Description

Fall-apart tender pork steaks braised in a slow cooker with a tangy apple cider vinegar and brown sugar glaze. This easy, forgiving recipe delivers smoky, savory flavors without the need for a smoker.

Ingredients

Scale

2–3 lbs bone-in, thick-cut pork steaks (shoulder blade)
2 large yellow onions, sliced into thick rings
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

Pat pork steaks dry with paper towels and season all sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin.
Slice onions into half-inch thick rings and place half of them in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Place the seasoned pork steaks on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
Pour the sauce mixture over the meat to coat evenly, then add the remaining onions on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat pulls apart easily with a fork.
Optional: Remove pork and onions. Whisk cornstarch slurry into the liquid and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes to thicken, or stir in BBQ sauce for a glaze.
Let meat rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve steaks with onions and sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

For best results, use bone-in pork steaks from the shoulder. If you have time, sear the steaks in a hot pan for 2 minutes per side before slow cooking for added flavor. Do not skip the resting period; it helps redistribute juices. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you verify your Worcestershire sauce brand.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pork steak with on
Calories: 450
Sugar: 26
Sodium: 680
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35

Keywords: pork steaks, slow cooker recipes, tender pork, easy dinner, braised pork, apple cider vinegar pork, comfort food, meal prep