Juicy Brined & Grilled Pork Chops

Juicy Brined & Grilled Pork Chops

Posted by on July 13, 2016

It’s the season for all things grilling. My family enjoys a good grilled New York strip steak, chicken and hamburgers, of course, and these Honey Bourbon Glazed Ribs. But pork chops can be a little intimidating for people, as they tend to dry out while grilling. I’ve found that brining is the secret to juicy grilled pork chops. 

Simply soak the pork chops in a mixture of kosher salt, water and seasonings for 6 to 12 hours before grilling. It’s similar to a marinade, where the natural juices in the meat are locked in and infused with flavor. The result is a tender, juicy pork chop that is not salty, despite being soaked in salted water.

Coarse kosher salt is preferred for brining. It dissolves easily and provides flavor without over salting, because the flakes are larger than regular table salt. This recipe gets extra flavor from the Sweet Mustard Rub & Seasoning. It has been my go-to seasoning since this product was introduced in the spring. I shake it on chicken before roasting in the oven and use it to season quiche and egg bakes. The mustard and touch of apple cider vinegar is the perfect complement to pork.

I hope you give brining a try and experiment with some Sweet Mustard Rub & Seasoning recipes.

Happy grilling!

-Joy

Brined & Grilled Pork Chops

Ingredients

  • 8 cups water, divided
  • 3 tablespoons Sweet Mustard Rub Seasoning , divided
  • ¼ cup coarse kosher salt
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 6 bone-in thick-cut pork chops (about 1½-inch thick)

Directions

  1. In small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons Sweet Mustard Rub & Seasoning, salt and brown sugar. Stir until dry ingredients are dissolved. Remove from heat and pour into a large glass or plastic bowl or container. Add 6 cups cold water; stir until cooled. Add pork chops. Cover and refrigerate 6-12 hours.
  2. Remove pork chops from brine and pat dry with a paper towel. Season both sides of pork chops with remaining tablespoon of Sweet Mustard Rub & Seasoning.
  3. Prepare grill to medium heat. Grill pork chops about 22-25 minutes, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 150°F on an instant-read food thermometer. Remove from grill and let rest 3 minutes before serving.

Tips and Hints

  • Boneless pork chops can be used. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
  • I served my pork chops with these Seasoned Green Beans.