Savory Brined Pork Chops

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If you prefer savory pork chops instead of sweet ones, give this recipe a try. It has a good garlic flavor with just a hint of kick from the chile powder. The marinade is designed to brine and marinate the meat at the same time, producing a more tender result. Don't let the cooking time scare you: these are very easy to make, and require very little attention on your part.

Submitted by June Brown
Published on March 5, 2020
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs
Total Time:
2 hrs 25 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
2 (8-ounce) pork chops
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

Brine:

  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

  • ¾ cup kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard

  • 1 cup boiling water

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar

  • ½ cup olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2 cubes ice cubes

  • 2 (8 ounce) boneless pork chops

Cooking:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon ground red chile pepper

Directions

  1. Crack about 1/2 of the peppercorns. Add peppercorns, salt, sugar, garlic, and mustard to boiling water. Mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are dissolved. Slowly add vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice until blended. Pour mixture into a shallow glass or ceramic dish.

  2. Add ice if the brine is hotter thank lukewarm. Add pork chops, cover, and marinate at room temperature for 2 hours, turning occasionally.

  3. Heat olive oil, garlic, pepper, and chile powder in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Remove pork chops from the brine and add to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes per side. Flip chops, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook, checking for doneness every 5 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160 degrees F (71 degrees C), 10 to 15 minutes more.

Cook's Note:

If the chops take much longer than 15 minutes, you probably have the heat set too low. Turn it up a little and continue cooking.

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of brine ingredients. The actual amount of brine consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

506 Calories
42g Fat
19g Carbs
15g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 506
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 42g 53%
Saturated Fat 7g 37%
Cholesterol 39mg 13%
Sodium 17128mg 745%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 15g 31%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 54mg 4%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 339mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.