This homemade Pulled Pork Rub is the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory spices. Ready in just 5 minutes, this easy dry rub adds incredible flavor to a pork butt, pork chops, ribs, chicken, and more.
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I have been smoking pulled pork for years, and over that time, I've cooked hundreds of pork shoulders for family, friends, events, and customers! Through years of testing different seasonings and techniques, I've learned that a great pulled pork starts with a balance of flavors.
This pulled pork rub is the result of that experience. After plenty of experimenting and fine-tuning, I landed on the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky spices that creates an incredible bark and adds layers of flavor.
If you like this Pulled Pork Rub, be sure to try my other homemade spice blends, including taco seasoning and prime rib seasoning.
Reader Review: "This spice rub helped to make the best pulled pork I have ever tasted. " - Ronnie
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- More Cost-Effective: Making your own Homemade Spice rub is a budget-friendly alternative to buying premade blends.
- No Unnecessary Additives: When you make your own blend, you know exactly what goes into it. No fillers, preservatives, or extra ingredients that can be found in store-bought seasoning mixes.
- An All-Purpose Seasoning Blend: This balanced spice rub is perfect for more than just pulled pork. Use it on ribs, chicken, pork chops, brisket, and burgers.
Ingredients
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that adds a flavorful caramelized bark on the outside of the pork.
- Onion Powder: A savory, slightly sweet onion flavor.
- Paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky flavor to the rub.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a bold, savory taste that pairs perfectly with pork.
- Chili Powder: Adds a perfect kick and brings balance.
- Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements pork.
- Salt: Essential in every rub to enhance the natural flavor of the pork butt.
- Pepper: To add a little heat and barbecue bite.
Tim's Tip: Make sure to break up all clumps of brown sugar to ensure every bite gets perfect flavor.
How to Make Pulled Pork Rub
1. Measure Out the Spices: Measure each ingredient carefully and add them to a small bowl.
2. Mix Until Well Combined: Use a whisk or spoon to mix the ingredients until the spices are evenly distributed.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add spice: Add some cayenne pepper or extra chili powder for more heat.
- Less sweetness: Reduce the brown sugar slightly if you prefer a more savory rub.
- Adjust the Salt: If you're watching your sodium intake, reduce the salt slightly, and you can season your meat to taste after cooking.
- Add Smokiness: Swap the regular paprika for smoked paprika to give the rub a deeper, smokier flavor.
Expert Tips
- Keep the spice mix dry: Always use a clean, dry spoon when measuring and mixing the spices. Moisture can cause the brown sugar and spices to clump together.
- Pat the meat dry first: Removing excess moisture helps the rub stick better and creates a flavorful crust.
- Apply the rub ahead of time: For a deeper flavor, season the pork 8-24 hours before cooking and refrigerate it until ready to smoke or roast.
- Shake before each use: Some of the heavier spices naturally settle over time, so shake the pulled pork dry rub well before seasoning your meat.
What to use pulled pork rub on
While I created this rub for pulled pork, it's too good to use on just one recipe! The sweet, smoky, and savory flavors work well with all kids of meats and even side dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
Storage
Store your dry rub in an airtight container or spice jar in a cool, dry place. For the best flavor, use within 6 months.
FAQs
It is optional, but I like to use a coat of yellow mustard to help the rub stick to the pork, but it won't significantly change the flavor. The mustard will cook away!
Absolutely! This all-purpose seasoning is delicious on pork ribs, pork chops, chicken, turkey, and even roasted vegetables.
Yes, homemade spice rubs are perfect to make a larger batch and keep on hand to always be ready for grilling, smoking, or roasting.
More Delicious Spice Rubs
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Recipe
Pulled Pork Rub
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoon Paprika
- 2 tablespoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- ½ tablespoon Mustard Powder
- ½ tablespoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Mix the Rub: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the spices are evenly distributed, and there are no clumps of brown sugar. 4 tbsp Brown Sugar 1 tbsp Onion Powder 2 tbsp Paprika 1 tbsp Garlic Powder 1 tbsp Chili Powder ½ tbsp Mustard Powder 2 tbsp Salt ½ tbsp Black Pepper
- Season or Store: Use the rub immediately on pork, chicken, or ribs, or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Keep the spice mix dry: Always use a clean, dry spoon when measuring and mixing the spices. Moisture can cause the brown sugar and spices to clump together.
- Pat the meat dry first: Removing excess moisture helps the rub stick better and creates a flavorful crust.
- Apply the rub ahead of time: For a deeper flavor, season the pork 8-24 hours before cooking and refrigerate it until ready to smoke or roast.
- Shake before each use: Some of the heavier spices naturally settle over time, so shake well before seasoning your meat.
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