Brined Pork Chops With Ginger Apple Sauce

Brined Pork Chops

With Ginger Apple Sauce 

I cannot describe the tender, juicy and succulent flavor of this recipe for pork chops.  Do try it and I am sure you will agree.

Ingredients:
3 cups water
1 cup apple cider
¼ cup kosher salt
¼ cup maple syrup
3 star anise
Six 1½ -inch-thick pork rib chops
Pepper to taste
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tsp. finely chopped ginger
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 cup apple juice
1 cup stock
¼ cup cold butter

*

Directions:

1. Place water, cider, salt, maple syrup and anise in a pot and bring to boil. Stir to dissolve the salt then remove from heat and cool completely to make brine.

2. Place pork chops in 1 or 2 sealable plastic bags. Pour brine over to completely cover the chops. Seal bags and refrigerate for 12 hours.

3. Remove chops, drain well and pat dry. Season with pepper.

4. Preheat oven to 450ºF.

5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chops in batches and sear on each side about 2 minutes per side. Remove chops to baking sheet. Transfer to oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until just slightly pink, turning once. Remove from oven and place on plates.

6. Add ginger, lemon juice, apple juice and stock to skillet when chops are baking. Bring to boil and boil until reduced by half. Stir in butter and spoon over chops.

Serves 6