Pork Chop Brine
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
5 mins
-
Additional Time
6 hrs
-
Total Time
6 hrs 15 mins
-
Servings
6
-
Calories
32 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Pork Chop Brine
Description
The brine combines kosher salt and granulated sugar dissolved initially in boiling water, then cooled with added cold water and aromatics like crushed allspice, fennel seeds, whole peppercorns, bay leaf, minced garlic, and thyme. Pork chops are placed in this cooled brine to fully submerge and refrigerated for at least 6 hours, or up to 24, allowing the meat to absorb moisture and the infused flavors.
This preparation results in pork chops that retain juiciness and carry gentle spice undertones from the brine ingredients. After brining, chops are patted dry and cooked by preferred methods.
You can brine up to six pork chops in this quantity, adjusting water as needed for full coverage. Using a large bowl or a dedicated brining bag accommodates the meat during soaking. Ensuring the brine is cool before adding pork prevents partial cooking or texture damage.
Ingredients
- 8 cups water divided use
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds lightly crushed
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns whole
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 3 prigs thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, fresh
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of boiling water into a large bowl that will fit all of the pork chops. Make sure the bowl will fit into your refrigerator.
- Add the salt and sugar to the water and stir until dissolved
- Add the allspice, fennel seeds, peppercorns, bay leaf, garlic and thyme to the bowl.
- Add 7 cups of very cold water to the bowl and stir to combine
- Place the pork chops in the bowl, making sure that they're completely submerged. You can add more water if needed.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat dry with paper towels
- Cook the pork as desired. This brine is enough to for 6 pork chops.
Notes
- Confirm the brine is fully cooled before adding pork chops to prevent cooking the meat prematurely.
- Use a large bowl or brining bag to keep chops fully submerged; add water if necessary.
- This amount of brine is sufficient for brining up to six pork chops.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 32 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 32kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 833mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 31mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 24IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
