Steven Raichlen's - Monroe County Pork Steaks with Spicy Vinegar Dip

Yield: Serves 4

For the Monroe County Vinegar Dip:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter2 cups distilled white vinegar2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar or brown sugar1 tablespoon cayenne pepper1 tablespoon coarse salt (sea or kosher)1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot)

For the pork:

2 pounds pork shoulder steaks (blade steaks) or thin-cut pork chopsCoarse salt (sea or kosher) and cracked or coarsely ground black peppercornsCreamy Poppy Seed and Horseradish Slaw, for serving (see recipe)

Step 1: Make the Vinegar Dip: Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the vinegar, pepper, sugar, cayenne, salt, and hot sauce. Reduce the heat and gently simmer for 3 minutes, whisking to dissolve the sugar and salt. Remove the dip from the heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Generously season the pork steaks on both sides with salt and pepper. Keep the Vinegar Dip warm in a saucepan.

Step 3: Set up a Arteflame and preheat to high and use the plancha or grill grate for direct heat. Brush and oil the grill grate.

Step 4: Arrange the pork steaks on the grate and grill until sizzling, browned, and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Start basting or mopping the steaks with Vinegar Dip once you turn the meat. When the pork steaks are cooked, hold them one-at-a-time with tongs and plunge them into the Vinegar Dip, turning to coat both sides. Gluttons for punishment can dip twice, spooning a little extra dip on top before serving.

Watch video of Steven Raichlen cooking this recipe on the Arteflame 40" One Series grill.