This quick pork loin steak recipe delivers juicy, golden-brown steaks in just 15 minutes, thanks to a simple garlic-lemon herb marinade and a sizzling hot pan. If dry pork has ever let you down, this is the fix.
The key to juicy steaks is the marinade. Simple ingredients tenderize the meat and build flavor fast. You probably have everything you need already in your pantry. Complete your meal with these Parmesan Crusted Potatoes; they're golden, garlicky, and made to impress with any seared meat.
For more quick, weeknight-friendly dinners, try my balsamic chicken sheet pan dinner, one-pan pork chop recipe, or apple cider pork chops. All are easy to prep ahead and packed with flavor.
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Key Ingredients
- Boneless pork loin steaks. Boneless are my favorite, but you can also use bone-in.
- Garlic cloves and lemon. Fresh garlic and lemon juice add flavor and tenderize the pork.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use your own marinade. If you have a favorite steak marinade, try it out!
- Spice rub. If your taste buds are itching for more flavor, try my secret dry rub recipe.
- Other meat. Use this marinade recipe on beef or lamb steaks!
- Try this on the grill: Preheat to medium-high and grill 4-5 minutes per side.
How to Make Pan-Seared Pork Steaks
Step 1: Marinate the pork steaks overnight or for at least a few hours with salt, black pepper, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and rosemary. Heat a cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Turn the heat down to medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Resting allows the juices within the meat to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak. Additionally, it helps ensure that the pork is cooked evenly throughout. Letting them rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving is sufficient.
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place them in a freezer bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Yes! Make sure to marinate your steaks for at least 2 hours or overnight. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Allow them to come to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking. Add a little olive oil to both sides of the pork steaks and add them to a sheet pan. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak to check for doneness.
Sarah's Top Tips for Juicy Pork
- For a juicy steak every time, the key is not to overcook. If you're cooking thinner steaks, you will have to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It's also smart to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145 degrees F.
- I always use my Lodge Cast Iron Skillet to get the perfect crust.
- Always marinate your pork for at least 2 hours if not overnight for the most flavor and tenderness.
- Only flip them once. I follow this rule for all steaks and burgers alike. Allow all the pork steaks to cook for 4-5 minutes, flip to the second side and cook for another 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Don't press out the juices. To avoid dry pork, don't press out the juices on your meat!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these pork steaks with a veggie and starch for an easy weeknight dinner. I love serving them with roasted broccoli and Yukon gold mashed potatoes, or for something lighter, try my roasted garlic air fryer carrots and a fresh side salad.
These also work beautifully for small dinner parties. Serve with classic baked mac and cheese or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, pan, or oven. Allow the internal temperature to reach 165 degrees F.
If freezing, allow the pork loin steaks to cool and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for 3-4 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave, stove-top, or oven.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below-I'd love to hear how it turned out! THANK YOU!
Quick Pork Loin Steak Recipe (Juicy & Pan-Seared)
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Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork loin steaks
- 1-2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig, chopped
- ½ lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Marinate the pork steaks in the salt, pepper, garlic, oil, lemon juice and rosemary for a few hours or overnight.4 boneless pork loin steaks, 1-2 teaspoons Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2-3 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 fresh rosemary sprig, ½ lemon
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
- Turn heat to medium and cook the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side.
Sarah's Tips
- Don't overcook. Use a meat thermometer and pull the steaks at 145°F. Thinner steaks cook faster, so adjust timing based on thickness.
- Marinate for best results. At least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This tenderizes the meat and builds flavor.
- Flip only once. Let the steaks cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. No poking, no pressing!
- Don't crowd the pan. Give the steaks space to breathe. Work in batches if needed for a better sear.
- Let them rest. After cooking, rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. This keeps all the juices in the meat.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days. Reheat to 165°F. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3-4 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
David says
This turned out perfectly –thank you!
Denise Yochum says
Delicious ,love the hint of lemon taste. I marinated it for about 3 hours. Will make it again.
Thank you
Jesse Lyman says
Whenever a recipe calls for garlic, I usually add double, if not triple the amount… these were absolutely delicious! It’s definitely worth the time to marinate them over night for max flavor! I will definitely have this recipe on repeat 🫶🏼
Cleve420 says
Made this last night and my wife and I found it easy and delicious!
Sarah Hill says
So happy to hear it!
Dr. Z says
Good Recipe. Easy to make. I would reduce the amount of lemon juice next time.
Katy says
These were so succulent, absolutely loved them.
Sally says
I made this recipe last night and it's so good, it's now definitely added to our go-to meals. It's easy to make and tastes amazing.
Laura says
great recipe with easy to follow steps!
Sarah Hill says
Thanks Laura!
jane says
New Favorite! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Sarah Hill says
Thank you Jane!
Wendie says
My family loved these pork steaks!