Grilled Pork Chops with Brown-sugar Brine and Onion-Peach Marmalade
Photo: Leigh Beisch; Styling: Dan Becker
Total Time 1 hr

Because modern pork is very lean, the meat can easily dry out when cooked. Using a brine (a solution of water, salt, and aromatics) adds moisture and flavor to these grilled pork chops.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

In a large pot, bring 7 cups water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup salt, the brown sugar, rosemary sprig, and 2 tsp. peppercorns, stirring until salt and sugar are dissolved. Add ice cubes and chill until cold. Place pork in brine and set a plate on top to keep meat completely submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.

Step 2
2

Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until transparent and starting to brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Turn heat to low; add peaches, granulated sugar, vinegar, and remaining 1 tsp. peppercorns. Cook, stirring often, until marmalade is caramelized and sticky, 40 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 tsp. salt and 2 tsp. rosemary.

Step 3
3

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for medium heat (350° to 400°; you can hold your hand 5 in. above cooking grate for only 5 to 7 seconds). Remove pork from brine and pat dry. Brush pork all over with remaining 1 tbsp. oil.

Step 4
4

Grill pork, covered, turning once, until meat is done the way you like it, about 10 minutes for medium-rare (145°; cut to test). Transfer pork to a platter, tent with foil, and let rest 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with marmalade.

Step 5
5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Step 6
6

*Sodium content could not be accurately calculated.

Ingredients

 1/2 cup plus 1 tsp. kosher salt*
 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
 1 sprig plus 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
 3 teaspoons black peppercorns, divided
 1 cup ice cubes
 4 bone-in center-cut pork chops (1 3/4 lbs. total)
 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
 4 cups sliced white onions
 2 cups chopped peeled peaches (see Notes)
 1/3 cup granulated sugar
 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar

Directions

Step 1
1

In a large pot, bring 7 cups water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup salt, the brown sugar, rosemary sprig, and 2 tsp. peppercorns, stirring until salt and sugar are dissolved. Add ice cubes and chill until cold. Place pork in brine and set a plate on top to keep meat completely submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.

Step 2
2

Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until transparent and starting to brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Turn heat to low; add peaches, granulated sugar, vinegar, and remaining 1 tsp. peppercorns. Cook, stirring often, until marmalade is caramelized and sticky, 40 minutes. Stir in remaining 1 tsp. salt and 2 tsp. rosemary.

Step 3
3

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for medium heat (350° to 400°; you can hold your hand 5 in. above cooking grate for only 5 to 7 seconds). Remove pork from brine and pat dry. Brush pork all over with remaining 1 tbsp. oil.

Step 4
4

Grill pork, covered, turning once, until meat is done the way you like it, about 10 minutes for medium-rare (145°; cut to test). Transfer pork to a platter, tent with foil, and let rest 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with marmalade.

Step 5
5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Step 6
6

*Sodium content could not be accurately calculated.

Grilled Pork Chops with Brown-Sugar Brine and Onion-Peach Marmalade

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