Get ready to enjoy the ultimate pork chops with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, these juicy and flavorful pork chops will be a hit with everyone at the table. The process involves bringing the pork chops to enhance their tenderness and flavor, followed by a robust spice rub that adds a delightful kick. By following these steps, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked pork chops that are sure to impress.
The brine is a crucial step in this recipe, as it helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with moisture and flavor. In a large pan, combine kosher salt, sugar, and water, and cook over medium heat until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Once the brine is ready, add ice to cool it down to room temperature. Place the pork chops in a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag, pour in the cooled brine, and seal the bag. Allow the pork chops to marinate in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours. This step ensures that the pork chops are juicy and flavorful when cooked.
After the pork chops have finished brining, remove them from the brine and rinse them under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat the chops dry with paper towels to prepare them for the rub. The spice rub is a blend of paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, ground mustard, black pepper, and chili powder. This combination of spices creates a savory and slightly smoky flavor that complements the natural taste of the pork. Generously sprinkle the rub on both sides of the pork chops, pressing it in to ensure it adheres well.
Prepare your grill using a charcoal chimney starter to light the coals. Once the charcoal is ready and covered with a layer of white ash, spread it evenly across the bottom of the grill and place the grill grate on top. Allow the grill to preheat before placing the pork chops on the grate. Grill the pork chops, turning occasionally with grilling tongs, until they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy. Once the pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Enjoy these ultimate pork chops with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The combination of the tenderizing brine and the flavorful spice rub makes these pork chops an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy grilling!
Equipment:
- Mixing Bowls
- Jumbo Ziplock bags
- Cast Iron Grill Pan
- Grilling Tongs
- Charcoal Chimney Starter
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients:
- For the Brine:
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups ice
- 4 (1-inch thick) bone-in pork chops
- For the Rub:
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brine
In a large pan, combine ¼ cup kosher salt, ¼ cup sugar, and 2 cups water. Cook over medium heat until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Remove the pan from heat and add 2 cups of ice to cool the brine to room temperature.
2. Brine the Pork Chops
Place the 4 bone-in pork chops in a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag. Add the cooled brine to the bag, seal it, and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. This will help to tenderize and flavor the pork chops.
3. Prepare the Pork Chops
After the brining period, remove the pork chops from the brine. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Make the Rub
In a mixing bowl, combine the rub ingredients: 3 tablespoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Mix well.
5. Season the Pork Chops
Sprinkle the rub generously on both sides of the pork chops, pressing it in to ensure it adheres well.
6. Prepare the Grill
Using a charcoal chimney starter, light the charcoal and let it heat until it's covered with a layer of white ash. Spread the hot coals evenly across the bottom of the grill and place the grill grate on top. Allow the grill to preheat.
7. Grill the Pork Chops
Place the seasoned pork chops on the preheated grill. Cook the pork chops, turning occasionally with grilling tongs, until they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.
8. Rest and Serve
Once the pork chops reach the desired temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite.
Enjoy these ultimate pork chops with your favorite sides, and savor the delicious combination of brine and rub that makes these chops truly special. Happy grilling!