This simple brine recipe makes pork chops juicy and tender, just like a hug for your meat! With only a few basic ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip up.
I love how easy it is to prepare—just mix, soak, and grill! You can even use the leftovers to brine other meats. Not that it lasts long in my house! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kosher Salt: This is the magic behind the brine! It helps the pork stay juicy. If you don’t have kosher salt, sea salt works too, but use a little less since it’s denser.
Brown Sugar: The sweetness counteracts the savory, giving a balanced flavor. In a pinch, you can swap it out with white sugar or even honey. Just dissolve it well.
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are my favorites for added flavor and moisture. You can choose boneless, but adjust cooking time, as they might cook faster.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have it, thyme or sage can work wonderfully too. Dried herbs can be substitutes, but use a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do You Ensure Even Brining for Perfectly Juicy Pork Chops?
The key to great brining is making sure the pork chops are fully submerged in the brine. Use a large resealable bag for better coverage. If you’re using a dish, you can weigh the chops down with a plate. No one likes salty spots!
- Make sure your brine is completely cooled before adding the pork. This helps maintain texture.
- Keep an eye on the brine time! 2 hours is usually perfect. Longer can make the pork too salty.
Easy Pork Chop Brine for Juicy, Tender Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cups water (divided)
- 3-4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 3-4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This brining recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to 4 hours for the pork chops to soak in the brine, depending on how much time you have. Cooking them in the skillet will take another 8-10 minutes. So, total time varies from about 40 minutes if you’re in a hurry to up to 4 hours if you want to let the brine work its magic. Either way, the results are delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brine:
Start by combining 2 cups of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat while stirring until everything is dissolved. Once that’s done, take the pan off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Don’t rush this step—cool brine helps keep your pork moist.
2. Cool the Brine:
After the brine has cooled to room temperature, pour in the remaining 2 cups of cold water. This not only cools it further but also ensures a balanced flavor when you brine your pork chops.
3. Brine the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the cooled brine over them, making sure they are fully submerged. Seal up the bag or cover the dish tightly and pop it into the refrigerator. Let the pork chops brine for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 to 4 hours for the ultimate juiciness. But no longer than 4 hours to avoid that overly salty taste!
4. Get Cooking:
Once brined, remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels—this helps get that lovely sear. Heat olive oil or butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs, letting them flavor the oil for a minute.
5. Sear the Pork Chops:
Now it’s time to add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden-brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
When done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for about 3-5 minutes. This step is essential as it lets the juices redistribute. To serve, is there a better way than drizzling some of that garlic-rosemary oil from the pan over the chops? Enjoy your juicy, tender pork chops!
This brine ensures juicy, tender pork chops with a well-balanced savory-sweet flavor and a delicious herb and garlic aroma. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Pork Chop Brine
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Brine?
Absolutely! This brine is not just for pork chops. You can use it for chicken breasts, turkey, or even certain cuts of beef. Just adjust the brining time based on the thickness of the meat—typically, lean meats like chicken should brine for a shorter time (30 minutes to 2 hours) to avoid becoming too salty.
How Long Can I Brine the Pork Chops?
The ideal brining time for pork chops is 2 to 4 hours. You can go as low as 30 minutes if you’re short on time, but try not to exceed 4 hours, or the meat may become overly salty and lose its texture.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Kosher Salt?
If you don’t have kosher salt, you can substitute with table salt, but use less—about half of what’s called for since table salt is more concentrated. Always taste your brine if you’re unsure!
How Do I Store Leftover Brine?
It’s best to discard any leftover brine after using it with raw meat to avoid any food safety issues. If you want to save some brine for other purposes, you can refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to a week, but make sure it hasn’t been used with raw meat.
