Delicious Brined Pork Chops Recipe: A Flavorful Twist

Ingredients

• Brine:
• A touch of whole black peppercorns
• A generous amount of kosher salt
• A hint of brown sugar sweetness
• Minced garlic for flavor
• Ground mustard for depth
• Steaming hot water to meld the flavors
• Rich balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist
• Smooth olive oil for richness
• Zesty lemon juice for a pop
• Ice cubes to chill and tenderize
• Two boneless pork chops (8 ounces each)
• Cooking:
• Olive oil for sizzling
• Fragrant minced garlic
• Ground black pepper for seasoning
• a dash of ground red chile pepper

Step 1

Crush half of the peppercorns for added flavor. Combine the cracked peppercorns, salt, sugar, minced garlic, and mustard in a pot of boiling water. Stir vigorously until all the dry ingredients have dissolved completely. Gradually incorporate vinegar, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until a harmonious blend is achieved. Transfer the resulting mixture into a shallow glass or ceramic dish.

Step 2

If the brine is excessively warm, consider adding some ice to cool it down. Submerge the pork chops in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated, then cover the dish. Let the meat soak in the flavors at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, remembering to turn the chops occasionally for even marination.

Step 3

In a frying pan set over medium-high heat, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cracked pepper, and a hint of chili powder for an added kick. Retrieve the pork chops from the brine and carefully place them in the hot pan. Sear each side for about 2 minutes until a golden crust forms. Turn the chops over, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and cover the pan. Allow the pork to cook through, periodically checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Once it reaches 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) at the center, which should take an additional 10 to 15 minutes, your flavorful and tender pork chops are ready to be enjoyed.