How to Make Juicy Pork Chops - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked, juicy pork chop. With its tender and flavorful meat, it's a classic dish that never fails to satisfy. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, juicy pork chops are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

One of the best things about pork chops is how versatile they are. You can cook them in a variety of ways, from grilling and pan-searing to baking and sl...

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Ingredients

  • 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
  • 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

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • 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.
  • Nutrition

    309 cal.

    • Total Fat: 14g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 45mg
    • Sodium: 5980mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 29g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 27g
    • Protein: 17g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 55mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 347mg