The Juiciest Pork Chops Recipe for a Tender Family Feast

Juicy pork chops that promise a mouthwatering culinary adventure await you right here.

Crisp edges and tender centers define this remarkable dish.

Home cooks can easily master these delectable protein centerpieces with simple techniques.

Salt, pepper, and a clever searing method unlock incredible flavor potential.

Precise timing ensures each bite remains succulent and perfectly cooked.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will benefit from this straightforward recipe.

Grab your skillet and prepare to impress everyone at the table.

Ultimate Pork Chops Packed with Flavor

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Brining transforms ordinary pork chops into a juicy, seasoned masterpiece by infusing deep, rich flavors throughout the meat.
• Master Simple Technique: This recipe teaches a professional-level cooking method that anyone can learn, providing restaurant-quality results with minimal culinary expertise.
• Customize Your Spice Game: The spice rub allows personal creativity, letting home cooks experiment and adjust seasonings to match their taste preferences and mood.
• Perfect for Gathering Crowds: These delectable pork chops work wonderfully for family dinners, backyard barbecues, and casual get-togethers, impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ultimate Pork Chops

• Kosher Salt: Provides the base for the brining solution and helps to season the pork chops.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the saltiness and helps create a more flavorful brine.
• Water: The liquid base that dissolves the salt and sugar.
• Ice: Quickly cools down the brine to the right temperature.

• Spices: A blend that will add depth and flavor to the exterior of the pork chops.

• Pork Chops: The main star of the recipe that becomes tender and flavorful through brining and seasoning.

How to Cook Ultimate Pork Chops Perfectly

Step 1: Create Flavor Base

Combine kosher salt, granulated sugar, and water in a pan over medium heat. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve completely, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Chill the Brine

Add ice to the saltwater mixture, allowing it to cool down to room temperature. This step ensures the brine is ready for the pork chops.

Step 3: Submerge Pork Chops

Transfer pork chops to a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the cooled brine over the meat, seal tightly, and refrigerate.

Let the pork chops soak for 8-12 hours to absorb maximum flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Prepare Pork Chops

Remove pork chops from brine.

Rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry using paper towels.

Step 5: Season with Spice Rub

• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Dried thyme

Massage the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place pork chops on the grates and cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. Let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Tips to Nail Ultimate Pork Chops Every Time

• Brine pork chops overnight to guarantee maximum tenderness and moisture, preventing dry meat during cooking.
• Pat chops completely dry after brining to help spice rub adhere better and create a delicious crispy exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, avoiding overcooking that can make pork tough and chewy.
• Consider letting chops rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices and maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Try different spice blends in the rub to customize flavor profiles, such as adding smoked paprika or dried herbs.

Variations That Change Up Pork Chops

• Herb-Infused Pork Chops: Replace basic spice rub with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic Mediterranean-style flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Version: Substitute kosher salt with reduced-sodium salt or potassium chloride to create a heart-healthy alternative that maintains moisture.
• Spicy Cajun Chops: Swap standard spice mixture with a bold Cajun seasoning blend containing paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and black pepper for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Brining Option: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar and confirm all spices are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Pairings That Work Well with Pork Chops

• Thinly sliced green apples, fennel, and a light vinaigrette provide tangy contrast to the savory brined pork chops, cutting through the richness with bright, fresh notes.
• Choose a slightly off-dry German Riesling with subtle sweetness that complements the salty brine and balances the spice rub, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Prepare a medley of roasted parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes with rosemary and thyme, offering earthy undertones that match the pork's robust character and provide textural variety.

Storage Advice for Leftover Pork Chops

• Transfer leftover pork chops to an airtight container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
• Seal cooled pork chops in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Label with date and store up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between chops to prevent sticking.
• Place pork chops on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

FAQs

• Why should I brine pork chops?

Brining helps keep the meat juicy, tender, and flavorful by allowing salt and water to penetrate the muscle fibers, preventing dryness during cooking.

• How thick should my pork chops be for this recipe?

Choose pork chops around 1-1.5 inches thick, which allows for better moisture retention and more even cooking without becoming tough.

• Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?

No, kosher salt is recommended because its larger crystals dissolve more slowly and provide better flavor distribution compared to fine table salt.

• What type of thermometer works best for checking pork temperature?

An instant-read digital meat thermometer provides the most accurate and quick temperature reading, ensuring your pork chops are perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

The Ultimate Pork Chops Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pork chops from Mexico bring bold, zesty flavors to dinner tables. Spicy marinades and quick grilling techniques elevate these juicy cuts you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 pork chops (bone-in, 1-inch thick)
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups ice
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor-enhancing brine by dissolving kosher salt and granulated sugar in water over medium heat, stirring until completely integrated.
2. Remove the pan from heat and rapidly cool the brine by adding ice, bringing the liquid to room temperature.
3. Transfer the cooled brine into a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag, carefully submerging the pork chops and ensuring complete coverage.
4. Refrigerate the sealed bag for 8-12 hours, allowing the meat to absorb the seasoned liquid and become tender.
5. After brining, remove the pork chops and thoroughly rinse under cold water to eliminate excess salt.
6. Gently pat the meat dry using paper towels, creating a surface perfect for spice absorption.
7. Craft a robust spice rub by blending selected seasonings, then generously coat both sides of each pork chop.
8. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, creating optimal cooking conditions for caramelization and flavor development.
9. Grill the seasoned pork chops, monitoring internal temperature with a meat thermometer until reaching 145ºF, which ensures juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
10. Allow the grilled pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving, enabling juices to redistribute and enhance overall tenderness.

Notes

• Customize the brine by adding aromatic herbs like rosemary or thyme to infuse extra flavor into the pork chops during the brining process.
• For a low-sodium diet, reduce the salt quantity and substitute with alternative seasonings like herbs or citrus zest to maintain moisture and taste.
• Consider using alternative brining liquids like apple juice or beer to create unique flavor profiles that complement the pork’s natural taste.
• Experiment with different spice rub combinations like smoked paprika, cumin, or brown sugar to add depth and personalize the recipe according to individual preferences.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Brining
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 4800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg