Apple Cider Brine
For some reason, apples and pork go well together, which is why this apple cider brine makes pork chops taste so darned good! This pork chop brine has a lot going for it - a balance of tartness and sweetness, great apple flavor, and a few choice herbs and spices.This brine isn't strictly for brining pork chops, either. Any cut of pork gets the "Wow Factor" added when soaked in this magical liquid.
Cider Brine Recipe for Pork
This pork brine recipe makes enough for 3 to 4 pounds of pork chops, or country style ribs, or pork steaks, or pork loin...you get the idea!INGREDIENTS
- 1 quart apple cider
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoon fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Stir all ingredients together until sugar is completely dissolved. After marinating pork for 4 to 6 hours, remove and drain well.
The brined pork can now go to either the grill or the smoker.
If you're grilling, cook over medium-high direct heat for just long enough on each side to give the meat a bit of brown crust, then transfer to the cool part of the grill and cook with indirect heat until done.
Would you prefer your apple cider brine pork smoked? (I know I would!) Hickory, apple and cherry wood make for some great smoke flavor here. Keep your smoker at 225-250 degrees.
If it's thick pork chops or a nice pork loin you're doing, bring the internal temp just up to 155 degrees - a nice medium level of doneness.
