garlic brown sugar pork chops

Photo by The Culinary Nest

Okay guys, these pork chops will turn your life upside down. They are caramelized on the outside, tender & juicy on the inside. A little sweet, a little savory and a LOT delicious! I was never a huge pork chop fan as I always felt they turned out dry. Not these because they are brined first, it’s such an easy step that makes the biggest difference. These are delicious paired with a side of mashed potatoes and your favorite side salad or green veg!

Recipe by: The Culinary Nest

MAKES

2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 min (with brining), 30 minutes (without brining)

INGREDIENTS

Brining

3 cups water

3 tablespoons kosher salt

garlic, balsamic vinegar, lemon (optional)

Pork chops

2 pork chops (on the bone about 1” thick)

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1/4 cup brown sugar

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons butter

salt & pepper

METHOD

• Brine: in a bowl or ziploc bag dissolve the salt in warm water and then let cool to room temperature. Add garlic, balsamic, and/or lemon if desired. Submerge the pork chops into the mixture (making sure they are completely covered, I use a large tupperware, casserole dish or cake pan) and let brine for at least 30 minutes- 1 hour.

• Preheat the oven to 400˚F. You want to make sure this is to temperature when you are ready to transfer your pork chops to the oven.

• Pat dry the pork chops and season with salt and pepper on both sides.

• In an oven safe skillet (I prefer a cast iron), add the oil and let heat. Sear the pork chops approximately 3-4 minutes per side (until nicely browned) and then remove them from the skillet onto a plate.

• Remove the skillet from the heat and add the butter, brown sugar, garlic & herbs. Stir it all together.

• Return the chops to the skillet and spoon the chops with the sauces in the pan until completely covered.

• Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chops until cooked through (140˚F) about 6-8 minutes.

• Let the chops rest for 5 minutes, spoon the sauce over them, and enjoy!