Are you tired of dry, bland pork chops that disappoint every time you fire up the grill? Get ready to transform your summer barbecue with these mind-blowing Beer Brined Grilled Pork Chops that promise to be the most succulent, mouth-watering meat you've ever tasted! This American-style recipe combines the magic of beer, salt, and a perfect grilling technique to create pork chops so tender and flavorful, your guests will be begging for your culinary secrets.
Prep Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup beer
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine beer, salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, and crushed garlic. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until salt and sugar completely dissolve.
- Remove the brine from heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. This typically takes about 30-45 minutes.
- Place pork chops in a large, non-reactive container or resealable plastic bag. Pour the cooled brine over the chops, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Refrigerate and let the pork chops brine for 1-2 hours. Do not exceed 2 hours, as the meat can become too salty.
- Remove pork chops from brine and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Discard the used brine.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Optional: If desired, sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary over the pork chops before grilling.
- Grill pork chops for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare.
- Remove chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips
- Timing is crucial: Don't brine your pork chops longer than 2 hours, or they'll become too salty. Set a timer to ensure perfect seasoning.
- Temperature matters: Use a meat thermometer to check for the perfect 145°F internal temperature, which guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat pork.
- Let it rest: Always allow your grilled pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat incredibly moist.
- Choose your beer wisely: A medium-bodied beer like a lager or pale ale works best for brining. Avoid very dark or hoppy beers that might overpower the meat.
- Pat dry thoroughly: After brining, make sure to completely dry the pork chops with paper towels. This helps achieve that perfect grilled exterior with beautiful char marks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 370kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg
