This easy pork chop brine is here to save the day! It helps make your pork chops super juicy and tender without much fuss. Just mix water, salt, and a few seasonings.
I love how simple it is—just soak the chops for a bit, and you’re all set! It’s like giving your meat a nice, cozy bath before cooking. Who doesn’t want that? 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend bone-in pork chops for the best flavor and moisture. If you can only find boneless ones, those work too, but the meat might not be as juicy.
Kosher Salt: This is my go-to for brining since it’s easy to dissolve. If you don’t have kosher salt, you can use sea salt, but use less, as it can be saltier. About 1 tablespoon of sea salt should do the trick.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to balance the salt. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you want a different flavor. Just remember that brown sugar enhances caramelization!
Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary gives a great earthy flavor. If fresh isn’t available, dried rosemary can be used, but only add about 1 teaspoon since it’s more concentrated.
What’s the Best Way to Brine Pork Chops?
Brining is all about flavor and moisture. It’s essential to keep your chops submerged in the solution. Here’s how to do it right:
- Create your brine by mixing water, salt, brown sugar, garlic, and peppercorns until dissolved.
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary. They add a wonderful flavor during brining.
- Make sure your pork chops are fully covered in the brine. Use a small plate if needed to keep them submerged.
- Keep an eye on the time! Brine for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Anything longer could make them too salty.
Remember, the resting time after cooking is key! It allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender. Enjoy your juicy pork chops!
Easy Pork Chop Brine for Juicy, Tender Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (plus extra for cooking)
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 30 minutes to brine (up to 2 hours). Cook time is about 10-12 minutes, so total time is approximately 50-70 minutes including preparation and cooking. Perfect for a delicious evening meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brine:
Start by taking a large bowl and pouring in the 4 cups of water. Add the kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic cloves, and black peppercorns. Stir well until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. This creates your flavorful brine!
2. Add the Herbs:
Next, toss in the fresh rosemary sprigs. They infuse the brine with a lovely herbal flavor that makes the chops delicious.
3. Brine the Pork Chops:
Now, place the pork chops in the brine. Make sure they’re fully submerged. If they’re floating a bit, place a small plate on top of them to keep them under the liquid. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge.
4. Brining Time:
Let the pork chops soak in that brine for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. The longer they soak, the more flavor and moisture they will absorb, but don’t go over 2 hours to avoid them becoming too salty.
5. Get Ready to Cook:
Once the brining time is up, take the pork chops out and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine—no need for that anymore!
6. Heat the Skillet:
In a cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. This will give your chops a perfect sear.
7. Add Flavor:
Add a couple of smashed garlic cloves and some fresh rosemary sprigs to the skillet. This adds a wonderful aroma while your pork cooks.
8. Sear the Pork Chops:
Carefully place the pork chops in the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check—they should hit an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
9. Rest the Chops:
Take the pork chops out of the skillet and let them rest on a plate for about 3-5 minutes. This helps keep all the juicy goodness inside.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
At last, serve your beautifully cooked pork chops warm, optionally spooning the delicious pan juices and garlic over the top for extra flavor. Enjoy every juicy, tender bite!
This simple brine enhances the pork chops’ natural juiciness and tenderness while the pan-sear and herbs provide a lovely caramelized crust and aromatic finish. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Pork Chop Brine
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can! While bone-in pork chops offer more flavor and moisture, boneless chops will still turn out juicy and delicious. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as boneless chops may cook a bit faster.
Can I Brine for Longer Than 2 Hours?
It’s best to avoid brining for longer than 2 hours. If you brine too long, the pork chops can become overly salty and lose their natural flavor. Stick to the recommended time for the best results!
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 the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Add Other Herbs or Spices to the Brine?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the brine by adding herbs like thyme, sage, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy touch. Just keep the base of salt and sugar for brining consistency!
