Whisk together water, baking soda, salt, peppercorns, and brown sugar until dissolved. Submerge pork chops and brine for 1–2 hours at room temp (or up to 6 hours in the fridge).
In a small saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients and simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until thickened and glossy. Set aside.
Outdoor Grill (BBQ)
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C) and oil the grates.
Pat pork chops dry, brush with olive oil, and season with black pepper.
Grill for 4–5 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat until internal temperature reaches 140°F / 60°C.
Brush with glaze in the last minute of cooking to caramelize. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Stovetop or Electric Grill
Heat a grill pan or electric grill to medium-high and brush lightly with oil.
Sear pork chops for 4–5 minutes per side to get those golden grill marks.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely with a lid or foil, and cook for another 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until internal temp reaches 140°F / 60°C.
Brush with glaze during the last 1–2 minutes for a sticky, glossy finish. Let rest before serving.
Oven Method
Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Heat an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Sear chops 2–3 minutes per side.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until internal temp hits 140°F / 60°C.
Brush with glaze and broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize. Rest before serving.
Notes
Erren’s Top Tips
Always pat the pork dry after brining. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
Don’t glaze too early or it will burn before it caramelizes.
Use a thermometer. Guessing leads to dry pork.
Let the meat rest. Cutting too soon releases all the juices.
If your glaze thickens too much, loosen it with a teaspoon of water.
Variations & Add-Ins
Garlic Lover’s Version: Double the garlic in the glaze for a stronger punch.
Spicy Upgrade: Add chili flakes or extra Sriracha for more heat.
Citrus Twist: Finish with fresh lime juice for brightness.
Asian-Inspired Finish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Storage & Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep them from drying out.Freeze cooked pork chops for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly for best texture.