Brined Pork Chops Recipe 🍽️
Description:
Indulge in the savory delight of Brined Pork Chops, a recipe perfect for a cozy autumn supper paired with creamy mashed potatoes and hearty fall vegetables. This delightful dish is adapted from Cooking Light’s November 2003 edition, ensuring both flavor and healthiness in every bite. With a preparation time that includes brining to infuse the pork with delicious flavors, these chops are bound to become a weeknight favorite straight from your refrigerator!
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 9 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours and 30 minutes
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 1/2 | Water |
| 1/4 | Kosher salt |
| 3 | Brown sugar |
| 1/2 | Vanilla |
| 1 | Fresh sage |
| 4 | Pepper |
| 1 | Ground cloves |
| 2 | Nutmeg |
| 1/2 | Ground cardamom |
| 1/2 | Cinnamon |
| 1/4 | Flour |
| 1/4 | Olive oil |
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 306.1
- Fat Content: 16.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 75mg
- Sodium Content: 7150.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 14.6g
- Fiber Content: 0.8g
- Sugar Content: 10.1g
- Protein Content: 23.2g
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine water and kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves completely.
- Add the brown sugar, vanilla, and stir until the sugar dissolves as well.
- Stir in ice cubes and immerse the pork chops in the brine mixture.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours to allow the pork chops to absorb the flavors.
- After brining, drain the brine and remove the pork chops from it.
- Discard the brine, as its job is done.
- In a separate bowl, combine the fresh sage, pepper, ground cloves, nutmeg, ground cardamom, and cinnamon to create a flavorful spice rub.
- Rub both sides of the pork chops generously with the spice mixture.
- Refrigerate the seasoned pork chops for an additional 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Place the flour in a large plastic bag and add the chops, shaking well to coat them evenly.
- Transfer the coated chops onto a plate, ready for frying.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 5-10 minutes per side, adjusting the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the chops.
Savor the aroma as the pork chops sizzle to perfection, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds longing for more. Serve hot alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a medley of autumn vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates the essence of fall. Enjoy the tender juiciness of these brined pork chops, making every bite a culinary delight!
