I think I heard somewhere that pork is the most consumed meat in the world. I’m sure I’ve helped contribute to those stats because I’ve cooked and eaten quite a few pounds of it over the years. I love the delicate flavor of pork, it really lends itself to combining with all types of bold flavors. Pork chops are easily found in most grocery stores and they cook quickly making them a great solution to getting dinner on the table any day of the week.
This post is sponsored by the National Pork Board…but you already know how much I like pork. All opinions are my own.
Brining pork chops allows flavors to penetrate deep into the meat and also helps to keep the meat moist during cooking. Most basic brine recipes are a combination of water, salt and sugar. For this brine I replace your everyday white sugar with maple syrup for a kind of breakfast for dinner twist. A few smashed garlic cloves in the brine add even more flavor. I let the center cut pork chops bathe in the brine refrigerated over night, then pat them dry and let them come to room temperature before grilling.
I like to grill the pork chops over natural hardwood charcoal. I must admit that’s not the most convenient cooking method in the world but it may be the most delicious. Even with the relatively short cooking time the pork chops the really do benefit from the smoke of the coals and a bit of a kiss from the flames. If you prefer using a gas grill I totally understand. They are much easier to turn on and start cooking right away. This recipe will work on either charcoal or gas, the pork chops will be delicious either way. Frankly these pork chops are even great on a stove top grill pan.
The most important thing to remember about grilling pork or cooking any meat is beware of over cooking. Cooking times are good estimates, at best and can be unreliable. Use an instant read thermometer to get an accurate determination of the pork chops done-ness. Pork chops should reach a temperature of 145 degrees but pull them off of the grill when the temperature reaches 140 degrees, they should reach 145 degrees while resting.
I served these pork chops with a salad of mixed greens, onion and sliced peaches dressed with red wine vinegar and olive oil.
WHAT’S YOU’RE FAVORITE PORK CHOP RECIPE? Follow @PorkBeInspired on Instagram, for great ideas
Maple Syrup Brined Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1 quart of water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- -OR- 1/4 cup soy sauce *instead of * water and salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup for the brine + 1/4 cup more for basting
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 center cut pork chops 1/2 -3/4 inches thick
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Instructions
- In a large container with a lid mix together water, kosher salt and maple syrup.
- Smash the 2 garlic cloves and add this to the brine
- Add the pork chops to the brine, cover the container with the lid and refrigerate overnight
- When ready to cook, remove the pork chops from the brine and pat dry.
- Let the pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling
- Rub the pork chops with canola oil and grill over hot coals until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees, about 4-6 minutes per side. Baste both sides of the pork chops with maple syrup during the last 2 minutes of grilling.Final temperature should reach 145 degrees
- Remove from the grill and let the pork chops rest tented with aluminum foil for 3-5 minutes before serving
Maple Syrup Brined Pork Chops
Anjanette @MommaYoung
July 25, 2015 at 10:23 pm (9 years ago)I love anything maple syrup! I hadn’t thought of pairing it with pork! Will definitely try this out!~
Shannon Gurnee
July 24, 2015 at 7:54 pm (9 years ago)That sounds like an amazing recipe! We’ll have to try making it sometime!
Krystal's Kitsch
July 23, 2015 at 9:19 pm (9 years ago)Pork is my favorite meat to cook! It is so flavorful. I love seasoning it with oregano.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy
July 22, 2015 at 3:48 pm (9 years ago)Ooh these look delicious! I love sweet pork chops!
Marina John
July 22, 2015 at 12:56 am (9 years ago)Oh my, these look amazing! I’ve never had maple syrup pork chops! Sounds like a winner.
Rosey
July 21, 2015 at 8:45 pm (9 years ago)I’m always looking for new ways to make pork. This looks like a good recipe.
Donna
July 21, 2015 at 6:23 pm (9 years ago)This sounds amazingly good. I will have to give it a try the next time we decide to eat pork! Thank you for the recipe.
Amanda
July 21, 2015 at 3:48 pm (9 years ago)Yummy! This sounds great. I am always looking for different ways to make pork!
Jeanine
July 21, 2015 at 2:15 pm (9 years ago)Oh yum. This looks amazing and I can’t say I’ve ever had any maple syrup brined pork chops (or anything else!) before! Looks so good.
