Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary pork steaks into a tender, flavor-packed masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. Our Italian Braised Pork Steaks are not just a meal; they're a culinary experience that promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. With a perfect blend of rich tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and melt-in-your-mouth pork, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork steaks
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and have the pork steaks ready. This will make the cooking process smoother.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork steaks to the pan.
- Brown the pork steaks on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. This will help to develop a rich flavor. Once browned, remove the pork steaks from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and add the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return the browned pork steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the pork steaks to braise gently for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until they are tender and fully cooked. Check occasionally to ensure that the sauce does not dry out, adding a bit more broth if necessary.
- After the cooking time is complete, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Italian braised pork steaks hot, spooning the tomato and onion sauce over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, polenta, or over a bed of pasta.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Select pork steaks with some marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the pork steaks. This step develops a deep, rich flavor foundation for the entire dish.
- Low and Slow: The secret to incredibly tender pork is braising at a low temperature for an extended period. Don't rush the cooking process.
- Sauce Management: Keep an eye on the liquid levels during braising. Add a little extra chicken broth if the sauce starts to reduce too quickly.
- Resting Matters: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the meat retain its juices and makes for a more succulent result.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread, creamy polenta, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for an easy, impressive meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 100mg
