Brined Pork Chops
Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, these Brined Pork Chops take your weeknight dinner game to the next level. By soaking bone-in pork chops in a savory brine infused with fresh thyme, garlic, and black peppercorns, the meat becomes tender and packed with bold flavor. After brining, they’re rubbed with a blend of olive oil, paprika, and black pepper, then seared to perfection, creating a caramelized crust that locks in all the juices. With just 10 minutes of prep time and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is an easy way to elevate a classic pork chop into a gourmet meal. Serve these succulent chops with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying dinner. Perfect for both casual family meals and special occasions, these brined pork chops are sure to impress!
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces Bone-in pork chops
- 4 cups Water
- 0.25 cup Salt
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns
- 4 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
Directions
Step 1
In a large bowl or container, combine 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns, 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, and 3 smashed garlic cloves. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely to create the brine.
Step 2
Place the pork chops into the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3
Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
Step 4
Rub the pork chops evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
Step 5
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 6
Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden crust. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), about 5-7 more minutes depending on the chop thickness.
Step 7
Remove the pork chops from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.
Step 8
Serve the pork chops warm with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1907.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2240.6 |
| Total Fat 140.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 44.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 544mg | 0% |
| Sodium 28829.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 34.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 3.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 25.4g | |
| Protein 193.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 216.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2705.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories