Kittencal's Basic Buttermilk Brine for Pork Chops
Transform your pork chops into a succulent, flavor-packed masterpiece with Kittencal's Basic Buttermilk Brine. This easy brine recipe combines the tangy richness of buttermilk, the perfect balance of kosher salt and sugar, and the aromatic infusion of smashed garlic, black peppercorns, and fresh thyme. Designed to tenderize and enhance the natural flavor of the meat, this brine ensures your pork chops will stay juicy and delicious whether you grill, pan-sear, or bake them. With just 10 minutes of prep and a recommended marination time of 6-8 hours, it's a simple yet effective way to elevate your next dinner. Ideal for both bone-in and boneless pork chops, this brine is a must-try for achieving restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 3 pieces fresh thyme sprigs
- 4 pieces pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
Directions
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, kosher salt, and sugar until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
Step 2
Add the smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, and fresh thyme sprigs to the buttermilk mixture and stir to combine.
Step 3
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Step 4
Pour the buttermilk brine over the pork chops, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
Step 5
Refrigerate the pork chops in the brine for at least 2 hours, but preferably 6-8 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 6
Before cooking, remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
Step 7
Cook the pork chops using your preferred method—grill, pan-sear, or bake—until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for juicy, tender results.
Step 8
Let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1210.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1457.4 |
| Total Fat 72.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 29.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g | |
| Cholesterol 353.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4335.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 52.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 49.0g | |
| Protein 128.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 253.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 661.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2154.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories