Grilled Pork Chops with pickle brine

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

• 2 cups pickle brine (from a jar of dill pickles)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on how salty the brine is)

• Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Brine the Pork Chops:

   • Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.

   • Pour in the pickle brine, making sure the pork chops are fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the dish.

   • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. The longer you let them sit in the brine, the juicier and more flavorful they will be.

2. Prepare the Grill:

   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).

   • If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down until they’re covered in white ash.

3. Season the Pork Chops:

   • Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels (this will help them sear better on the grill).

   • Rub both sides of the pork chops with olive oil.

   • In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the pork chops.

4. Grill the Pork Chops:

   • Place the pork chops on the preheated grill. Close the lid and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

   • Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll lose their juiciness. The brine helps keep them moist, but you still want to watch the cooking time.

5. Rest & Serve:

   • Once they’re cooked to perfection, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute.

   • Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a nice zesty kick!

Tips:

• Pickle Brine Variations: You can use dill pickle brine for that classic flavor, but if you want something a little different, try using bread-and-butter pickle brine for a sweet twist or spicy pickle brine for a bit of heat.

• Sides to Pair: These pork chops go great with mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad.

That’s it! Trust me, those pork chops will be so juicy and flavorful. Enjoy!