Best 2 Apple Cider Pork Chop Brine Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Pork chops are a versatile and affordable cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Brining pork chops before cooking helps to tenderize them and infuse them with flavor. This article provides three different recipes for apple cider pork chop brine, each with its own unique flavor profile. The first recipe is a classic apple cider brine, made with apple cider, water, salt, and brown sugar. The second recipe adds a touch of sweetness with the addition of honey. The third recipe uses apple cider vinegar for a tangy brine. No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to end up with juicy, flavorful pork chops that are perfect for any occasion.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

GRILLED APPLE BRINED PORK CHOPS



Grilled Apple Brined Pork Chops image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     main-dish

Time 4h20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups apple juice
1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
5 rib end pork chops, about 1 1/2 pounds
1 tablespoon grill seasoning

Steps:

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, add 1 cup of water, apple juice, pepper, salt, sugar and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer making sure to stir occasionally to dissolve the salt and sugar. Remove from heat and add to a large bowl with 2 cups of ice.
  • Once the brined has cooled add pork chops. Brine for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Remove pork from brine, rinse with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Heat grill or grill pan over medium heat. Sprinkle 1 side of the pork chops with 1/2 the grill seasoning. Place chops on hot oiled grill, seasoned side down. Sprinkle the topside with remaining grill seasoning. Grill chops for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

BRINED PORK CHOPS WITH APPLES



Brined Pork Chops with Apples image

Categories     Fruit     Pork     Apple     Pork Chop     Fall     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Brine:
4 cups apple cider
3 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
3 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 1 1/2-inch-thick center-cut pork loin chops, trimmed of excess fat
Pork:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
3/4 cup canned low-salt chicken broth
1/2 cup apple cider
1/4 cup Calvados or apple brandy
2 tablespoons raisins
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/3 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • For brine:
  • Combine first 7 ingredients in large bowl. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve. Add pork chops to brine. Top with plate to submerge pork. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 2 days.
  • For pork:
  • Drain brine from pork chops. Pat pork dry. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add pork and cook until brown but not cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer pork to plate.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add pork onion to same skillet. Cover and cook until onion is soft, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add apples and sauté until pale golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in broth and cider, then Calvados, raisins and ginger, scraping up browned bits from bottom of skillet. Add cream and mustard. Bring sauce to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add pork. Cover; cook 3 minutes. Turn pork over and cook until thermometer inserted into center of pork registers 150°F, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer pork to plates.
  • Simmer sauce until slightly thickened, about 4 minutes longer. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon sauce over pork and serve.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Pork Chops: Select high-quality, thick-cut pork chops for best results.
  • Create a Flavorful Brine: Use a combination of apple cider, brown sugar, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves to create a flavorful brine that infuses the pork chops with taste.
  • Brine Time: Allow the pork chops to brine for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight, for maximum flavor.
  • Sear Before Baking: Sear the pork chops in a hot skillet before baking to create a delicious crust and lock in the juices.
  • Bake to Perfection: Bake the pork chops in a preheated oven until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, or 160°F (71°C) for medium.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute for a tender and juicy result.

Conclusion:

Apple cider pork chop brine is an easy and effective way to create tender, flavorful pork chops. The combination of apple cider, brown sugar, and herbs creates a delicious marinade that infuses the pork with flavor. Whether you choose to pan-fry, grill, or bake the pork chops, this brine will ensure a juicy and delicious result. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combination. Apple cider pork chop brine is a versatile technique that can be used for a variety of dishes, from classic pork chops and gravy to creative pork chop tacos or stir-fries.

Related Topics