This Pork Chop Brine is a simple mix to give your chops an extra burst of flavor! Just combine water, salt, sugar, and a few spices to keep your meat juicy and tasty.
I love using this brine because it makes the pork chops so tender and flavorful. Just soak them for a few hours, and you’ll have dinner that everyone raves about! 🐖✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water: This is the base of the brine. Feel free to use low-sodium broth instead for added flavor.
Kosher Salt: I recommend kosher salt for its texture and taste, but if it’s not available, you can use sea salt – just adjust the amount since it can be finer.
Brown Sugar: The sweetness helps balance the saltiness. If you prefer, honey or maple syrup can substitute for a different sweetness profile.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and sage are all great choices. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried, but reduce the quantity by about half since dried herbs are more potent.
Black Peppercorns and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These add a nice kick! Adjust based on your spice preference or swap them with garlic powder for a milder taste.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Stay Juicy?
The key to juicy pork chops is the brining process. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with cold water and dissolve salt and sugar completely.
- Use enough brine to fully cover the pork chops, and feel free to add weight to keep them submerged.
- Don’t brine for more than 4 hours. The time you brine can vary based on the thickness of the chops.
- After brining, rinse and pat dry. This helps avoid excessive saltiness.
Following these steps will help you cook pork chops that are both flavorful and juicy. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Pork Chop Brine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1-2 sprigs fresh sage (optional)
- 4 pork chops
How Much Time Will You Need?
This brining process takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus some chill time. You’ll want to let the pork chops soak in the brine for at least 1 hour, but up to 4 hours works best for maximum flavor and juiciness. Overall, you’ll need a few hours, but active prep is quite quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brine
Start by taking a large bowl or container and adding 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of kosher salt, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together until the salt and sugar completely dissolve. This is the magic that will help flavor your pork chops!
2. Add the Flavor Boosters
Next, toss in the black peppercorns, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh herb sprigs—thyme, rosemary, and sage. These ingredients will give your pork chops a wonderful aroma and taste.
3. Submerge the Pork Chops
Carefully place the pork chops in the brine, making sure they are fully covered. If they float, you can place a small plate or lid on top to keep them submerged in the flavorful liquid. This helps everything soak in really well!
4. Refrigerate
Put the container in the refrigerator and let the chops sit in the brine for at least 1 hour—up to 4 hours for even more flavor. Just keep an eye on the time, as brining for too long can make the meat overly salty.
5. Rinse and Dry
When you’re ready to cook, take the pork chops out of the brine. Rinse them briefly under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat them dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a nice sear when you cook them!
6. Cook and Enjoy!
Finally, cook the pork chops using your favorite method! You could grill, pan-sear, or bake them. Whichever way you choose, the brine will have made them tender and delicious. Serve them with your choice of sides and enjoy every bite!
Enjoy your flavorful and tender pork chops!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While this brine recipe is perfect for pork chops, you can use it for other cuts like pork loin or tenderloin. Just adjust the brining time based on the thickness of the meat. Thicker cuts may need a bit more time to soak up the flavors!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can use dried herbs instead. Just remember to use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. For example, use 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme or rosemary in place of fresh.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Any cooked pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool them down before storing. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain juiciness!
Can I Add More Spice to the Brine?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or even some citrus zest for extra flavor. Just adjust to your taste preferences!
