Juicy Pork Chops

Name: Juicy Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 4 cups cold water; 0.25 cup kosher salt; 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns; 1 bay leaf; 4 (5 ounce) center-cut pork chops on the bone; 0.5 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 teaspoon dry mustard powder; 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt; 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil, or more as needed; aluminum foil

4.7

(27)

23 Reviews

5 Photos

For perfectly juicy pork chops (preferably bone-in) you must brine them for at least 1 to 2 hours and pick chops that are at least 1/2 to 1 inch thick. The success of this dish is the brine that will keep the chops moist. There are many brine variations out there for what flavor you are wanting to accomplish but, it is an important part of the overall dish.

Recipe by Sahara B

Updated on January 19, 2023

5

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Additional Time:

1 hrs 5 mins

Total Time:

1 hrs 30 mins

Servings:

4

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

Brine:

4 cups cold water
¼ cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
4 (5 ounce) center-cut pork chops on the bone

Rub:

½ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil, or more as needed
aluminum foil

Directions

Make the brine: Combine cold water, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a bowl. Place pork chops in a shallow baking dish and pour brine over top. Let sit for 1 to 2 hours.
Meanwhile, make the rub: Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Remove pork chops from brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry. Rub pork chops generously on both sides with the seasoning mix. Discard brine.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to the hot skillet. Add pork chops to the hot oil and sear until browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
Turn pork chops and place skillet in the preheated oven. Bake until no longer pink in the center, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cook's Note:

I serve these topped with "Chef John's Nectarine Salsa". The salsa does require extra time, but you will love the combo!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

309	Calories
14g	Fat
29g	Carbs
17g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 309
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g	18%
Saturated Fat 4g	22%
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 5980mg	260%
Total Carbohydrate 29g	11%
Dietary Fiber 1g	3%
Total Sugars 27g
Protein 17g
Vitamin C 1mg	6%
Calcium 55mg	4%
Iron 1mg	7%
Potassium 347mg	7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.