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5 from 6 votes
Grilled brined pork chops on a wooden board with pineapple and parsley.
Brined Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Brining Time
6 hrs
Total Time
6 hrs 30 mins
 
These brined pork chops are juicy and tender because of the brine they sit in for 1 to 6 hours before being grilled. The spice rub gives them a great flavor and the grilled pineapple makes them a perfect summer dish.
Course: Entrées
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pork
Servings: 4
Calories: 446 kcal
Ingredients
Brine:
  • 4 cups water
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 4 cloves garlic smashed
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh gingerroot
  • 4 cloves
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups ice cubes
Dry Rub:
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 4 bone-in pork chops 1-inch thick
  • 4 slices fresh pineapple cut in half and core removed
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
  1. Make the brine by bringing all the brine ingredients except the ice cubes to a boil in a saucepan. After the brine boils and the salt and sugar have dissolved, add the ice cubes to help cool the liquid. Once the brine is cool, place the pork chops in a shallow baker or a zipper sealable plastic bag and pour the brine over the top. Let the pork chops sit in the brine in the refrigerator for 1 to 6 hours.
  2. Remove the pork chops from the brine, rinse them under cold water and pat them very dry with clean kitchen towels. Combine the spice rub ingredients and rub the mix into both sides of the pork chops. Let the chops rest at room temperature for 30 minutes while you pre-heat the grill to medium-high heat.
  3. Combine the maple syrup, brown sugar and black pepper in a bowl and set aside.
  4. Grill the chops for 4 to 6 minutes per side, rotating the chops to get cross-hatch grill marks. Grill until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 150˚F on an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop. Remove the chops from the grill and place them on a plate to rest, loosely cover with foil.
  5. While the pork chops are resting, brush the pineapple slices with the maple syrup mixture and grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Baste with more of the maple syrup mixture as needed.
  6. Serve the grilled pork chops and pineapple slices over rice with a green vegetable or salad.
Nutrition Facts
Brined Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple
Amount Per Serving
Calories 446 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 117mg39%
Sodium 7192mg300%
Potassium 784mg22%
Carbohydrates 40g13%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 32g36%
Protein 36g72%
Vitamin A 985IU20%
Vitamin C 41.1mg50%
Calcium 91mg9%
Iron 1.8mg10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.