Grilled Pork Chops

Total Time Prep: 20 min. + brining Grill: 10 min.

Yield 4 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Soaked in brine and rubbed with a fragrant spice blend, these grilled pork chops burst with flavor.

Ingredients

1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups water
2 cups ice water
4 center-cut pork rib chops (1 inch thick and 8 ounces each)
2 tablespoons canola oil
BASIC RUB:
3 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin and ground mustard
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine salt, sugar and 2 cups water; cook and stir over medium heat until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat. Add 2 cups ice water to cool brine to room temperature.
Place pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag; add cooled brine. Seal bag, pressing out as much air as possible; turn to coat chops. Place in a 13x9-in. baking dish. Refrigerate 8-12 hours.
Remove chops from brine; rinse and pat dry. Discard brine. Brush both sides of chops with oil. In a small bowl, mix rub ingredients; rub over pork chops. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
Grill chops on an oiled rack, covered, over medium heat 4-6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 145°. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 pork chop: 300 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.

A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered the techniques, you'll be enjoying them all summer long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Recipe Creator