We’ve made this recipe so many times, and let me tell you-it never fails. It’s quick, easy, and tastes just like the pork steak you get at Golden Corral. If you want the real deal, we’ve got you covered.
The Golden Corral Pork Steak Recipe is a simple dish made with tender pork steaks cooked in a sweet and savory garlic butter sauce, like the Golden Corral Sirloin Steak. It’s inspired by the flavor of Golden Corral and takes about 30 minutes to make.
Wanna know how to make it taste just right? Keep reading-we’ll walk you through everything, step by step for this Golden Corral Pork Steak Recipe.
Why You Will Love This Golden Corral Pork Steak
You’ll love this Golden Corral Pork Steak because it’s juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes.
With a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, it delivers restaurant-quality taste using simple pantry spices. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests-it’s an effortless comfort food classic.
Ingredients Used in This Golden Corral Pork Steak Recipe
For the Pork Steaks:
- 4 thinly sliced pork chops (boneless preferred)
- 1–2 tablespoons oil (olive or vegetable)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (fresh or jarred)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Essential Kitchen Equipment Required
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
- Large skillet or cast iron pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush (optional)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
How To Make Golden Corral Pork Steak
1. Prep the Pork Chops
Start by patting your pork chops dry using paper towels-this step is key to getting that perfect sear. Once dry, drizzle a little oil over both sides and gently rub it in.
2. Season Generously
Combine your spices in a small bowl: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Golden Corral Steak Seasoning, black pepper, and seasoned salt. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over both sides of the pork chops, rubbing it in evenly. Don’t forget the sides!
3. Sear the Pork
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the pork chops into the skillet. Sear for about 3 minutes per side-they cook quickly due to their thin cut. Once golden and fully cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let it bubble gently for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Coat & Finish
Add the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them as they reheat. Reduce the heat to low and let them soak up the flavor for another 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a burst of freshness.
Notable Tips to Make This Golden Corral Pork Steak Recipe Perfect
Here are some notable tips, that can help you to make this recipe perfect in the very first attempt. Check below
1. Pat those pork chops dry!
I always pat my pork chops with paper towels before cooking. It helps them get that yummy golden brown crust. If they’re too wet, they just steam-not sizzle!
2. Don’t skip the oil rub.
After drying, I rub a little oil on both sides. It helps the seasoning stick better and keeps the pork juicy. Just a little drizzle does the trick.
3. Be generous with the seasoning.
I don’t hold back when I season. Sprinkle it all over and rub it in real good-even on the edges. That’s where all the flavor comes from!
4. Let the pan get hot first.
Before I add the pork chops, I make sure the skillet is hot. You should hear that little sizzle when the meat hits the pan. That’s how you get the perfect sear!
5. Don’t walk away!
Since the chops are thin, they cook fast-just 3 minutes per side. I stay close so I don’t overcook them. Nobody likes dry pork!
6. Use real garlic if you can.
Minced garlic from a jar works fine, but when I use fresh garlic? Oof, the smell is amazing. It makes the sauce taste even better.
7. Taste the sauce as you go.
When I mix the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar, I always give it a little taste. Sometimes I like it sweeter, sometimes a little tangier. Adjust it to your liking!
8. Let the pork sit in the sauce.
After I put the pork back in the pan, I turn down the heat and spoon that sauce all over it. I let it hang out for a couple of minutes so it soaks in all that flavor.
9. Add parsley for a pop!
I like to sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley on top. It makes it look fancy, even though it’s super easy. Plus, it adds a fresh little bite.
10. Make extra-seriously.
Every time I make this, someone wants seconds. It’s THAT good. If you’re feeding a hungry crew or doing meal prep, make a double batch!
Some Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Golden Corral Pork Steak
Whether it’s a party, family function or you are enjoying this Golden Corral Pork Steak at your home, the following serving ideas can make your meal more comfortable and delicious to enjoy.
1. With Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
You can never go wrong here. That honey garlic sauce dripping into Golden Corral Mashed Potatoes? Chef’s kiss. We love using Yukon golds with a splash of cream and roasted garlic-so comforting.
2. Over Steamed Rice with a Splash of Sauce
We’ve ladled the extra garlic-honey sauce right over warm white rice (or even jasmine rice), and it soaks it up beautifully. It’s simple, but so satisfying-especially for lunch meal prep.
3. With Roasted Veggies (Carrots, Brussels, & Cauliflower)
We tossed some carrots and brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and a bit of balsamic and roasted them until caramelized. The sweetness plays so well with the tangy pork glaze.
4. Tucked Into a Toasted Sandwich or Roll
Hear us out-slice the pork thin, layer it into a soft hoagie roll with a bit of coleslaw and drizzle more of that sauce inside. Game changer. Quick, messy, and worth every bite.
5. Alongside Buttery Corn on the Cob
This one brings back summer vibes. That sweet corn, lightly salted and buttered, goes perfectly with the slightly tangy pork steak. It’s like a backyard BBQ plate without the grill.
