Savory Beer-Brined Grilled Pork Chops
Transform your cooking with these succulent pork chops, tenderized and infused with flavor through an invigorating beer brine. Soaked in a delightful concoction of lager beer, kosher salt, and brown sugar, these chops are perfect for grilling and create a truly mouth-watering dish. Detailed marinading ensures moistness and rich taste, while the garlic and herb rub enhances the flavor profile before grilling to perfection. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these grilled pork chops promise to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (none)
lager beer
1 cup (none)
kosher salt
4 teaspoons (none)
dark brown sugar
1.5 tablespoons (none)
molasses
1 tablespoon (none)
ice cubes
1 cup (none)
thick center-cut pork loin chops
4 (6 ounce) (none)
minced garlic
4 teaspoons (none)
coarse ground black pepper
3 teaspoons (none)
dried sage
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, lager beer, kosher salt, dark brown sugar, and molasses. Stir thoroughly until both the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
2
Add the ice cubes to the brine mixture to cool it down.
3
Place the thick pork loin chops into a large resealable plastic bag. Carefully pour the beer brine over the pork chops, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally to promote even brining.
4
When ready to cook, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat.
5
In a separate small bowl, mix together minced garlic, coarse ground black pepper, and dried sage to create a flavor-packed rub.
6
Once the pork chops have marinated, remove them from the brine and discard the brine. Pat the chops dry and generously rub them with the garlic-herb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
7
Grill the pork chops for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and are cooked through.
8
After grilling, transfer the pork chops to a serving platter and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of brining the pork chops?
Brining tenderizes the pork and infuses it with flavor, ensuring the meat remains succulent and moist while grilling.
What type of beer is best for this recipe?
A lager beer is recommended for its balanced flavor, which complements the savory and sweet elements of the brine.
How long should the pork chops brine?
The pork chops should be refrigerated in the brine for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute dark brown sugar with light brown sugar, though dark brown sugar offers a deeper molasses flavor.
What is the purpose of molasses in the brine?
Molasses adds a rich sweetness and helps the pork chops achieve a beautiful caramelized color on the grill.
Why are ice cubes added to the brine?
Ice cubes are added to quickly cool the brine mixture down before the raw pork chops are submerged for food safety.
Is kosher salt necessary for the brine?
Kosher salt is preferred for brining because its coarse grains dissolve easily and provide a clean, salty flavor.
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of loin chops?
Yes, bone-in chops can be used; however, they may require a slightly longer cooking time than center-cut loin chops.
What should the internal temperature of the pork be?
The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be considered safely and perfectly cooked.
How long should the pork chops rest after grilling?
Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes on a serving platter to allow the juices to redistribute for a moister result.
Can I prepare the brine in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the brine ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you are ready to add the meat.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and proper cooking.
How many minutes do I grill each side?
Grill the pork chops for approximately 6 to 8 minutes on each side depending on their thickness.
What ingredients are in the dry rub?
The flavor-packed rub consists of minced garlic, coarse ground black pepper, and dried sage.
Should I rinse the pork chops after removing them from the brine?
No, simply remove them from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels before applying the garlic-herb rub.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes, non-alcoholic lager can be used as a substitute and will still provide a similar flavor profile.
How do I know the pork is cooked without a thermometer?
While a thermometer is most accurate, the meat should feel firm and the juices should run clear when pierced.
Can I reuse the beer brine?
No, the brine should be discarded after use to prevent cross-contamination from the raw meat.
What can I substitute for dried sage?
If you do not have dried sage, dried thyme or rosemary can be excellent flavorful alternatives.
Can these pork chops be cooked in a pan?
Yes, they can be pan-seared over medium-high heat if a grill is not available, though you will miss the smoky grill flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Beer typically contains gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free lager beer.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people, using four 6-ounce pork chops.
What if I only have table salt?
You can use table salt, but reduce the amount by half as table salt is much finer and saltier by volume than kosher salt.
What if the pork tastes too salty?
Ensure you do not brine longer than overnight and always pat the chops dry thoroughly before grilling.
Can I brine the pork for more than 24 hours?
It is not recommended, as over-brining can lead to the meat becoming too salty and the texture becoming mushy.
What side dishes go well with these chops?
These chops pair well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.
Can I use an IPA instead of a lager?
You can, but be aware that the hoppy bitterness of an IPA may become more concentrated during the cooking process.
Do I need to oil the grill?
It is helpful to lightly oil the grill grates before cooking to prevent the pork chops from sticking.
How thick should the pork chops be?
The recipe calls for thick center-cut chops, which are usually about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Why is patting the pork dry important?
Patting the meat dry ensures the rub adheres properly and helps the surface sear rather than steam on the grill.