Sticky Hoisin Pork Steak Recipe

There are almost infinite ways to prepare and enjoy pork steaks and for Tasting Table recipe developer Jennine Rye, this particular method is one of her favorites. Quick and simple to throw together, easy to cook, and absolutely packed full of flavor, this recipe is a surefire winner for a midweek meal option, or it can be dressed up to make a wonderful dinner party dish. These pork steaks are marinated in a delicious mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and spices, before being grilled to perfection, resulting in sticky and juicy Asian-style pork.

To make this sticky hoisin pork steak recipe, first you will want to gather the ingredients. You will need hoisin sauce, fresh ginger, five spice powder, garlic powder, honey, soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, and pork steaks.

Pork steaks are the ideal cut of pork for this recipe; they are not as lean as pork chops so they won't dry out as easily, and the marbling of the meat makes them more flavorful and tender. The differences in these two popular pork cuts is due to where they are located; pork steaks are taken from the shoulder, whereas pork chops are taken from the loin of the pig. If you are looking for succulent and juicy pork for grilling, you will definitely want to choose pork steaks.

Marinating meat is a wonderfully easy and foolproof way to create a mouth-watering meal, and this recipe is no exception. To create the hoisin marinade for this dish, simply add the hoisin sauce, the ginger, the five spice powder, the garlic powder, the honey, the soy sauce, the rice wine, and the brown sugar to a bowl, making sure it is large enough that the meat will also fit. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined, and then place the pork steaks into the bowl, cover them, and then let them sit for 30 minutes.

Contrary to popular belief, meat doesn't need to be marinaded for a lengthy period of time to absorb all the delicious flavors in which it is sat. 30 minutes is more than enough time for the marinade to do its work. In fact, marinating meat for too long can cause the texture to deteriorate and become mushy, which nobody wants. 

For the most succulent pork steaks, it is best to grill them from room temperature rather than chilled. To prepare the pork, preheat the grill and lay the steaks onto a grill rack with a tray underneath. Use a pastry brush to coat the pork with as much marinade as possible so they get lovely and sticky, and then place them under the grill. Flip the steaks over after about 6 minutes and coat the other side with more marinade before placing them back under the grill to finish cooking.

If you want to serve the most deliciously juicy pork steaks, it's important not to overcook them as that's when they quickly become tough, dry, and unpleasant. For perfectly cooked pork steaks you will want the internal temperature to read at 145 F. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and should be consumed within 3 days.

This hoisin pork steak recipe can be paired with a wide variety of different side dishes to complement and enhance the flavors of the dish. Toasted sesame mashed potatoes and steamed greens make delicious pairing options and work well with the Asian-inspired flavors of the pork marinade, as would a fresh noodle salad or fried rice. Alternatively, simple sides such as chips and salad are equally delicious.