I recently cooked beef steak the other day, so I thought, why not try this with pork? I grabbed some pork chops from the fridge, marinated them in a mix of soy sauce and calamansi, and the kitchen was soon filled with that rich, tangy smell.
When the pork chops hit the pan, the sizzle was music to my ears, and I could already imagine how tender and juicy they’d turn out. The balance of salty and sour, with a little bit of onion on top, makes this dish so good. It’s simple, but trust me, it’s packed with flavor—perfect for lunch or dinner!
Pork Steak vs Beef Steak
Obviously, the main difference between the two is that I used beef for beef steak and pork for this one. But aside from that, the taste and texture set them apart. Beef steak has a bold, hearty flavor, while pork steak is a bit milder and slightly sweeter. Beef tends to be a bit firmer, giving you that satisfying chew, while pork is softer and cooks faster. Both have their own appeal, but with pork steak, you get that juicy, tender bite with a delicious tangy sauce that’s perfect for an easy, flavorful meal.
I love cooking pork steak as a packed lunch for my son. I usually marinate it overnight so the flavors really soak in, and by the time I cook it, the meat is soft and flavorful. It stays juicy even when reheated, which makes it a great option for packed meals. Plus, he enjoys the mix of savory and tangy, and I love that it’s quick to prepare.
Pork Steak Ingredients
Pork chops: Tender cuts of pork that become juicy and flavorful when marinated and cooked to perfection.
Soy sauce and calamansi juice: The combination of salty soy sauce and tangy calamansi juice gives the pork chops a savory, slightly sour flavor.
Onions and garlic: Sliced onions add sweetness, while garlic gives the dish a rich, aromatic flavor.
Ground black pepper and sugar: A touch of pepper adds mild heat, and sugar balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
How To Cook Pork Chop Steak
Marinate the Pork Chops
First, combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and sugar in a bowl. Then, add the pork chops, making sure they are fully coated with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you can marinate it overnight, the flavor will be even better!
Sear the Pork Chops
Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Take the pork chops out of the marinade, but don’t throw the marinade away—we’ll use it later. Sear each side of the pork chops for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly browned. Once done, set them aside.
Sauté the Onion Rings
In the same pan, toss in the onion rings and sauté them until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Keep a few onion rings aside for garnishing later.
Simmer the Pork Chops
Now, pour the reserved marinade into the pan along with a little water. Add the pork chops back into the pan, cover it, and let everything simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will make the pork chops tender and allow the flavors to soak in.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the pork chops are cooked through, transfer them to a serving plate. Top them with the sautéed onions and serve with some steamed rice. Enjoy!
Quick Tips for The Perfect Pork Steak
Marinate overnight if you can – Trust me, the longer you marinate, the more flavorful your pork steak will be. Just pop it in the fridge overnight, and you’ll taste the difference.
Keep the heat at medium when searing – This gives you a nice golden crust without burning the pork. Too hot, and it’ll char before cooking through.
Be careful not to overcook – Once the pork is tender, take it off the heat. Overcooking dries it out, and you want it juicy, right?
Take your time with the onions – Let the onions caramelize slowly. It brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Let the pork rest before serving – Give it a minute or two before you dig in. This keeps the juices locked in, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute lemon juice for calamansi. It gives a similar tangy flavor, though calamansi is slightly sweeter.
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops work well and add extra flavor, but they may need a little more cooking time to become tender.
You can use regular or light soy sauce, but if you prefer a less salty taste, light soy sauce works better.
Yes, you can freeze it! Just store the pork with the marinade in a freezer-safe bag, and it will be ready to cook when you need it.
Pork Steak
Ingredients
- 500 grams Pork Chops
- 3 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 medium Onions (sliced into rings)
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Calamansi Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, calamansi juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and sugar in a bowl. Add the pork chops and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for better flavor.
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear each side for about 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onion rings until they become soft and slightly caramelized. Set aside some onion rings for garnish.
- Pour the reserved marinade and water into the pan. Add the pork chops back in, then cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the pork chops are tender.
- Transfer the pork chops to a serving plate, top with the sautéed onions, and serve with steamed rice.
