Name: Juicy Brined Pork Chops with Herb Butter
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick, ~8 oz each); 3 cups water; 3 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried); 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 small garlic clove, minced; Lemon wedges, for serving

Juicy Brined Pork Chops with Herb Butter

ChilledThyme4007

This pork chop recipe is all about maximizing juiciness and flavor with foolproof technique. A quick salt-and-sugar brine ensures the chops stay succulent even after a hot pan sear, while the finishing touch—herb butter—melts over the warm meat for a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor. The simple brining step is a scientific trick that guarantees tender results, making this dish perfect for home cooks looking for restaurant-quality pork with minimal effort. Serve with lemon wedges for brightness and savor every bite!

Ingredients

Instructions

In a medium bowl, dissolve kosher salt and sugar in 3 cups of cold water to create a brine. Submerge pork chops, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
While chops brine, mix softened butter with thyme, parsley, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Set aside at room temperature.
Remove pork chops from brine, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and cooked to 145°F internally.
Transfer chops to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Top each with a dollop of herb butter. Serve with lemon wedges.