Juicy Brined Pork Chops with Flavor

Ingredients 0/15

Step 1

Start by lightly crushing about half of the peppercorns. In a pot of boiling water, add the peppercorns, salt, sugar, garlic, and mustard, stirring until everything dissolves. Then slowly whisk in the vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice until the mixture is well combined. Pour this brine into a shallow glass or ceramic dish.

Step 2

If the brine feels too warm, toss in some ice to bring it down to lukewarm. Nestle the pork chops into the brine, cover the dish, and let them marinate at room temperature for about two hours, turning them every now and then to make sure they soak up the flavor evenly.

Step 3

When you’re ready to cook, heat some olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat along with garlic, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder for a little kick. Take the pork chops out of the brine and place them in the hot pan. Sear each side for about two minutes until they get a nice color.

Step 4

After that, turn the heat down to low, cover the pan, and let the chops cook gently. Check every five minutes with a meat thermometer — they’re done when the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C). This usually takes another 10 to 15 minutes. Once they’re cooked through, take them off the heat and let them rest a few minutes before serving.