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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
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.
Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
Rub the pork chops evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
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.
Remove the pork chops from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.
Serve the pork chops warm with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
334 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.8 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 75 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 5856 mg | 255% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.4 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 27.4 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 60 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 376 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
