Kansas City, known for its rich barbecue history, offers a unique twist on traditional pork steak with the addition of crispy, smoked bacon. The combination of tender pork, flavorful bacon, and a blend of spices creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. In this article, we will explore the steps and techniques involved in making Kansas City bacon wrapped pork steak, a true BBQ delight.
Introduction to Kansas City BBQ
Kansas City BBQ is renowned for its use of a wide range of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb, all slow-smoked to perfection over hickory wood. The city’s BBQ style is characterized by its thick tomato-based sauce, which is applied during the last stages of cooking. Kansas City BBQ is not just about the sauce, however; it’s also about the technique, the patience, and the passion that goes into creating each dish. The tradition of wrapping meats in bacon is a staple of Kansas City BBQ, adding a smoky, savory flavor that complements the natural taste of the meat.
Choosing the Right Pork Steak
When it comes to making Kansas City bacon wrapped pork steak, the first step is to choose the right cut of meat. A pork steak, typically cut from the shoulder or butt of the pig, is ideal for this dish. The pork steak should be about 1-1.5 inches thick, allowing for even cooking and preventing the meat from becoming too dry. It’s essential to select a pork steak with a good balance of fat and lean meat, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process.
Preparation of the Pork Steak
Before wrapping the pork steak in bacon, it’s crucial to prepare the meat properly. This involves trimming any excess fat, if necessary, and seasoning the pork steak with a blend of spices. A traditional Kansas City BBQ spice mix includes ingredients such as paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The spice mix should be applied evenly to both sides of the pork steak, ensuring that the meat is well-coated and ready for the next step.
Wrapping the Pork Steak in Bacon
The star of the show in Kansas City bacon wrapped pork steak is, of course, the bacon. Thick-cut bacon is preferred, as it provides a better texture and flavor contrast to the pork steak. To wrap the pork steak in bacon, start by laying the bacon slices on a flat surface, slightly overlapping each slice to ensure complete coverage. Place the pork steak in the center of the bacon slices and wrap the bacon around the meat, securing it with toothpicks if necessary. The bacon should be wrapped tightly, but not too tightly, allowing for even cooking and preventing the bacon from becoming too crispy.
Cooking the Bacon Wrapped Pork Steak
Cooking the bacon wrapped pork steak is a slow and low process, typically involving a combination of smoking and grilling. The pork steak should be smoked over hickory wood at a temperature of around 225-250°F, allowing the meat to absorb the rich, smoky flavor of the wood. After several hours of smoking, the pork steak should be grilled over medium-high heat to crisp the bacon and add a caramelized crust to the meat. The internal temperature of the pork steak should reach at least 145°F, ensuring that the meat is cooked to a safe temperature.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Once the bacon wrapped pork steak is cooked, it’s time to add the finishing touches. A traditional Kansas City BBQ sauce should be applied to the meat during the last stages of cooking, adding a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. The pork steak should be sliced thinly against the grain, allowing the juices to flow and the flavors to meld together. Serve the Kansas City bacon wrapped pork steak with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables, and enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of this BBQ delight.
Tips and Variations
While traditional Kansas City bacon wrapped pork steak is a delicious and satisfying dish, there are several tips and variations to consider.
- Using different types of wood, such as apple or cherry, can add unique flavor profiles to the dish.
- Adding other ingredients, such as onions or bell peppers, to the bacon wrap can add texture and flavor contrast to the meat.
It’s essential to experiment and find the combination that works best for you, as the beauty of BBQ lies in its versatility and creativity.
Conclusion
Making Kansas City bacon wrapped pork steak is a fun and rewarding experience, requiring patience, technique, and a passion for BBQ. By following the steps and techniques outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and authentic Kansas City BBQ dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. Remember to always use high-quality ingredients, to experiment with different flavors and techniques, and to never be afraid to try something new. With practice and dedication, you can become a master of Kansas City BBQ, and the bacon wrapped pork steak will be a staple of your outdoor cooking repertoire.
What is Kansas City-style BBQ and how does it relate to bacon wrapped pork steak?
Kansas City-style BBQ is a unique and flavorful style of barbecue that originated in Kansas City, Missouri. It is characterized by its use of a thick tomato-based sauce, a wide range of meats, and a slow-smoking process that infuses the meat with a rich, tangy flavor. Bacon wrapped pork steak is a popular dish in Kansas City-style BBQ, and it is typically made by wrapping a pork steak in a thick layer of bacon and then slow-smoking it over low heat for several hours. This process allows the bacon to crisp up and the pork to become tender and flavorful, making it a delicious and iconic BBQ tradition.
The key to making great Kansas City-style bacon wrapped pork steak is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the meat low and slow. This allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy. The bacon wrapping adds a smoky, savory flavor to the pork, and the slow-smoking process helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it easy to chew and enjoy. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or just looking to try something new, Kansas City-style bacon wrapped pork steak is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
What type of pork steak is best for making bacon wrapped pork steak?
The best type of pork steak for making bacon wrapped pork steak is a thick-cut steak that is at least 1-2 inches thick. This allows the pork to stay juicy and flavorful during the long smoking process, and it also provides a nice texture contrast to the crispy bacon. A good option is to use a pork steak that is cut from the shoulder or butt area of the pig, as these cuts tend to be more tender and flavorful than other parts of the animal. You can also use a pork steak that is labeled as “pork shoulder steak” or “Boston butt steak,” as these are often thicker and more suitable for slow-smoking.
