Determining the appropriate cooking duration for pork steaks within an oven set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial for achieving both a safe internal temperature and desirable texture. This process involves considering factors such as steak thickness, bone presence, and individual oven calibration. The goal is to ensure the pork reaches a minimum internal temperature that eliminates harmful bacteria while preventing excessive dryness.
Precisely timed cooking contributes to the culinary enjoyment and safety of the dish. Undercooked pork poses a health risk, whereas overcooked pork becomes tough and loses moisture. Understanding the relationship between oven temperature, steak thickness, and cooking time allows for consistent results. Historically, relying on visual cues alone led to variable outcomes; therefore, employing a meat thermometer is now the standard best practice.