Last Updated on February 6, 2023
Cooking pork loin steaks in a frying pan can be intimidating for some, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tips and techniques, you’ll soon find yourself cooking up delicious meals with this classic cut of meat. We’re here to show you how to cook pork loin steaks in a frying pan like a pro; from preparing your steak properly before cooking to checking for doneness and what sides make great accompaniments. So get ready for some tasty treats – let’s start sizzling.
Table of Contents:
- Preparing the Pork Loin Steaks
- Frying the Pork Loin Steaks
- Checking for Doneness
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs in Relation to How to Cook Pork Loin Steaks in a Frying Pan
- Conclusion
Preparing the Pork Loin Steaks
Preparing pork loin steaks for cooking is an important step in ensuring a delicious meal. Before you start, make sure to trim off any excess fat from the steak. This will help reduce the amount of grease that can be released during cooking and ensure your steak doesn’t end up too greasy.
Once all the fat has been trimmed away, season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs or spices if desired, but salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavour of your meat. Make sure to evenly distribute them across both sides so they have time to penetrate the meat before it hits the heat source.
If you plan on marinating your pork loin steaks before cooking, now is a great time to do it. Marinating helps tenderize tougher cuts of meat while adding extra flavour as well as moisture which will prevent them from drying out during cooking. To marinate, simply place your seasoned steaks in a shallow dish or zip-top bag filled with your favourite marinade sauce or blend of herbs and spices overnight (or at least two hours).
Finally, let your prepared pork loin steaks rest at room temperature for 15 minutes prior to cooking. This will help them cook more evenly when placed over direct heat sources like grills or skillets. Now you are ready to fry those tasty pork loins.
Frying the Pork Loin Steaks
Frying pork loin steaks is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this cut of meat. To begin, heat up a frying pan over medium-high heat for about two minutes. Once the pan is hot, add some oil or butter to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil starts to shimmer, carefully place your pork loin steaks in the pan and let them cook for three minutes on each side.
Cooking the pork loin steaks in a frying pan is easy and can be done quickly. Now, let’s look at how to check if they are cooked through properly.
Checking for Doneness
When it comes to cooking pork loin steaks, one of the most important steps is checking for doneness. To ensure that your pork loin steaks are cooked through and safe to eat, you should use a meat thermometer or cut into one of them to check that it is no longer pink inside.
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to make sure your pork loin steaks are cooked properly. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as safe for consumption. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and wait until it reads at least 145°F before removing it from the heat. If you do not have access to a meat thermometer, you can also cut into one of them with a sharp knife and look for any signs of pinkness in the centre – if there’s still some pink colour left in there, then cook for another few minutes until fully done.
It’s important not to overcook your pork loin steaks as this will cause them to become dry and tough; when they reach their optimal temperature they should be juicy on the inside with crispy edges on both sides from frying or grilling. Keep an eye on them while cooking so that they don’t get too done – once they hit 145°F take them off heat immediately so that they stay moist and flavorful.
Once the pork loin steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Now let’s look at some delicious serving suggestions that will bring out all of their juicy flavours.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve cooked your pork loin steaks, there are plenty of ways to serve them. Here are a few ideas that will have everyone asking for seconds.
With Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables
This classic combination is always a winner. Serve the pork loin steak with creamy mashed potatoes and some lightly-steamed vegetables such as carrots or green beans for an easy yet delicious meal. The mild flavour of the pork pairs perfectly with the comforting mash and crunchy veggies. For extra indulgence, why not add a dollop of butter on top?
In a Sandwich
If you’re looking for something more casual, try making sandwiches with your cooked pork loin steaks. Slice up the meat into thin strips and layer it between two slices of bread along with lettuce, tomato, cheese and any other fillings you like – this makes for an ideal lunchtime treat or light dinner option when served alongside some chips or salad. You could even use buns instead of bread if you prefer.
As Part of a Salad
Salads don’t just have to be about leaves – adding protein like cooked pork loin steak can make them much heartier meals in their own right. Try slicing up the meat into cubes before tossing it together with fresh greens such as spinach or rocket leaves plus tomatoes, cucumber slices and feta cheese crumbles. Drizzle over some olive oil mixed with lemon juice for added zing then enjoy as part of a balanced lunch or dinner dish.
With Pasta and Sauce
Pork goes particularly well when paired with pasta dishes, so why not give this combination a go? Simply cook up some spaghetti according to packet instructions then mix through diced pieces of your cooked pork loin steak along with your favourite sauce – pesto works especially well here but feel free to experiment until you find what suits you best. Sprinkle over grated Parmesan cheese before serving too if desired.
FAQs in Relation to How to Cook Pork Loin Steaks in a Frying Pan
How long to cook pork loin steaks in frying pan?
Start by heating the pan over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Once hot, add oil or butter to the pan and wait until it starts to shimmer. Place your pork loin steaks into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once halfway through cooking time. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each steak to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 145°F before removing them from heat.
How do you know when pork loin steaks are cooked?
Pork loin steaks are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). To ensure the pork is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak and wait for 15 seconds before checking. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for signs that your pork is done cooking: The juices should run clear and there should be no pink colour in the centre. Additionally, if you press on it with a fork or tongs, it should feel firm but not hard.
Conclusion
With the right preparation, you can have perfectly cooked pork loin steaks that are juicy and full of flavour. And with just a few simple steps on how to cook pork loin steaks in a frying pan, you’ll be able to cook pork loin steaks in a frying pan like a pro. So don’t hesitate – give it a try today.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.