Buttermilk Brined Pork Chops
Transform your weeknight dinners with these irresistibly juicy and flavorful Buttermilk Brined Pork Chops! Marinating thick, bone-in pork chops in a tangy buttermilk brine infused with garlic, fresh rosemary, and warming spices like paprika ensures every bite is tender, succulent, and packed with savory depth. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—after an overnight soak, the pork chops are seared to golden perfection, locking in all those mouthwatering flavors. For an extra touch of indulgence, finish them with a pat of melted butter. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for both special occasions and casual family dinners, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
Place the pork chops into a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish. Pour the buttermilk brine over the chops, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. This allows the brine to tenderize the pork and infuse it with flavor.
Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat.
Sear the pork chops for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Lower the heat slightly and continue cooking until the internal temperature reads 145°F (63°C) on a meat thermometer, about 4-6 more minutes depending on thickness.
For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking and baste the pork chops with the melted butter.
Remove the cooked pork chops from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
Serve the buttermilk-brined pork chops with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
565 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.8 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.4 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 145 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 546 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.9 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.3 g | ||
| Protein | 47.3 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 182 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 758 mg | 16% | |
*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.