When selecting a pork steak, look for one that has a good balance of fat and lean meat. The fat will help to keep the pork moist and flavorful during the smoking process, while the lean meat will provide a nice texture and flavor contrast to the bacon. You can also ask your butcher to trim any excess fat from the pork steak, as this will help to prevent the meat from becoming too greasy or overpowering. By using a high-quality pork steak and wrapping it in thick-cut bacon, you can create a delicious and mouth-watering BBQ dish that is sure to impress your friends and family.
How do I prepare the bacon for wrapping around the pork steak?
To prepare the bacon for wrapping around the pork steak, you will need to cut it into thick strips that are about 1-2 inches wide. You can use any type of bacon you like, but thicker-cut bacon tends to work better for this dish because it is less likely to burn or become too crispy during the smoking process. You can also use a flavored bacon, such as applewood-smoked or brown sugar-cured, to add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Once you have cut the bacon into strips, you can begin to wrap it around the pork steak, making sure to overlap the strips slightly as you go to ensure that the pork is fully covered.
It’s also a good idea to let the bacon come to room temperature before wrapping it around the pork steak, as this will help it to adhere to the meat more easily. You can also use a little bit of barbecue sauce or oil to help the bacon stick to the pork, although this is not strictly necessary. The key is to make sure that the bacon is wrapped tightly and evenly around the pork, so that it cooks consistently and evenly during the smoking process. By taking the time to properly prepare the bacon, you can create a delicious and visually appealing BBQ dish that is sure to impress your friends and family.
What is the best way to cook bacon wrapped pork steak?
The best way to cook bacon wrapped pork steak is to slow-smoke it over low heat for several hours. This allows the bacon to crisp up and the pork to become tender and flavorful, making it a delicious and iconic BBQ tradition. You can use a charcoal or gas smoker to cook the pork steak, or you can even use a slow cooker or oven if you don’t have access to a smoker. The key is to cook the pork low and slow, so that the flavors have a chance to meld together and the meat becomes tender and juicy.
To cook the bacon wrapped pork steak, you will need to set up your smoker to run at a temperature of around 225-250°F. You can use your favorite type of wood, such as hickory or oak, to add a smoky flavor to the meat. Once the smoker is up to temperature, you can place the bacon wrapped pork steak inside and let it cook for several hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F. You can also brush the pork with barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking, to add an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the meat. By cooking the bacon wrapped pork steak low and slow, you can create a delicious and mouth-watering BBQ dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
How long does it take to cook bacon wrapped pork steak?
The cooking time for bacon wrapped pork steak will depend on the size and thickness of the pork steak, as well as the temperature of your smoker. As a general rule, you can expect to cook the pork steak for around 4-6 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, and you can also check for doneness by cutting into the meat and looking for a tender, juicy texture.
It’s also a good idea to let the pork steak rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender and flavorful. You can wrap the pork steak in foil during the resting period, to help retain heat and moisture. By cooking the bacon wrapped pork steak low and slow, and by letting it rest before serving, you can create a delicious and mouth-watering BBQ dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or just looking to try something new, bacon wrapped pork steak is a great option for any occasion.
Can I make bacon wrapped pork steak in advance?
Yes, you can make bacon wrapped pork steak in advance, although it’s best to cook the pork steak just before serving for optimal flavor and texture. If you need to make the dish ahead of time, you can prepare the pork steak and wrap it in bacon, and then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to cook. You can also cook the pork steak ahead of time and then refrigerate or freeze it, although you will need to reheat it before serving. To reheat the pork steak, you can wrap it in foil and place it in a low-temperature oven (around 250-300°F) for 30 minutes to an hour, or until it’s heated through.
It’s also a good idea to consider the texture and flavor of the pork steak when making it in advance. If you cook the pork steak too far in advance, it may become dry or tough, and the bacon may lose its crispy texture. To avoid this, you can try cooking the pork steak until it’s just barely done, and then letting it rest and cool before refrigerating or freezing it. This will help the meat to stay tender and juicy, and the bacon to stay crispy and flavorful. By making the bacon wrapped pork steak in advance, you can save time and effort on the day of your BBQ or gathering, and still enjoy a delicious and mouth-watering meal.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making bacon wrapped pork steak?
One common mistake to avoid when making bacon wrapped pork steak is overcooking the pork. This can make the meat dry and tough, and the bacon can become burnt or crispy. To avoid overcooking, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, and you can also check for doneness by cutting into the meat and looking for a tender, juicy texture. Another mistake to avoid is not wrapping the bacon tightly enough around the pork, which can cause the bacon to fall off during cooking.
Another common mistake is using low-quality ingredients, such as thin-cut bacon or low-grade pork. This can affect the flavor and texture of the dish, and may result in a less-than-satisfying BBQ experience. To avoid this, you can use high-quality ingredients and take the time to properly prepare the pork steak and wrap it in bacon. You can also experiment with different seasonings and flavorings, such as barbecue sauce or spices, to add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. By avoiding common mistakes and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a delicious and mouth-watering bacon wrapped pork steak that is sure to impress your friends and family.