best pork brine recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best best pork brine recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite pork brine recipe. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a special dish to serve at a holiday gathering or just a delicious meal to make for your family, this recipe is sure to please.

The key to this recipe is the brine, which is made with a combination of water, salt, sugar, and spices. The brine helps to tenderize the pork and give it a rich, savory flavor that’s just amazing. I like to use pork shoulder or butt for this recipe, as it’s a great cut for slow cooking.

The result is a tender, juicy piece of meat that’s just perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. My kids love helping me make the brine, as it’s such an easy process. We simply mix all the ingredients together in a large pot and bring them to a boil.

Then we reduce the heat and let the brine simmer until it’s nice and clear. This process helps to break down the salt and sugar in the brine, making it easier to absorb into the meat. Once the brine is ready, we simply submerge the pork in it and let it sit for several hours or overnight.

The next day, we remove the pork from the brine and roast it in the oven until it’s nice and browned. The result is a dish that’s both delicious and impressive-looking. I’ve served this recipe at countless family gatherings over the years, and it’s always been a hit.

My kids ask for it by name, and my husband raves about how tender and flavorful it is. As for me, I just love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it on-the-go, this recipe is sure to please.

Ultimate Pork Brine for Juicy, Flavorful Meat

4.5 from 967 votes

This simple yet effective brine combines salt, sugar, and aromatic spices to lock in moisture and infuse pork with deep savory flavor. Perfect for chops, roasts, or tenderloin, it guarantees a succulent and seasoned result every time.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time12 hours 10 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 50 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

4 cups water
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup ice cubes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine 2 cups of water, kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic, black peppercorns, dried thyme, and bay leaf in a large pot.
2Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3Remove the pot from the heat and add the remaining 2 cups of cold water and the ice cubes.
4Stir the brine gently until the ice melts and the liquid cools to room temperature, which should take about 5 minutes.
5Place your pork cuts in a large container or a resealable plastic bag and pour the cooled brine over them, ensuring the meat is fully submerged.
6Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the thickness of the pork; thinner cuts like chops need 12 hours, while roasts can go the full 24 hours.
7After brining, remove the pork from the liquid and pat it completely dry with paper towels.
8Discard the used brine and proceed with your preferred cooking method, such as grilling, roasting, or pan-searing.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Whisk
Large container or resealable bag
Refrigerator

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 50 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 5600mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Tips: Always use cold brine to prevent bacterial growth. Adjust the salt amount if using table salt, as it is finer and saltier than kosher salt. Do not over-brine, as the pork can become too salty and mushy.

Watch Video Of How Ultimate Pork Brine for Juicy, Flavorful Meat Works

This pork brine recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a special dish to serve at a holiday gathering or just a delicious meal to make for your family.

The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make – just mix up the ingredients in advance and let them simmer until ready. Then simply submerge your chosen cut of meat in the brine and let it sit until cooked through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Brine for Juicy, Flavorful Meat

Q: What type of pork works best with this brine recipe?

A: I prefer to use pork shoulder or butt for this recipe, as they’re both great cuts for slow cooking.

Q: How long does the brine need to simmer?

A: The brine should simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour until it’s nice and clear.

Q: Can I use other types of meat with this brine?

A: Yes, you can use other types of meat with this brine – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I store leftover brine?

A: You can store leftover brine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I reheat leftover pork after using this brine?

A: Yes, you can reheat leftover pork after using this brine – just be sure to heat it slowly over low heat until warmed through.

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