6. On Top of a Fresh Garden Salad
For something lighter, we’ve chopped the pork and laid it on a bed of greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The pork adds richness and turns a basic Golden Corral Broccoli Salad or Pea Salad into a full meal.
7. With Macaroni and Cheese (Yes, Please!)
Creamy, cheesy mac and these pork steaks? You don’t need anything else. We once did this for a family dinner and everyone asked for seconds and the recipe.
8. Over Creamy Grits (Southern Style)
If you want comfort food, this is it. Grits cooked low and slow with a bit of butter and sharp cheddar, topped with those juicy pork chops? Oh my goodness. It’s like Southern soul food bliss.
9. With Sautéed Green Beans and Almonds
A little crunch, a little freshness-this is one of our favorite weeknight combos. We sauté the green beans with garlic and sliced almonds for a nutty finish that balances the pork beautifully.
10. With a Side of Tangy Coleslaw
We once paired this pork with homemade coleslaw (vinegar-based, not creamy) and wow-the crunch, the acidity, the contrast-it just works. Perfect for when you want something light, cool, and zesty on the side.
How to Store and Reheat This Golden Corral Pork Steak Properly
Store leftover pork steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and tender.
Golden Corral Pork Steak Recipe
Wanna know how to make it taste just right? Keep reading-we’ll walk you through everything, step by step.
Ingredients
- 4 thinly sliced pork chops boneless preferred
- 1 –2 tablespoons oil olive or vegetable
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic fresh or jarred
- 1 –2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Chopped parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Start by patting your pork chops dry using paper towels-this step is key to getting that perfect sear. Once dry, drizzle a little oil over both sides and gently rub it in.
- Combine your spices in a small bowl: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and seasoned salt. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over both sides of the pork chops, rubbing it in evenly. Don’t forget the sides!
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the pork chops into the skillet. Sear for about 3 minutes per side-they cook quickly due to their thin cut. Once golden and fully cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let it bubble gently for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them as they reheat. Reduce the heat to low and let them soak up the flavor for another 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a burst of freshness.
Video
Notes
FAQs on This Golden Corral Pork Steak Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Golden Corral Pork Steak that people often ask.
1. What’s the best way to cook pork steak?
From our kitchen to yours-searing is hands-down the best method for thin-cut pork steaks like these. A hot skillet gives you that golden, slightly crispy edge while locking in all the juices. Finish them in a flavorful sauce like our garlic-honey glaze, and you’re set.
2. What is the 6-2-2 method for pork?
The 6-2-2 method is more common for thicker pork cuts, like chops. It means 6 minutes on one side, 2 on the other, and 2 minutes resting. Since our pork steaks are thinly sliced, we reduce that to 3 minutes per side-they cook fast, so keep an eye on them!
3. What are the ingredients of pork steak?
The cut itself usually comes from the shoulder (also called blade steak), which has great marbling and flavor. In this recipe, we used boneless, thin pork chops for quicker cooking, but the seasoning and sauce make all the difference.
4. What seasoning is good on pork steak?
We always reach for a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and seasoned salt. It gives a deep savory flavor with just the right amount of warmth and spice-balanced perfectly by the sweet and tangy sauce.
5. How long should I marinate pork steak?
For this particular recipe, we don’t marinate-the seasoning is rubbed in right before cooking. But if you have time, a 30-minute to 1-hour rest in the fridge after seasoning can help deepen the flavor. Overnight is even better if you’re planning ahead!
6. How do I season steak without store-bought seasoning blends?
Simple pantry spices go a long way. We recommend mixing your own with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of paprika. You can even add crushed herbs like thyme or rosemary for more depth. No need for anything fancy!
7. Can I bake these pork steaks instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely! Just preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the seasoned pork steaks for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. You can finish them under the broiler for a nice golden crust, then drizzle with the honey garlic sauce.
8. What’s a good substitute for honey in the sauce?
We’ve tested this recipe with maple syrup and even brown sugar-both work wonderfully! Just make sure to taste and adjust, since each sweetener brings its own vibe.
9. What sides go best with this pork steak?
We’ve served this with everything from garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli to buttered rice. Even a simple green salad makes a fresh pairing. This dish is super versatile.
10. How do I know when pork steak is done?
We always go by temperature for accuracy-your pork steak is perfectly cooked when it reaches 145°F (63°C) internally. It should be juicy, slightly pink in the center, and tender to the bite. No guesswork needed!
These Golden Corral-style pork steaks are all about flavor without the fuss-crispy edges, juicy center, and a rich garlic-honey glaze that tastes like it’s straight from the buffet line. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a weeknight win.
Tried it and loved it? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow home chefs. Until next time-happy cooking and stay delicious!
Drop a comment on the blog with your feedback-I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Also, follow along on Pinterest and Reddit for more tasty updates. Your support and thoughts mean the world!
4 thoughts on “Golden Corral Pork Steak Recipe”