Brined Sweet and Spicy Pork Chops
Tender, juicy, and bursting with bold flavor, these Brined Sweet and Spicy Pork Chops are a culinary masterpiece that will elevate any dinner table. The secret begins with a savory brine infused with garlic, peppercorns, and a touch of red pepper flakes, ensuring each chop is moist and deeply seasoned. After marinating for up to 8 hours, the pork is brushed with a luscious glaze of honey, olive oil, smoky paprika, and cumin, creating a perfect harmony of sweetness, spice, and earthiness. Grilled or seared to perfection, these chops develop a golden, caramelized crust while staying succulent inside. Ready in under 40 minutes (plus brine time), this recipe is ideal for weeknights or special occasions. Serve these flavorful pork chops alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced and unforgettable meal. Perfect for fans of sweet-and-spicy combinations or anyone craving a restaurant-quality dish at home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Bone-in pork chops
- 4 cups Water
- 0.25 cup Kosher salt
- 0.25 cup Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns
- 4 cloves Garlic (smashed)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, garlic, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper to create the brine. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
Place the pork chops in the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for more intense flavor.
Remove the pork chops from the brine. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess brine and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix honey, olive oil, paprika, ground black pepper, and ground cumin to form a glaze.
Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan.
Brush both sides of the pork chops with the honey glaze.
Grill or sear the pork chops for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute the juices.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
401 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.9 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.0 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 75 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 6798 mg | 296% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.5 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.3 g | ||
| Protein | 27.4 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 441 mg | 9% | |
*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.
