"I Want To Ta Ta You Baby" Chicken Fried Pork Steaks

This chicken fried pork steak recipe falls into the category of classic comfort foods. The pork steak is coated in a crispy batter and fried to perfection.

Chicken fried pork steak is a delicious dish that is perfect for a casual dinner. The resulting dish is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and pairs perfectly with your favorite vegetables, especially classic mashed potatoes. If you're looking for a delicious way to prepare pork steak, chicken fried pork steak is a great option!

Is there anything better than good old-fashioned home-cooked Southern food? Growing up, my grandma always made the best fried pork chops. The breading was crispy, and the pork was so tender and juicy. I never got tired of it! It's that real soul food, i.e. comforting and delicious, and everyone always loves it. If you're looking for an easy weeknight meal, this is definitely it!

I tweaked this recipe and added a Haitian vibe to it by both brining it in a buttermilk and Haiting epis base marinade and then topped it with a briny and spicy Haitian pikliz slaw. The spice mix is also Caribbean centric making this a soul food Caribbean fusion dish!

Pork steaks are actually a great alternative to chicken fried steak. They're just as delicious, but a little bit different. I love both, but this pork steak recipe is my latest favorite! It's really easy to make, and your family will love it.

This dish is based off of those old familiar country fried steak recipes which typically involved pounding cubed steaks into flatness with a meat thermometer before frying. Cubed steaks generally mean beef, so if you see references to fried pork steaks it's essentially the same as cubed pork steaks.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with fried pork steak)

This recipe conceptually starts with a basic Southern classic fried pork chop. But things take an interesting, but for the better turn with the addition of Haitian epis seasoning base. Then the spice mix and the double frying technique set things off on a whole nutha level.

I can't explain the why behind the choice I made but I think it had something to do with the fact that I was listening to Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "I Want To Ta Ta You Baby." I have no idea what he's talking about but it's my jam!

Ingredients Needed To Make Chicken Fried Pork Steak

• Pork Shoulder Steak
• All-purpose flour
• Buttermilk
• Haitian Epis Seasoning - substitute sofrito (homemade or store bought)
• Allspice
• Smoked Paprika
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Water
• Vodka
• Peanut Oil - canola oil or vegetable oil would work fine as well

How To Make Fried Pork Steaks (step by step)

Brine the Pork Steak

Combine the buttermilk with a teaspoon of salt and the Haitian epis seasoning. Mix well then set aside.

Place the steaks in a ziplock bag. Add the buttermilk mixture making sure the steaks are fully submerged. Close the bags and refrigerate at least four hours, but preferably overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator and allow to reach room temperature.

Make your spice mix

Add all the dry spices together in a small bowl or ramekin. Set aside.

Prepare Wash

Place a ¼ cup of all-purpose flour in a bowl. Add ½ teaspoon of the spice mix plus a combination of the vodka and water. Mix well into a thin batter-like consistency. Dunk the chops into the batter and coat them well.

Dredge the Steaks

Combine 1 cup of the corn meal plus another 1 tablespoon of the spice mix in a medium bowl. Mix well. Dredge the pork steaks in the dry flour mixture then set aside on a wire rack-lined baking sheet. Shake off any excess flour if needed/

Cook Pork Steak

Pre-heat your deep fryer or large skillet (cast iron skillet preferred) with vegetable oil to about 330 degrees F. Note if using skillet pre-heat over medium high heat. Add the breaded pork steaks and fry for about 2 minutes per side. Remove the steaks and repeat for your next batch.

Heat temperature to 350-360 then fry for another 1-2 minutes. If cooking in batches repeat for remaining pork steaks

Remove pork steaks and allow pork fat to drain in a paper towel lined plate or bowl or on a wire rack cooling set-up.

What To Serve With Pork Steaks

Fried pork steaks are a delicious and hearty main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options to serve with them:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes complement the savory flavor of fried pork steaks perfectly.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pork.
3. Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans provide a tasty side option
4. Mac and Cheese: A classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with fried pork steaks.
5. Cornbread: A slice of sweet, moist cornbread is a great addition to the meal.
6. Gravy: Serve a rich gravy on the side for drizzling over the pork steaks.
7. Baked Beans: Flavorful baked beans add a touch of sweetness and heartiness to the meal.

Cooking Considerations and Tips for Pan Frying Pork Steaks

I prefer pork shoulder steaks in this recipe but pork loin steaks could work. In this latter case brining is essential since loins don't have as much marbling (in other words little fat present) to prevent drying out nor flavor for that matter.

Pork chops and pork steaks are interchangeable in this fried pork recipe. If using chops go with bone-in rib chop over the loin chop. They have a bit more flavor and the bone protects the meat against overcooking.

You can be as complex or simple in your spice mixture. I often use a creole-based mix including cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

Skip the table salt in favor of kosher salt or even sea salt. The latter two are unprocessed and provide a bit more texture

Total cook time will depend on thickness. Plan for 3 minutes per side more or less. You want the internal temperature to be around 145 degrees F if using a meat thermometer.

Note when you remove the chops from the hot oil it will continue to cook. To avoid dry pork chops err on the conservative side as you can always add cooking time for undercooked pork, but there are no saviors for dry overcooked pork.

Fry pork chops in as neutral oil as possible.

I like to double fry for a light more crispy chop. For me this is essential perfect fried pork chops. The first fry eliminates the surface-level moisture while the second fry provides that extra crisp with the weight of the moisture.

Don't forget to allow those beautiful golden brown chops to rest before digging in. Part of the cooking process for a really tender pork chop is allowing them to rest while the interior juices redistribute throughout the pork

Prepare with side dishes like smothered green beans, mashed potatoes, Southern collard greens, or mac and cheese. When in doubt just go with your favorite sides. I like briny dishes to pair with mine like this Haitian pikliz or collard greens slaw. Note I put pikliz on everything including steak such grilled flank steak or air fryer jerk steak.

For sauce ideas if you ain't feeling the pikliz or slaw thing, go with roasted red pepper sauce or your favorite gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pork Steaks

What is the difference between pork steak and pork chops?

Pork steaks and chops share a few similarities but are altogether different cuts of meat. Steaks are cut from the shoulder vs. chops which tend to come from the loin (that part that runs from the hip to the shoulder).

Chops tend to be on the leaner side which makes it easier to dry them out when cooking if you're not careful. Pork steaks have a lot of marbling so tend to be on the juicier side. You can use them interchangeably, but just note the chops are likely use less time to cook unless very thick.

What is the best oil for frying pork steaks?

I prefer neutral tasting oils with a high smoke point. Think peanut, grapeseed, or canola oil. I stay away from olive oil as it doesn't hold up to high heat cooking and also has a distinct taste.

For Similar Recipes Try These:

Smoked Pork Belly

Smoked Pork Chops

Grilled Pork Steak

3-2-1 Pork Spareribs

Fried Pork Chops

Blackened Pork Chops

Country Style Pork Ribs

Making This Recipe

This chicken fried pork steak recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy pork. The breading gives the dish a crispy crust and the chicken frying technique ensures that the meat is juicy and tender. Serve this dish with your favorite sides for a quick and satisfying meal.

If you make this soul food classic recipe, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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