FOOD NEWS
St. Louis Pork Steaks Are A Hidden Gem Of BBQ
BY JULIA HOLLAND
Ribs may rule the St. Louis, Missouri barbecue scene, but pork steaks — cut from pork shoulder — are the BBQ hidden gem that any St. Louis local will serve at a backyard barbecue.
The cut comes from the thickest part of the pig, so it's a tough cut with a lot of muscle fibers, which explains its low price. Despite this, they can still pack a rich flavor.
The cut requires a low and slow cooking method to tenderize the meat and develop a rich umami flavor. Like most tough cuts, St. Louis pork steaks often start with a sear.
Then, they undergo a slow cook in St. Louis' famous sweet barbecue sauce. The slow cooking can happen over the grill in an aluminum pan, in a slow-cooker, or by basting the steak.
The sweetness of the sauce works well to balance the pork's savoriness. You can pour more sauce over the steak and enjoy it on its own or as fillings in sandwiches.