Recipe: Dry-brined pork chops with roasted vegetables

In this recipe for dry-brined pork chops with roasted vegetables we make use of science to achieve tender and delicious meat.

Dry brining is an alternative to traditional brining (i.e. submerging a piece of meat in salty water) with the goal of keeping the meat moist via osmosis. Dry brining involves covering the meat directly with salt (and optional spices), which initially draws water out of the meat. However, given enough time, the water is reabsorbed by the meat, which tenderises in the process and remains moist. This works better with thicker chops (steaks, etc.).

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free and low-carb. If you don’t eat pork, you can use the same technique with beef steaks or lamb chops.

Dry-brined pork chops with roasted vegetables

In this recipe for dry-brined pork chops with roasted vegetables we make use of science to achieve tender and delicious meat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine Modern Australian

Servings 4

Equipment

• oven

Ingredients

  

• 4 pork chops
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup dried oregano
• 4 tsp sea salt flakes
• 2 tbsp coconut or olive oil

Vegetables

• 2 bunches of asparagus
• 1 fennel bulb
• 1 bunch of radishes
• handful of rocket
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• drizzle of caramelised balsamic vinegar

Instructions

 

• Season both sides of the pork chops with paprika, oregano and salt. Place chops on a rimmed baking sheet and leave in the fridge uncovered at least overnight and up to 24 hours.
• Take chops out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
• Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).
• Snap hard ends of asparagus stalks and cut them in 2-3 pieces.
• Wash and chop fennel in large chunks.
• Place asparagus, fennel and radishes in a baking sheet, drizzle with coconut oil. Bake for 20-30 minutes.
• While vegetables are roasting, heat oil in a pan. Shake excess salt off chops and cook 6-8 minutes per side, until completely cooked through.
• Serve chops alongside vegetables drizzled with caramelised balsamic.

Keyword dairy free, gluten free, keto, low carb, paleo, pork, pork chops

If you need nutrition advice, click here to check out our range of available services.