Step 1

BRINE (optional but recommended): Combine warm water and kosher salt together in a freezer bag or glass dish. Stir until the salt dissolves. Whisk in apple cider vinegar, brown sugar and ice then add pork. Let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes (see below).

Step 2

Meanwhile, whisk seasonings together in a small bowl. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 3

After 20-30 minutes, remove pork from the brine, rinse thoroughly in cold water and pat dry. Rub the spice mix all over both sides of the pork. Time permitting, let rest 15 minutes.

Step 4

Heat two tablespoons olive oil in a large oven proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear approximately 3 minutes or until golden, flip over then sear 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of butter to the top of each pork chop. Before you transfer to the oven, make sure there is enough oil in the bottom of the skillet so the pork won’t burn – you may need to add an additional tablespoon or so.

Step 5

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, about 5-10 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer pork to a plate.

Step 6

Whisk sauce ingredients into the remaining pan drippings. Simmer just until thickened, 1-2 minutes, stirring often.

Step 7

Add pork chops back to the pan and coat with the sauce. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Adjust sauce if desired by adding additional brown sugar for sweeter, lemon juice for less sweet/tangier. Season with additional salt to taste.