It might seem counter-intuitive, but brining any cut of meat can make it significantly juicer and more tender.
How? The brine increases the amount of moisture in the meat, allowing more of it to remain in the pork as it cooks. While some cuts can benefit from long brining times (up to 24 hours or more), even an hour of brining can produce a markedly moister, more flavorful pork chop.
Various seasonings can be added to the brining mixture to enhance the taste, but use restraint and allow the natural flavor of the pork to shine through.
Vanilla might seem to be an odd ingredient to pair with pork, but when used correctly, it adds a subtle, but delicious note that perfectly complements the naturally sweet, rich flavor of the meat. Use a good quality, 100% pure vanilla extract, or make your own, as demonstrated in our earlier post, “Make Your Own Vanilla Extract.”
Brined Pork Chops with Maple-Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients:
- 2 bone-in pork loin chops, 1 inch thick (about 8 oz each)
- Olive or vegetable oil
Brine:
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp kosher salt
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 cup cold water
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp coarsely ground black pepper
Directions:
Mix the brine ingredients in a large mixing bowl, stirring until they are dissolved. Place the pork chops into a heavy-duty plastic zip lock bag. Pour the brine over the chops, squeeze out as much air as possible and close tightly. Marinate for at least 1 hour, turning once.
Whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Remove the pork chops from the brine and discard marinade. Pat dry and brush lightly with oil. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill. If using a gas grill, pre-heat to medium high, about 450 degrees.
Put the chops on the grill and cook, turning twice, about 8 – 10 minutes total per side. Brush each side with a little of the glaze after turning. When the chops are cooked to desired doneness, remove from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two. Put on serving plates and drizzle with the remaining glaze.
Many of the ingredients used in this recipe, and other recipes on the Earthy Delights Blog, can be purchased online at our retail website, Earthy.com. We welcome you to visit the Earthy.com website to view our extensive selection of hard-to-find ingredients and our complete Recipe Collection of over 500 tested recipes.
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