This simple brine for pork chops makes them juicy and tender! Just soak those chops in a mix of water, salt, and a few spices, and you’re good to go.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend bone-in chops as they tend to be juicier, but boneless also works if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on cooking time since they might cook faster.
Kosher Salt: This salt is great for brining because it dissolves easily. If you only have table salt, use about half as much, as it’s more concentrated!
Sugar: The sugar is optional but adds a nice touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness. If you’re avoiding sugar, feel free to leave it out, or try honey or maple syrup instead!
Garlic and Rosemary: These add fantastic flavor! If rosemary isn’t available, thyme is a great substitute. Fresh herbs are ideal, but dried can work too—just use less.
How Do You Brine Pork Chops Effectively?
Brining pork chops helps to lock in moisture and add flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix cold water, salt, and sugar until dissolved. This is your brine base.
- Add garlic, rosemary, and peppercorns for flavor. These will infuse as the chops soak.
- Submerge the pork chops completely. The longer they soak (up to 4 hours), the more flavor they absorb, but don’t overdo it!
- After brining, dry the chops well. This helps them sear nicely in the pan.
Brining may take some planning, but it’s worth it for tender, flavorful meat!
Easy Pork Chop Brine for Juicy, Tender Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Brine:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Optional: additional garlic cloves and rosemary for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation, plus a minimum of 30 minutes to brine the pork chops, and about 10 minutes to cook. If you can brine for 1 to 2 hours, you’ll get even juicier chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brine:
In a large bowl or container, mix together the cold water, kosher salt, and sugar (if using). Stir well until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. This is important for flavoring the pork chops!
2. Add Flavorings:
Add the smashed garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, and whole black peppercorns to the brine mixture, stirring gently to combine.
3. Brine the Pork Chops:
Submerge the pork chops in the brine, making sure they are fully covered. Cover the bowl or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1 to 2 hours. Just remember, don’t brine longer than 4 hours, or they might turn out too salty.
4. Dry the Chops:
After brining, take the pork chops out of the brine and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is essential for getting a nice sear on the meat!
5. Heat the Pan:
In a cast iron skillet or heavy pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
6. Sear the Pork Chops:
Once the oil is hot, place the pork chops in the pan. If you like, you can add extra smashed garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs to the pan for extra flavor. Cook the chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Let Them Rest:
Remove the pork chops from the pan and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender!
Enjoy your juicy, tender pork chops topped with delicious garlic and rosemary flavors. They’re perfect with any side dish!
FAQ for Easy Pork Chop Brine
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be mindful that they may cook faster than bone-in chops, so keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out.
How Long Can I Brine Pork Chops?
Brining for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but for the best results, aim for 1 to 2 hours. Avoid brining for more than 4 hours, as it may result in overly salty meat.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
If fresh rosemary isn’t available, dried rosemary can be a good substitute! Just use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, thyme works well too!
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook and dry them out.
