Pork Chops vs. Pork Steaks - What's the Difference?

Pork is one of the most popular meats enjoyed in various cuisines around the world. It comes in different types of cuts, and depending on which part of the pig it comes from, it can differ in taste, texture, and appearance.

Some of the most popular cuts are bacon, ham, pork belly, pork chops, and pork steaks. Although they are very different, it is common for people to get confused between different cuts of pork, especially pork chops and pork steaks.

If you like to cook with pork and incorporate it into your recipes, you should know the big and small differences to help you choose the best piece of meat.

So what is the difference between pork chops and steaks?

Pork chops come from the loin section of the pig and are typically lean with little intramuscular fat, while pork fillets come from the shoulder section and are succulent with lots of intramuscular fat.

Read on to learn more about pork chops and pork steaks and how they differ in flavor, texture, and uses.

What are pork chops?

Pork chops are a delicious piece of pork meat that comes from the loin area of the animal, which goes from the hip to the shoulder.

There are several varieties of pork chops, including ribs, loins, razors, and boneless chops, depending on where the meat comes from.

Pork chops are lean with little to no intramuscular fat, so they are considered on the drier side, and depending on which variety you buy, the flavor can vary considerably.

The most common way to cook pork chops is to pan-fry or grill them over high heat until browned on each side, then cook over low heat for about 20 minutes before sprinkling with a little salt and pepper.

Cooking pork chops is a bit difficult and requires a bit of practice to get right. Because they’re low in fat, it’s easy to overcook them, which makes the meat dry.

What are pork steaks?

Pork steaks, also called “Boston butt” or “Boston shoulder”, are a cut of pork taken from the shoulder. Despite their name “Boston butt”, they do not actually come from the hind leg, but from the part of the pig above the shoulder blade.

It is a delicious cut of meat rich in intramuscular fat, which makes it moist, juicy and very tasty. It is also easily recognizable by the intricate lines of fat throughout the meat, giving it a marbled appearance.

A popular choice for pork sandwiches, pork fillets are often sold boneless in large chunks for slow cooking.

Pork steaks are easy to prepare and take less time to cook due to the absence of bones or skin. Also, because of their fat content, they stay soft and moist and don’t dry out if overcooked.

Difference Between Pork Chops and Steaks

Being able to differentiate between different types of meat and understanding what makes them different is important in order to choose the best one for your plate. Here are all the differences between pork chops and pork steaks

variety of cut

Although pork chops and steaks come from the same animal, they are obtained from different parts of the pig. As we have already said, pork chops come from the loin area, while pork fillets are obtained from the pork shoulder.

It is very important to remember this difference because it not only defines the flavor and texture of the meat, but also the way it is cooked.

Nutrition and flavor

Pork chops are a lean cut of meat, which means they have less fat and calories compared to pork steaks, which are higher in fat.

Compared to the flavorful, marbled meat of pork steaks, pork chops are much softer and require flavorful seasonings and marinades to help flavor them.

Given the differences in their fat content, the nutritional content of these cuts is:

Therefore, if you are looking for a healthier option, you can opt for pork chops. But if you want something juicy, tender, and flavorful, pork steaks are your best bet.

Aspect

Pork chops and pork steaks look different as they come from different parts of the pig.  Pork steaks will have a marbled appearance due to the presence of intramuscular fat, while pork chops will have a leaner appearance with little or no fat.

Pork chops are also typically slightly darker in color than pork steaks due to the density of the meat, and in the case of rib chops, they will have a distinctive bone on one end.

Cook

When it comes to cooking, pork chops and pork steaks are prepared in very different ways due to their different flavor and texture.

Pork steaks are tender and juicy, with plenty of fat, and are perfect for pork sandwiches, sausages, and other dishes that call for the pork to be fatty and succulent.

However, if you feel like grilling pork, pork chops are a good option, as they taste better this way.

You should also keep in mind that cooked pork must have an internal temperature of 145°F to be safe to eat.

However, this can cause the pork chops to become too dry, so you need to be very careful when cooking them.

As for the way to serve them, pork fillets are usually served in one piece, while pork chops usually come in twos, unless they are chopped up to make a stew or similar dish.

Cost

Another difference between the two pork cuts is their cost. Pork steaks are usually cheaper than pork chops , mainly because there is less meat on the pig to produce pork chops, compared to pork steaks, which are easier to find.

Although the price varies at different butcher shops, pork chops can be twice as expensive as pork steaks.

That being said, if pork chops seem too expensive for you, you can use pork fillets, which are more flavorful and easier to work with.

Related questions

Now that you know the difference between pork chops and steaks, here are some additional questions we thought you might have:

Can pork chops be substituted for pork steaks?

As we’ve already said, pork chops and pork steaks are two very different cuts that vary in flavor, texture, appearance, nutritional value, and cooking methods.

With this in mind, it may not be the best idea to substitute one for the other.

How do you keep pork chops from drying out?

Pork chops are notoriously difficult to cook, as there is a small margin between perfectly done and overcooked, and it takes a lot of skill and practice to master this particular cut of pork.

However, there are certain techniques you can follow to prevent them from drying out.

Working with bone-in pork chops makes a world of difference, as the bone conducts heat and prevents the meat from overcooking, and the added fat gives it some moisture and good flavor.

Using a simple marinade with a combination of acid (vinegar or lemon juice), salt, oil, and your choice of aromatics not only breaks down the proteins, but seasons them from the inside out.

Making sure to bring meat to room temperature before cooking ensures that it cooks evenly and retains maximum moisture.

Also, if you want a juicy chop, start cooking it on the stove and then put it in the oven. You can add a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

Lastly, using a meat thermometer is a good way to make sure your pork chops are done (we recommend this one).

Although the recommended internal temperature is 145°F, it’s best to take them out of the oven between 140-145°F so they can continue to cook while resting and reach your desired temperature.

What is the difference between ham and bacon?

Like pork chops and steaks, ham and bacon also come from different parts of the pig and differ in their preparation, curing, packaging, and end use.

Ham comes in various cuts and sizes and is preserved through a process called curing, which may or may not include smoking.

Some common uses are ham hash, ham cubes, deli sandwiches, sliders, breakfast casseroles, and pasta dishes.

Bacon, for its part, although it is also cured, can come from various parts of the pig, the most common being the loin and belly.

It comes in strips of different thicknesses and can be smoked and cured with different flavors. Some common uses are breakfast burritos, sandwiches, pizza toppings, salads, and of course, a delicious side dish for eggs.