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Pickle Brined Pork Chops

This was an idea born of frugality. We helped cook at a charity event where pulled pork sandwiches were served with excellent dill pickle spears. At the end of the day, there was a huge bucket of pickle brine left. We couldn’t stand to see it discarded. We started tentatively with pork chops, and loved them. As you can imagine, we’ll post more pickle-brined pork recipes, including one for pulled pork. Waste not, want not!

Serves: 4

Recommended Pellets: Hickory, Oak, or Pecan

  • Wood Pellet Guide

  • RECIPE DIRECTIONS

    INGREDIENTS

    • 4 pork chops, each 1 to 1-1/4 inches thick
    • About 3 cups dill pickle brine, or the brine from 2 jars of dill pickles
    • Coarse black pepper

    PREPARATION

    Put the pork chops and pickle brine in a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with black pepper. When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (4 to 5 minutes). Set the temperature to 300 degrees F and preheat, lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes. Put the chops directly on the grill grate and grill, turning once, for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the chop is at least 145 degrees F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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