot of flavor. If you want to grill a piece of meat, the pork chop is the best choice.
What are pork steaks called?
Pork steaks are known as “Boston butts” or “pork blade steaks”. They are thinly sliced pork from the shoulder.
How do you cook pork steaks so they are not tough?
If you’re looking to cook pork steaks that are tender and juicy, marinating them beforehand can help. Alternatively, slow cooking them in the oven with sauces like barbecue or hot sauce will do the trick. To make pork steaks tender, marinate them for at least four hours in a mixture of juices with acid such as orange juice.
What are pork steaks used for?
Pork steaks are a popular cut that can be cooked quickly in a variety of ways, perfect for backyard BBQs. Cooking pork blade steaks using the three most common cooking methods – braising, grilling or sauteing – is the best way to ensure that they are cooked properly.
Do you have to fully cook pork steaks?
The USDA recommends that pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (medium-rare), and should have a 3-minute rest after it is taken off the heat.
Why do my pork chops turn out tough?
Because pork chops are so lean, they cook quickly and can overcook easily. If cooked for even a few minutes too long, they become dry and tough. The meat can continue to cook even after it has been taken out of the oven or off the stovetop, which can make it tough.
Final Thoughts
Pork chops are cut from the loin section of a pig. Pork chops are usually lean and have little fat within them. Pork chops are cut thinner than pork steak and can be cooked in a shorter amount of time.
Pork steaks are cut from the pork shoulder. Pork steaks are very tender and succulent because of the intramuscular fat, which makes it juicier.
