A Healthy Herb Brined Pork Chops Recipe

Instructions

1. Make the Brine: Start by bringing two cups of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Add kosher salt and sugar if you are using it, and stir until dissolved. Take it off the heat and toss in the rosemary, thyme, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Pour in the other two cups of cold water to cool down the brine faster. If you want some tanginess, add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Let this mix get to room temperature, then put it in the fridge until it's cold.
2. Brine those pork chops: Put your pork chops in a big resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the cold brine over them so they are fully covered. If needed, add more cold water. Seal up the bag or cover the dish. Stick it in the fridge for at least four hours but no more than eight hours, but too long makes them too salty.
3. Get Ready: When ready to cook, take out those pork chops from the brine and pat 'em dry with paper towels. Throw away that old brine. Rub some olive oil on them and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be careful with salt since they have already soaked up some.
4. Grilling Method: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Grill each side for six to seven minutes till the inside temperature hits 145°F. Let them rest five minutes before serving so they stay juicy.
5. Pan-Searing Method: Heat up a big skillet on medium-high with olive oil. Sear each side for four to five minutes till the inside temperature hits that magic number of 145°F. Then let it rest for five minutes.
6. Oven Method: Preheat oven at around 375°F. Heat up the skillet on medium-high with some olive oil. Sear each side two-three minutes, then bake 8-10 minutes, till inside temperature reaches 145°F. Rest five minutes before serving.
7. Serve: Fancy-up Your Plate by garnishing with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs if you want. Serve alongside favorites like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or fresh salads.

Tips and Variations:

1. Herbs: Mix Up Your Herbs. If not rosemary or thyme. Try sage, parsley, oregano, or kick it up by adding coriander, fennel seeds, or juniper berries.
2. Chop Thickness: Adjust time based on thickness; thicker needs extra minutes and thinner cooks faster.
   Sweet Addition: If you like sweet-savory, then add honey or maple syrup to the brining liquid.
3. Smoky Kick: If you like Smokey flavor, then use smoked paprika or add wood chip smoker box while grilling.
4. No-Sugar Brine: Cutting sugar or ditch sugar, herbs, salt, and vinegar still give awesome flavors.
5. Serving Sauce Space: Deglaze with chicken broth or white wine or apple cider simmered together with butter, garlic, and herbs till slightly thickened.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: You will get 320 calories with this meal.
• Protein: An amount of 40 g of protein is obtained with this meal, in which protein is very important for muscle repair and growth.
• Fat: An amount of 18 g is served, which helps you to keep on the diet track.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the fuel source of the brain; here, 2 g of carbohydrates is obtained.
• Sugars: A 1 g of sugar is contained here depending on the fruits and honey used.
• Cholesterol: 95 mg of cholesterol is gained here.
• Sodium: 580 g of sodium is used.