This easy pork chop brine makes your meat juicy and super tender. With just a few simple ingredients like salt, sugar, and water, you can elevate your meal without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water: This is the base of your brine. You can use filtered or tap water, but filtered may yield a clearer flavor.
Kosher Salt: It’s ideal for brining due to its texture. If you don’t have kosher salt, sea salt can work, but use less since it’s finer. A standard guide is about 1.5 times less sea salt than kosher salt.
Sugar: I prefer brown sugar for a touch of caramel flavor, but white sugar works just as well. You could experiment with maple syrup or honey too—just remember these will add sweetness in a different way.
Pork Chops: I suggest bone-in for more flavor, but boneless also works. You can substitute with chicken if you prefer, adjusting the brine time to about 30 minutes for chicken breasts.
Garlic and Rosemary: Fresh is best for flavor, but dried garlic and herbs can be used in a pinch. Just adjust the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated! I love adding a dash of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat.
What’s the Best Way to Brine Pork Chops?
Brining builds flavor and moisture in your pork chops, making them juicy. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by dissolving salt and sugar fully in water—this is critical for even distribution.
- Always chill your brine with ice before adding meat. This helps avoid any cooking during the brining process.
- Brine your pork chops for 1-4 hours, but not longer! This prevents them from becoming too salty or mushy.
- After brining, always pat the chops dry—this helps to achieve a good sear.
With these tips, you’re set for perfectly seasoned and tender pork chops every time!
Easy Pork Chop Brine for Juicy, Tender Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup sugar (white or brown)
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (2-3 sprigs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the brine and set it up. Then, you’ll need to refrigerate the pork chops in the brine for 1 to 4 hours. Cooking will take around 10-12 minutes. So, in total, you should plan on about 1 hour and 20 minutes to 4 hours depending on how long you brine the chops!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brine:
In a large bowl or container, stir together the water, kosher salt, and sugar until everything is fully dissolved. This brine is key to ensuring your pork chops stay flavorful and moist.
2. Cool Down the Brine:
Next, add the ice cubes to the brine. This will cool the mixture quickly, making it safe for the pork chops. You want the brine to be cool before adding the meat.
3. Brine the Pork Chops:
Carefully place the pork chops into the cooled brine. Make sure they are fully submerged, then cover the bowl or container and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours. Remember, don’t let them brine for too long, or they might become too salty or mushy!
4. Get Ready to Cook:
When you’re ready to cook, take the pork chops out of the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important for getting a good sear on the chops.
5. Heat Your Pan:
Preheat a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your olive oil or butter to coat the bottom.
6. Season the Chops:
Lightly season the pork chops with fresh ground black pepper. Since they were brined, you won’t need any added salt!
7. Cook the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in your hot skillet, along with the garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they have a nice golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Let It Rest:
After cooking, let the pork chops rest for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping them juicy when you cut into them.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Your juicy, tender pork chops are ready to be served! Pair them with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious meal enhanced by the simple brine.
This brine recipe is a game-changer, making every bite juicy and full of flavor with the wonderful notes of garlic and rosemary. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Pork Chop Brine
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work well with this brine too. Just be mindful to brine them for a shorter time, around 30 minutes to 1 hour, to avoid them becoming too salty.
How Long Can I Brine the Pork Chops?
You can brine the pork chops for 1 to 4 hours. Avoid exceeding 4 hours, as this could change the texture and saltiness of the meat.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No problem! You can substitute with dried rosemary. Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for every 2-3 sprigs of fresh, or feel free to use other herbs like thyme or sage.
How Should I Store Leftover Brined Pork Chops?
If you have leftover cooked pork chops, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain moisture before serving.
