I created my very own pork rub recipe using brown sugar, paprika, salt and a hint of chili powder. Blended with garlic and onion powders, a smidge of cumin and cayenne, it offers a bold, savory twist for pork chops, tenderloin or ribs. I love how these spices come together in a unique mix.

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I love experimenting with different spice blends and this Pork Rub is one of my favorites. I first tried it on pork chops and from that moment I knew this mix was something special.

Imagine the perfect balance of 1/4 cup brown sugar for a touch of sweetness, mixed with the smokey flavor of 2 tablespoons paprika and a good kick of salt and ground black pepper. Adding a tablespoon each of chili powder, garlic powder and onion powder really brings out the savory taste in the meat, and with a dash of cumin and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, you get just the right amount of heat.

I’ve used this rub on everything from pork tenderloin to pulled pork, and even tossed it on a BBQ burger for a fun twist. This homemade pork rub makes every bite a flavorful adventure, and I loved sharing it with my friends who always ask for more.

Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your favorite cuts of pork!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it brings out a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with simple ingredients like brown sugar and paprika that really make the pork taste amazing. I also love that its really easy to put together – I just mix all the spices, rub ’em on the meat, and let it chill for a bit; even if I mess up sometimes, it still comes out tasty. Another reason I enjoy it is because it’s super versatile, so I can use it on ribs, pork chops, or even pulled pork, which means I never get bored trying new dishes. Lastly, letting it marinate overnight just takes the flavor to another level, and I enjoy watching how even a little extra time makes it that much better.

Ingredients

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Brown Sugar: Adds natural sweetness and moisture that helps create a deliciously caramelized crunchy crust.
Paprika: Imparts deep smoky flavor and vibrant red color while offering antioxidants for health.
Salt: Enhances and intensifies every flavor making each bite taste more balanced and savory.
Garlic Powder: Provides a savory punch with earthy rich notes that brighten and deepen overall flavor.
Chili Powder: Delivers a bold spicy kick that works really good with sweet caramelized elements.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds a lively heat burst that awakens the palate without overwhelming other spices.
Ground Cumin: Brings a warm earthy depth to round out flavors and add complexity to the rub.

Ingredient Quantities

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

How to Make this

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1. Grab a medium bowl and mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper until they are fully combined.

2. Make sure you break up any clumps in the brown sugar and spices so that everything is even.

3. If you notice any uneven spots, stir again to redistribute the flavor evenly throughout the rub.

4. Grab your pork (ribs, pork chops, pork tenderloin or whatever you are planning to use) and pat them dry with paper towels.

5. Generously rub the spice blend over the entire surface of the meat. Don’t be shy – the more you use the better it will taste.

6. Massage the rub into the meat well, ensuring all sides are covered. It might feel a little messy but that’s okay.

7. Next, wrap your rubbed meat in plastic wrap and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you got the time, letting it sit overnight will take it to the next level.

8. Once your meat has marinated in the spices, pull it out of the fridge, and let it come to room temperature while you preheat your grill or oven.

9. Cook your pork using your preferred method – grilling, baking, or even smoking. Keep an eye on it, because every cooking method has different timings.

10. Finally, let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking, slice or pull apart as needed and enjoy the bold and savory flavors of your homemade pork rub!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Whisk or spatula for stirring
4. Paper towels for drying the meat
5. Plastic wrap for marinating
6. Refrigerator for chilling the meat
7. Grill, oven, or smoker for cooking the pork
8. Tongs for handling the meat
9. Knife and cutting board for slicing after cooking

FAQ

Q: How do i use this pork rub?

A: You just rub it on your meat before you grill or bake it to get a really good flavor. Make sure you cover all sides.

Q: Can i make a bigger batch?

A: Yeah, definately. Just double or triple the amounts you need, but remember to mix it really well so it stays balanced.

Q: How long does the rub stay fresh?

A: If you keep it in an airtight container in a cool place, it should last for a couple of months without losing its kick.

Q: Can i substitute any of the spices?

A: Sure, if you dont like the heat from cayenne pepper you can reduce it or try red chili flakes instead. It still tastes great.

Q: Is this rub only for pork?

A: Not at all, its versatile enough to be used on chicken or even beef, teh flavor works on a lot of different meats.

Pork Rub Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Brown sugar: If you dont have brown sugar on hand, try using white sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses for every cup of sugar
Paprika: You can switch regular paprika with smoked paprika or even a mix of mild chili powder for a slightly different but still tasty flavor
Chili powder: If chili powder isnt available, a blend of cumin and a pinch of extra cayenne pepper can work as a decent substitute

Pro Tips

1. If you got the time, let the meat sit overnight with the rub so the flavors really get a chance to stick to the meat; it makes a big difference.
2. Try to break up any lumps in the sugar and spices so the rub is super even; this really helps make sure every bite tastes just right.
3. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your taste; if you love a little extra heat, add a bit more cayenne, but just do it slowly to avoid burning the flavors.
4. Let the meat rest after cooking for a few minutes before slicing or pulling it apart; this helps all the juices settle in, making the meat juicier.

Pork Rub Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

kcal

Equipment: 1. Medium bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Whisk or spatula for stirring
4. Paper towels for drying the meat
5. Plastic wrap for marinating
6. Refrigerator for chilling the meat
7. Grill, oven, or smoker for cooking the pork
8. Tongs for handling the meat
9. Knife and cutting board for slicing after cooking

Ingredients

1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

Grab a medium bowl and mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper until they are fully combined.
Make sure you break up any clumps in the brown sugar and spices so that everything is even.
If you notice any uneven spots, stir again to redistribute the flavor evenly throughout the rub.
Grab your pork (ribs, pork chops, pork tenderloin or whatever you are planning to use) and pat them dry with paper towels.
Generously rub the spice blend over the entire surface of the meat. Don’t be shy – the more you use the better it will taste.
Massage the rub into the meat well, ensuring all sides are covered. It might feel a little messy but that’s okay.
Next, wrap your rubbed meat in plastic wrap and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you got the time, letting it sit overnight will take it to the next level.
Once your meat has marinated in the spices, pull it out of the fridge, and let it come to room temperature while you preheat your grill or oven.
Cook your pork using your preferred method – grilling, baking, or even smoking. Keep an eye on it, because every cooking method has different timings.
Finally, let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking, slice or pull apart as needed and enjoy the bold and savory flavors of your homemade pork rub!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.