Juicy & Tender Pork Chops

By Love2cook_

Makes 2 to 4 chops

Ingredients

• For the Chops:
• Brine: 3 cups cold water, divided
• 3 T course kosher salt, or 2 1/2 T table salt
• Optional flavors; 2 smashed garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp black peppercorns, 1 bay leaf.
• 2 to 4 pork chops - center cut, bone-on, 3/4" to 1" thick (1 lb each)
• EVOO, S&P

Preparation

Step 1

Brining: Bring 1 cup water to boil, add salt and optional flavors, stir till salt is dissolved. Add 2 cups of cold water to bring the water to room temp. Place chops in shallow dish and pour brine to cover, add additional water to cover. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 mins or up to 4 hours.
Heat oven 400, position the rack in the middle, place oven-safe skillet in oven to preheat.
Pat dry the chops and season with EVOO, S&P. Remove skillet from oven and set it over medium high heat on stove top. Add chops and sear 1 side 3 mins. Flip chops and place the skillet back in oven. Roast the chops till cooked through (140-145) about 6-10 mins. Transfer the cooked chops to plate, pour any juices over top. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for at least 5 mins. before serving.