Grilled Beer-Brined Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce
Juicy pork chops brined in a flavorful beer mixture then grilled and served with a tangy mustard sauce. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick), lager beer, kosher salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 3 cups lager beer
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large container, combine 3 cups lager beer, 1/4 cup kosher salt, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp black peppercorns, and 3 smashed garlic cloves. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve.
- Step 2: Submerge 4 bone-in pork chops in the beer brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Step 3: Remove pork chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill pork chops for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and juices run clear.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl to make the mustard sauce.
- Step 6: Serve grilled pork chops drizzled with the mustard sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Beer-Brined Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Beer-Brined Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Beer-Brined Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Beer-Brined Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Beer-Brined Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.