Molasses Brined Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 cup boiling water
• 7 cups cold water
• 4 (2 1/4 inch thick) center cut, bone-in pork chops
• 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil

Directions

Combine salt, molasses, cloves, and boiling water in a large container. Stir until molasses and salt are dissolved; let cool to room temperature.

Pour cold water into molasses mixture; stir to combine.

Completely submerge pork chops in molasses mixture. Cover container and refrigerate for 6 hours.

Remove pork chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Lightly oil each chop.

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Place pork chops on the hottest part of the grill; cook each side until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium-high area of the grill and cook pork until it is slightly pink in the center, 6 to 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chop should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).