What You’ll Find Here?
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
1. Marinate the Pork Chops
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, calamansi juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and sugar. Add the pork chops and make sure they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight if you can. After marinating, remove the pork chops and set the marinade aside for later.
2. Sauté the Onion Rings
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion rings and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized. Set them aside for garnish later.
3. Sear the Pork Chops
Using the same pan, heat another tablespoon of oil. Sear the pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Set them aside.
4. Sauté and Simmer the Pork Chops
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and the onion cores left from the rings. Pour in the reserved marinade and a bit of water. Bring it to a simmer, then add the pork chops back in. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the pork chops are tender.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the pork chops are nice and tender, top them with the sautéed onions. Serve with steamed rice and enjoy your flavorful pork chop dish.
Quick Tips for The Perfect Pork Steak
1. Marinate Overnight if Possible
If you can, let the pork chops sit in the marinade overnight in the fridge. It allows the flavors to fully soak in, making each bite more flavorful.
2. Sear Over Medium Heat
Use medium heat when searing the pork. This gives you that nice golden crust without burning the outside before the inside cooks through.
3. Avoid Overcooking
Once the pork is tender, remove it from the heat right away. Overcooking dries it out, and you want it to stay juicy.
4. Let the Onions Cook Slowly
Take your time when cooking the onions. Slow caramelization brings out their natural sweetness and adds great flavor to the dish.
5. Rest Before Serving
Let the pork rest for a minute or two after cooking. This keeps the juices locked in, making each bite tender and delicious.
Try These Pork Recipes Too!
Looking for more pork dishes to enjoy with rice? Here are a few delicious Filipino recipes you should try next:
Pork Adobo – A classic dish with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves.
Pork Menudo – Tomato-based stew with pork, liver, hotdogs, and veggies.
Pork Sinigang – A tangy tamarind soup that’s perfect on rainy days.
Pork Bopis – Spicy and flavorful dish made from pork lungs and heart.
Pork Dinuguan – Rich and savory pork blood stew that goes so well with puto.
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 tbsp 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.
- After marinating, remove the pork chops from the marinade (reserve the marinade) . Set aside for later use.
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion rings until they become soft and slightly caramelized. Set aside onion rings for garnish.
- In the same pan, heat a tablespoon of cooking oil and sear the marinated pork chops. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside.
- In the same pan, heat a tablespoon of cooking oil and sauté the minced garlic and onion core from the onion rings.
- 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.
- Once the pork is tender top it with the sautéed onions, and serve with steamed rice.
Watch this!
