Brine helps the meat to draw in moisture (and salt) adding tons of flavor, especially to lean meats like pork and poultry. This simple pork chop brine makes any cut a savory delight!

Best Brine for Pork Chops

This savory brine is made with fresh herbs and seasonings and some sugar. While I use water, add in your favorite liquids from apple cider to a cup of white wine. The sky really is the limit for flavors and herbs as long as you’ve got salt, sugar and liquid.

After just a little simmering, the brine should be stored until cool or even overnight. After that, it’s ready to use!

Ingredients & Variations

  • A basic brine consists of sugar, salt, water, and seasonings.
  • Variations can be made by using different kinds of peppercorns, thyme, even chili peppers!
  • Be sure to pat pork chops dry before brining.

How to Brine Pork Chops

With a simple pork chop brine, it is super easy to get flavorful chops every time!

  • Add salt, sugar, and seasonings (per recipe below) to a simmering pot of water.
  • Cool the brine completely in the refrigerator (or outside if it is chilly)! To speed up chilling, use a bit less water in the boiling step and add in some ice while cooling.
  • Once cooled add the pork chops and the chilled brine to a ziptop bag and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or up to 4 hours)!
  • Remove the chops from the brine, pat dry and cook as usual. Do not add extra salt when cooking or the chops may become too salty.

Grill, bake, broil or fry them up!

Perfectly Tender Pork Chops

  • Grilled Pork Chops – tender, light, and tangy
  • Honey Glazed Mushroom Pork Chops – ready in 30 mins!
  • Crock Pot Pork Chops – just set it and forget it
  • Easy Pork Tenderloin Marinade – great on pork chops too!
  • Instant Pot Pork Chops – always juicy & tender
  • Fried Pork Chops with Apples – one-skillet meal
  • Pan Seared Pork Chops – made on the stovetop

Have you tried this Pork Chop Brine? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

Tips for Success

As with turkey brine, ensure the sugar and salt are fully dissolved in the water. No need to bring the water to a boil, just a gentle simmer will do!

To ensure that chops don’t become overly salted, be sure to purchase pork that isn’t already brined before or salted before packaging. And if adding additional seasoning before cooking, omit the salt or opt for unsalted seasonings!

Don’t brine them too long (2-4 hours is enough) or the meat can take on a mushy texture.

To store Brine will keep in the fridge about two weeks before the flavors start to fade. Do not store ‘used’ brine. Once your pork has been brined, discard the remaining brine.

Pork Chop Brine

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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