Basic pork brine –Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure! Today, we’re going to dive into the art of making perfectly brined pork chops. This easy yet flavorful recipe is a game-changer for your dinner table. Brining helps to keep the pork chops juicy and enhances their natural flavor. Let’s get started!
Pork Chop Brine Recipe
In this recipe, we’ll use a simple blend of salt, sugar, herbs, and spices to achieve that perfectly seasoned pork chop. Get ready for a mouth-watering experience!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, kosher salt, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
- Add the minced garlic, black peppercorns, thyme, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the mixture. Bring it to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the brine cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the brine in the refrigerator.
- Once cooled, place the pork chops in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the brine over the chops, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the pork chops in the brine for at least 2 hours, but for best results, aim for 4-6 hours. If you have time, a brine overnight is even better!
- After brining, remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to getting that beautiful sear.
- Grill or pan-sear the pork chops over medium-high heat for around 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Allow the chops to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute. Enjoy your flavorful, juicy pork chops!
Now that you have this fabulous pork chop brine recipe in your kitchen arsenal, you can prepare a delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends!