Brined Pork Chops

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, these Brined Pork Chops take your weeknight dinner game to the next level. By soaking bone-in pork chops in a savory brine infused with fresh thyme, garlic, and black peppercorns, the meat becomes tender and packed with bold flavor. After brining, they’re rubbed with a blend of olive oil, paprika, and black pepper, then seared to perfection, creating a caramelized crust that locks in all the juices. With just 10 minutes of prep time and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is an easy way to elevate a classic pork chop into a gourmet meal. Serve these succulent chops with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying dinner. Perfect for both casual family meals and special occasions, these brined pork chops are sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Bone-in pork chops
• 4 cups Water
• 0.25 cup Salt
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns
• 4 sprigs Fresh thyme
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl or container, combine 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns, 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, and 3 smashed garlic cloves. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely to create the brine.

Step 2

Place the pork chops into the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3

Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.

Step 4

Rub the pork chops evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.

Step 5

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 6

Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden crust. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), about 5-7 more minutes depending on the chop thickness.

Step 7

Remove the pork chops from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.

Step 8

Serve the pork chops warm with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1907.4 grams (1907.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2241

Total Fat 140.60g	180%
Saturated Fat 44.40g	222%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 544mg	181%
Sodium 28829mg	1253%
Total Carbohydrate 34.90g	13%
Dietary Fiber 3.20g	11%
Total Sugars 25.40g
Protein 193.60g	387%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 216mg	17%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 2705mg	58%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.1%

Protein: 35.5%

Carbs: 6.4%