The Secret to Tasty, Tender Pork Chops

written by

Sandra Ressler

posted on

July 26, 2021

It's true, pork chops have a reputation for being dry and tough.  But when we offer samples at the market, customers are wowed and want to know how I did them.  So here's my secret...

Brining!


And here are the details...

Brined Pork Chops on the Grill
2 lbs pork chops
2 cups water (or enough to cover chops)
Pink salt or Real Salt (1 Tbls. per cup of water)
Dried basil (1 tsp. or to taste)
Dried sage (1 tsp. or to taste)
Onion powder (1 tsp. or to taste)
Black pepper (1/8 tsp. or to taste)

Dissolve salt in water and add seasonings.
Pour over chops and let sit for 1-4 hours.
Drain brine and discard.
Grill chops over medium heat until top begins to turn white.
Flip over and cook until done (8-10 Minutes on each side - adjust according to heat and preference for doneness).

You'll be amazed at the difference brining makes.  You really only need to brine the chops for an hour or two - much more than 3 or 4 hours and they'll start to get too salty.  And, as with any pastured meats, (or really all meat!), cooking low and slow is best.  Don't try to rush the process!

Let me know if you try this recipe, and how it turns out for you!







More from the blog

When equipment breaks down...

When we make maple syrup, the finished product goes from the evaporator into a stainless steel insulated collection container, then through a filter press into a canning box.  The canning box keeps the syrup at the right temp for bottling (180 degrees) as we dispense it into jars and seal them.  It's a continuous process that can't be shut down instantaneously.  You can't turn off a wood fire (in the evaporator) that's burning at 800 degrees or more.Last week one day, our syrup filter press broke, and we had to make an emergency trip to a nearby small repair shop.  It was a bit stressful trying to slow the fire down enough to interrupt the process for a half hour or so!  But we did it and everything turned out fine.  Whew!  Good thing we have a great team!!Then it happened again a couple days later...this time in the evening - after hours for the repair shop.  Now what?!?!  Fortunately we were able to reach of someone from the repair shop and they accommodated us in our emergency.  Once again...we are so grateful for community/neighbors/people who work together and help each other out in times of need.  (Remember "When the cows escaped"?!)  Farm life 🙂!!Pretty sure it's welded good and tight now!!