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Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, then pour into a pot or bowl large enough to hold the pork chops.
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Add Morton Kosher Salt, sugar, and peppercorns and stir until dissolved.
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Add 2 cups of ice cubes and stir until the mixture is well-chilled.
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Stir in the 2 cups apple juice and the thyme.
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Add the pork chops, submerging them in the brine (cover them with a plate to keep them submerged in the brine).
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Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or up to overnight.
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When ready to grill, remove the pork chops from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, prepare a gas or charcoal grill for medium-high indirect heat. Clean the grill grates.
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Brush both sides of the pork chops with olive oil.
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Sear the chops directly over the fire until nicely charred and grill-marked, turning once or twice and with the grill covered when not turning, about 6 minutes.
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Using grilling tongs, transfer the chops to the cooler side of the grill.
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Cover the grill and continue to cook, turning as needed, until the chops register 150F on a meat thermometer (for medium), about 10 minutes longer.
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Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for success:
- You can also use 4 boneless center-cut pork chops (2 lbs total weight), but reduce the brining time to 4 hours.
- As a substitute for a brush, simply drizzle the olive oil on the meat and spread with fingers or a spoon.