Unlock this content with a Rosendale Online subscription.
Get unlimited access to all of Rosendale Online.
Already a Rosendale Online member?
Log in
Duration:
3 hrs
Servings:
6
Level:
Medium
Popular across BBQ restaurants from Southern Illinois down through St. Louis, pork steaks are a fantastic option when you want authentic BBQ flavor without the long smoke time of a pork butt or shoulder.
â
This recipe comes from pitmaster and World Champion BBQ Chef Ken Hess, inspired by his experiences dining at iconic BBQ joints and learning from fellow pitmasters. At Snowâs BBQ in Lexington, Texas, pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz serves an unforgettable pork steak, while Mike Mills of 17th Street Barbecue in Murphysboro, Illinois, is also famous for his version. Kenâs friend Randy Twyford, who serves pork steaks weekly on his BBQ food truck, shared a few insider tips that helped shape this recipe.
If youâve never tried BBQ with a Kansas Cityâstyle red sauce, youâre in for a real treat. Serve these juicy, flavorful pork steaks with your favorite sidesâbaked beans, grilled corn on the cob, or roasted potatoesâand enjoy a true taste of Midwest BBQ tradition.
â
Part 1:
Pork Rub and Sweet KC Red Sauce (Boss Sauce)
Pork Rub
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together, mixing well. Store in an airtight container.
Sweet KC Red Sauce (Boss Sauce)
Step 1
1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon fat until translucent.
2. Add the pork rub and sauté the spices.
Step 2
Deglaze with the apple cider vinegar and let the mixture simmer until it is reduced by half.
Step 3
1. Once the mixture has reduced, add the brown sugar, molasses, and ketchup, and bring to a simmer.
2. Simmer the mixture for 1 to 2 hours on low. Add fresh nutmeg halfway through the cooking process.
Part 2:
North Carolina Vinegar Sauce
Step 1
In a large non-reactive stockpot, whisk all ingredients together thoroughly and simmer for 30 minutes.
Part 3:
Grilled Pork Steaks
Step 1
1. Rub the pork steaks with the pork rub. Allow the rub to sit on the steaks while you prepare your charcoal fire.
2. Prepare a direct charcoal fire, heating to 450 degrees F.
Step 2
Place the steaks on the smoker directly over the coals. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Step 3
After you flip the steaks a second time, baste with the North Carolina vinegar sauce. Allow setting slightly before flipping the steaks and basting the other side with the vinegar sauce.
Step 4
1. After basting the steaks on each side with the vinegar sauce, switch to the sweet KC red sauce (Boss Sauce).
2. Brush a light coat of the sweet KC red sauce on the steaks. Allow this to set before flipping the steaks and applying the sauce on the other side.
Step 5
The sauce will slightly char, which is what you want. Apply the sweet KC red sauce till the steaks reach 165 degrees F. Plate and enjoy with your favorite BBQ side dishes!
FEATURED PRODUCT
Ingredients
Equipment
.webp)