Crystal
July 21, 2015 at 2:11 pm (9 years ago)My bacon consumption probably puts pork in the lead. These pork chops are realy going to cinch pork’s spot as #1. Yum!
Tracey
July 21, 2015 at 1:54 pm (9 years ago)That sounds SO GOOD! I love maple syrup and I bet this would taste amazing.
Chrystal | YUM eating
July 21, 2015 at 1:21 pm (9 years ago)OH MY YUM! My husbands cousin has a farm and he has maple trees. I am thankful to get the good stuff tapped right off the tree. We save it for our special pancake breakfast. I have been milking the same bottle for months now. LOL I love the idea of pairing it with pork chops on the grill.
Demetra Overton
July 21, 2015 at 4:08 pm (9 years ago)WOW! You definitely have the best maple hook up! I’ve never had it right from the tree, that must be incredible
Reduceri haine
July 21, 2015 at 12:15 pm (9 years ago)Wow! It looks very, very delicious!
Christie
July 21, 2015 at 3:27 am (9 years ago)I never really understood the word brine until I read this recipe! The maple syrup is the perfect brine for this dish!
Ann Bacciaglia
July 21, 2015 at 3:22 am (9 years ago)My family is going to love this recipe. Pork chops is one of our favorite meals to make.
Lisa Bristol
July 21, 2015 at 3:21 am (9 years ago)These look so delicious. I love trying new recipes. I am going to make this on the weekend.
Kristi
July 21, 2015 at 2:51 am (9 years ago)I am always searching for new ideas and ways to make Pork. This sounds like a great idea. Will add it to our meal rotation.
Felicia
July 21, 2015 at 2:43 am (9 years ago)This looks absolutely delicious! I need new ways to do pork.
Candy o
July 21, 2015 at 2:32 am (9 years ago)I have always wanted to try s brine!! This seems easy enough and I think I have everything at home. Thanks for sharing!
Cinny
July 21, 2015 at 2:23 am (9 years ago)That certainly sounds delicious! I’ll have to give it a go sometime.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
July 21, 2015 at 2:18 am (9 years ago)I have never tried a maple brine on pork before, this sounds great and I can’t wait to try it out! Thanks for sharing!
Amanda O.
July 21, 2015 at 1:47 am (9 years ago)Those pork chops look really good. I have never used a brine with maple syrup before.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert
July 21, 2015 at 12:30 am (9 years ago)YUM! I love brining meats and poultry. A maple brine elevates it to another level!
Pam
July 20, 2015 at 11:50 pm (9 years ago)Pork chops are probably my favorite serving of pork. I really need to try this recipe.
Toni | boulderlocavore
July 20, 2015 at 9:15 pm (9 years ago)These look so good! Pork can dry out but these look so moist.
Demetra Overton
July 20, 2015 at 11:16 pm (9 years ago)I know what you mean Toni but brining the pork chops help to keep them nice and moist. Also cooking them to the proper temperature is the key to moist pork chops. Using a meat thermometer is the best tool for this
MJ L
July 20, 2015 at 3:28 pm (9 years ago)Oh my husband would love this recipe!!! Thanks for sharing!
Melissa Pezza
July 20, 2015 at 2:33 pm (9 years ago)This looks so good! We’re kosher, so we can’t eat pork, but I can totally see doing this with chicken.
Demetra Overton
July 20, 2015 at 11:17 pm (9 years ago)I think this recipe would work perfectly with chicken. Please let me know if you try it.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
July 20, 2015 at 2:15 pm (9 years ago)Yes! A thousand times yes! I can’t wait to make this! I love a sweet pork recipe like this.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy)
July 20, 2015 at 1:56 pm (9 years ago)That sounds absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to make this for my family!
Mandee
July 20, 2015 at 1:27 pm (9 years ago)That sounds delicious! I’d never thought of adding maple to my pork chops, but I’m going to have to try it now that you’ve teased me with the photos! hehe!
Demetra Overton
July 20, 2015 at 1:39 pm (9 years ago)LOL! Thanks Mandee! The pork and maple syrup go really well together, definitely try is and let me know what you think.