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–+ servings

Pork Loin Chops

Pantry To Table
The brine in this recipe uses simple ingredients. After brining, seasoning the pork with only kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper allows the flavor of the pork to shine through.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 277 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds boneless pork loin chops, approximately 1" thickness
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • kosher salt
  • freshly cracked black pepper

Brine:

  • 1 quart water, divided
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced
  • 1 handful fresh parsley
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 large garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 teaspoons whole peppercorns
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • Separate 2 cups of water and microwave for 2 minutes to heat. Add the salt and allow to dissolve.  Then, pour into a gallon-size zip-lock bag. Add the other brine ingredients plus the ice cubes.
  • Add the pork to the bag and press most of the air out and close the top completely.
  • Place the bag into a bowl big enough to hold it (in case the bag leaks) and either allow it to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for an hour, up to 2 hours.
  • Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Remove the pork from the bag and allow excess to drip and pull off any pieces of the brine ingredients that may be attached and discard. Place the pork on a paper towel-lined cutting board (that is used for meat only). Pat the tops of the chops dry.
  • Drizzle the oil over the chops and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Once the grill pan is hot, place as many pork chops as can fit without them touching. I could place 4 on my 10” square pan.
  • Cook until a digital thermometer reads 145 degrees, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Timing depends on your heat source, thickness of pork, etc. Adjust your times as necessary.

Notes

You don’t have to brine your pork loin chops, but brining does aid in producing moist meat and a really good flavor.
Pig farming practices have improved greatly over time and the previous regulations of cooking certain cuts of pork to 165 degrees is no longer the necessity. There are many websites available to you with charts and guidelines for cooking meats.  The USDA website is a good place to start.
Digital thermometers are an essential kitchen gadget. Look for good reviews/feedback on sites that sell them. If you cook with meat often, it will be a huge help to you.
Nutrition Facts
Pork Loin Chops
Amount per Serving
Calories
277
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword brined pork loin, pork dinner
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