About Pork Steaks and Bacon

• Pork steaks, also called blade steaks, are cut from the shoulder of the pig and include the blade bone. Because they are well-marbled, pork steaks are tender, juicy and suitable for frying, braising or grilling. For the best flavor, look for pork steaks at least 1 inch thick. While pork steak is relatively lean because it is cut from a muscled area of the animal, bacon is sweet and tender because it comes from the fatty side or belly of the pig. Fry thin-sliced bacon if you like your bacon crispy. Otherwise, opt for meaty, thick bacon that holds its shape without shrinking.

Bacon-Wrapped Pork

• To fry a pork steak with bacon, wrap two slices of bacon around the the steak. Coat a heavy skillet with oil and heat it over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium-high and place the bacon-wrapped steak carefully in the hot pan. Cook the steak for six to seven minutes, then flip the steak with tongs and cook for an additional five to six minutes, or until both sides are brown. Always test pork steak with a meat thermometer; pork is safely cooked when the center of the steak registers 145 degrees Fahrenheit. A three-minute rest period before serving allows the steak to finish cooking while the juices settle nicely into the meat.

Pork and Bacon With Gravy

• Cooking pork steak and bacon with gravy is simple, and making the gravy takes only a few extra minutes. Cook 1-inch bacon pieces in a hot skillet until the bacon is crispy. While the bacon is cooking, place a small amount of flour in a shallow dish. Season the flour with salt and pepper to suit your preference and coat the pork steak with the flour. Remove the bacon from the pan and cook the steak in the hot bacon grease, turning at least once, until the meat is brown on both sides and the center of the steak registers 145 F. Transfer the steak to a serving plate. Whisk flour, salt and pepper into the pan drippings to make gravy, then add milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Stir the bacon into the gravy and spoon it over the pork steak.

Cooking Tips

• Bacon comes in several flavors that add variety and interest to fried pork steak. For example, try maple-flavored, honey-glazed or apple-smoked bacon for a sweet taste, or bourbon bacon for a distinctive flavor and aroma. If you like a little spice, you can use peppered bacon or Cajun-spice bacon. To prevent loss of savory juices, flip steak with tongs or a spatula -- not a fork.