Pork Steak vs Pork Chop: What Is The Difference?
One of the most commonly eaten meat in the world is pork. Pork is the kitchen name for the meat of the hog, swine or domestic pig.
In eastern Asia and Pacific Asia, pork is a famous meat. The whole roast pig is a famous dish in Pacific Island cuisine. In Chinese cuisine, pork is eaten in different methods. The world’s biggest consumer now is China. Pork is favored over beef for economic purposes. The pig is convenient to feed. The fat of the pork and meat color are tastier, while the flavor and smell are described as cleaner and sweet-smelling.
Most of the countries worldwide have savory pork recipes. Pork has about 4 to 6 primal cuts, which are the huge parts in which the pig is cut first. These are the loin, belly, leg, shoulder which is the blade and the picnic, and belly, which is spare ribs and side. This article will focus more on pork steak and pork chop. Pork steak and pork chop are cuts of pork from a pig’s shoulder. They are important for different recipes and other dishes . So, what is the difference between pork steak and and pork chop? Find out below.
Pork Steak vs Pork Chop
What Is Pork Steak?
Pork steak is also known as pork blade steak or Boston butt. Pork steak is a cut of pork. The cut comes from the pig’s shoulder.
The shoulder blade of a hog is located behind the head and above the front limbs. The upper part of the shoulder is also known as pork butt. The Boston style or Boston butt comes from this part and may include the shoulder blade. Examples of dishes from this part are Mexican carnitas and Iberian aguja. This cut of pork is so tender and is an excellent choice for making different recipes with pork and pulled pork. Pulled pork sandwiches was popularized by chef Anthony Bourdain.
Pork steaks are cut from the primal cut of pork. Pork steaks need to be cooked slower than beef steaks, because they are tough without long cooking times due to high collagen amount in meat.
Usually, pork steaks are marinated or simmered in barbecue sauce and stewed during cooking process.
Pork steak is an inexpensive cut of meat. This cut of meat is delicious because of high intramuscular fat content that gives it moisture and enhances flavor when being cooked. Pork steaks are a great choice for grilling and pan frying due to its high fat content and connective tissue.
Appearance
The appearance is a marbled-looking meat because of its high fat content. The fat forms complex lines over the muscle.
Choosing Pork Steaks
There are various types of pork steaks. Pork steaks can be pork shoulder or pork blade steaks (a cut from the shoulder of the pig), pork loin steaks ( cut from the loin), and pork escalope ( a cut from the leg).
But, what type of pork steak is the best? Usually, the best pork steak is a lean meat with a small amount of fat on the outside to add flavor.
If you go to a grocery store or supermarket, you have a choice to purchase thick or thinner pork steaks. The thicker the pork cut, the longer it will take to be cooked, but it will be juicier than the thinner cut. Thinner pork steaks are best for stir frying as they will cook quicker.
How To Cook Pork Steak
Ingredients
- 6 pcs pork steak cut
- 2 medium sliced onions
- 5-7 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup cooking oil
- lemon or lime
- 1 1/2 water
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp granulated white sugar
Instructions
Marinade the meat with soy sauce, lemon or lime juice for an hour. This method enhances flavor and makes the meat tastier.
Heat a wide pan and pour cooking oil.
Then, pan fry each side of the marinated meat over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
Next, remove excess oil and pour the remaining marinade. Add water and let it boil.
Simmer the meat for 45 to 50 minutes or until meat is tender.
Add more water if needed.
Add salt, pepper and sugar. Stir well.
Place the sliced onions and cook for 3 more minutes.
Transfer the dish on a plate and add the remaining onions.
Best served with steamed rice.
What Is Pork Chop?
Pork chop also known as loin chops, blade chops, sirloin chops, ribs chops, and sirloin chops.
Pork chop, just like other meats, is a delicious loin cut from perpendicular to the spine of the hog. It is usually the rib part or vertebra part. Cut from the loin section.
One of the most popular cuts of meat to cook within different cultures is pork chop. This cut of meat is costly, and the texture and taste may vary depending on which part you are buying.
There are many variations of a pork chop. The pork loin chop or center cut comprises a large T-shaped bone and is structurally the same as the beef T bone steak. The rib chop is a cut from the rib section of the loin, which is similar to ribeye steak. The shoulder chop or blade which is a cut from the spine and contains a large amount of connective tissue. The sirloin chop is a cut from the leg end and also contains high amount of connective tissue. The pork loin filet or boneless chop comes from the head of the loin above the loin chops. It is similar with the fat or connective tissue.
Pork chops can be used bone-in or boneless, and they are perfect for grilling, frying or roasting. Typically, a pork chop is cut 1/2 and 2 inches thick.
Appearance
This cut of the pork is lean and has minimal intramuscular fat content. The pork chop dries out easily because of low fat content. Pork chop is somewhat darker in color because of its meat density.
How To Cook Fried Pork Chop
Ingredients
- 4 thick pork chops
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- salt and pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
Mix flour, seasoning salt, pepper in a plastic bag. Put the pork chops into the plastic bag, and shake to coat.
Next, feat pan over medium high heat and pour oil.
Once the oil is hot, put the coated pork chops in the pan. Fry in the hot oil. Cook each side of the meat for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside.
Disease In Pork
Pork carry diseases such as trichinosis and pork tapeworm. It is important to cook the pork properly since undercooked pork may put you in danger when eaten. However, in some parts of the world, such as Central European and Eastern European, raw pork dishes are sometimes still eaten.
Pigs are also carriers of pinworms, hookworms, and roundworms. Taenia solium, which is a type of tapeworm, can transfer to human intestines after eating undercooked meat.
Conclusion
With that said, pork steak and pork chop are two different cuts of meat. If you want to grill some meat, the best choice is pork steak because you get a lot of fat from it. Pork steaks are also used for many recipes, but bear in mind that this is not a healthy option because of its high fat content. Although, you also have the option to grill pork chop, it is healthier because it has less fat or no fat at all. Thank you for reading this post.
