RECIPE

Grilled Maple-Brined Pork Chops

  • ACTIVE: 20 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 2 HRS plus 8 hr for brining
  • SERVINGS: 6

Melissa Kelly, the chef and owner of Primo in Rockland, Maine, raises her own Tamworth pigs. She uses a sweet and tangy maple-syrup and cider-vinegar brine to enhance the natural juiciness of the meat.

Plus: More Pork Recipes and Tips

  • ACTIVE: 20 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 2 HRS
  • OTHER TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 6
  • MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 2 quarts water
    2. 1/2 cup kosher salt
    3. 1/2 cup light brown sugar
    4. 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
    5. 1/4 cup cider vinegar
    6. 1 whole clove
    7. 3 bay leaves
    8. 4 whole allspice berries
    9. 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
    10. 4 fresh sage leaves
    11. 1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper
    12. 6 double-cut, bone-in pork chops (about 1 pound each)
    13. Olive oil, for brushing

Directions

  1. In a large pot, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, vinegar, clove, bay leaves, allspice berries, mustard seeds, sage and pepper. Bring to a boil and remove from the heat. Let the brine cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour. Add the pork chops to the brine and refrigerate for 7 to 8 hours, turning the chops after 4 hours. Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat dry.
  2. Light a grill. Lightly brush both sides of the chops with olive oil and grill over a medium-hot fire, for 18 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 155°. Transfer to plates and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Make Ahead

The chops can be prepared through Step 1 and refrigerated for up to 4 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.

Serve With

Polenta and braised greens.