Juicy and Flavorful Roast Pork Loin Chop Recipe

Roast pork loin chops are a weeknight dinner champion. They’re relatively inexpensive, quick to cook, and incredibly versatile. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chops every single time, thanks to a simple brine and a foolproof roasting method. Forget dry, bland pork – prepare to be amazed by the succulent results!

Why This Recipe Works

* **Brining:** A quick brine infuses the pork with moisture and flavor, preventing it from drying out during cooking. Salt, sugar, and aromatics create a balanced, delicious taste.
* **High Heat Sear:** Starting with a high-heat sear in a hot pan creates a beautiful crust and seals in the juices.
* **Oven Roasting:** Finishing the chops in the oven ensures even cooking and a tender, juicy interior.
* **Resting:** Allowing the pork to rest after cooking is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chop.

Ingredients

* **Pork Loin Chops:** 4 (1-inch thick) bone-in or boneless pork loin chops. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful.
* **Brine:**
* 4 cups water
* 1/4 cup kosher salt
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
* 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
* 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
* **For Searing and Roasting:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
* 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite pork seasoning blend.

Equipment

* Large bowl or container for brining
* Large skillet or cast iron pan (oven-safe preferred)
* Oven
* Meat thermometer

Instructions

Step 1: Brine the Pork Chops (at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours)

1. **Prepare the Brine:** In a large bowl or container, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, minced garlic, crushed peppercorns, rosemary (if using), and thyme (if using). Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
2. **Submerge the Pork Chops:** Place the pork chops in the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. You may need to weigh them down with a plate to keep them underwater.
3. **Refrigerate:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Do not brine for longer than 4 hours, as the pork can become too salty.

Step 2: Prepare the Pork Chops for Cooking

1. **Remove from Brine:** Remove the pork chops from the brine and discard the brine solution.
2. **Pat Dry:** Pat the pork chops very dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Excess moisture will steam the pork instead of browning it.
3. **Season:** Season the pork chops generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. Be mindful of the salt already absorbed during the brining process. A little goes a long way.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

1. **Heat the Pan:** Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be very hot before adding the pork chops. If using butter, add it to the pan once the oil is hot and melted, swirling to coat the pan.
2. **Sear the First Side:** Carefully place the pork chops in the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. If necessary, sear in batches. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are deeply browned and have a good crust.
3. **Flip and Sear the Second Side:** Flip the pork chops and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until deeply browned.

Step 4: Roast the Pork Chops in the Oven

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Transfer to Oven (if needed):** If you used a skillet or pan that is not oven-safe, carefully transfer the seared pork chops to a baking sheet or roasting pan. If using a cast iron pan, simply place the entire pan in the oven.
3. **Roast:** Roast the pork chops in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop to check the temperature. Avoid overcooking, as this will result in dry pork.

Step 5: Rest the Pork Chops

1. **Remove from Oven:** Remove the pork chops from the oven and transfer them to a clean plate or cutting board.
2. **Rest:** Tent the pork chops loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise slightly during resting (carryover cooking).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Serve:** After resting, the pork chops are ready to serve. Serve them whole or slice them against the grain for easier eating.
2. **Enjoy:** Enjoy your juicy and flavorful roast pork loin chops! They pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.

Tips for Perfect Pork Loin Chops

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When searing, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the pork chops to steam instead of sear. Sear in batches if necessary.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your pork chops are cooked to the correct internal temperature. This will help prevent overcooking and ensure juicy, tender results.
* **Let the Pork Rest:** Resting the pork chops after cooking is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This will result in a more flavorful and tender chop.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops and the accuracy of your oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Don’t Be Afraid of Color:** A beautiful brown crust is a sign of good searing and flavor. Don’t be afraid to let the pork chops get nicely browned on both sides.
* **Experiment with Seasonings:** Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your pork chops. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and Italian seasoning are all great options.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the pan during searing can add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the pork chops. Simply toss a sprig or two into the pan with the oil.
* **Make a Pan Sauce:** After removing the pork chops from the pan, you can easily make a quick pan sauce. Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine, broth, or lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add a pat of butter and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened. Pour the sauce over the pork chops before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Roast pork loin chops are a versatile main course that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for pork chops.
* **Rice:** Rice pilaf, wild rice, or brown rice are all good options.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with fruits and nuts is a refreshing side dish.
* **Applesauce:** Applesauce is a traditional accompaniment to pork.
* **Green Beans:** Green beans sautéed with garlic and almonds are a delicious and easy side dish.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Corn on the cob is a summery side dish that pairs well with pork chops.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and protein-packed side dish.

Variations

* **Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Chops:** Brush the pork chops with a mixture of honey, garlic, and soy sauce during the last few minutes of roasting for a sweet and savory glaze.
* **Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops:** Brush the pork chops with a mixture of apple cider, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard during the last few minutes of roasting for a fall-inspired flavor.
* **Lemon Herb Pork Chops:** Add lemon slices and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the pan during roasting for a bright and flavorful dish.
* **Spicy Pork Chops:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom Gravy Pork Chops:** Prepare a creamy mushroom gravy and serve it over the pork chops for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat pork chops in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.

Nutritional Information (estimated per serving)

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*(Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)*

Enjoy Your Delicious Pork Loin Chops!

This recipe provides a simple and reliable way to cook juicy and flavorful roast pork loin chops. With a quick brine and a foolproof roasting method, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked pork every time. Experiment with different seasonings and side dishes to create your own signature pork chop meal!