Pulled Pork Rub
Pulled Pork Rub – Elevate your pork dish with this mouthwatering homemade rub. It is bursting with a fantabulous blend of smoky spices, sweet notes, and savory goodness, taking your taste buds on a flavor-filled journey. So prepare to savor every juicy, tender bite of perfectly seasoned pulled pork. It’s time to rub, slow-cook, and indulge!
Are you having a weekend BBQ party anytime soon? I got you! My legendary pulled pork rub is ready to take you on a taste adventure that will leave your mouth in awe. It will give you tender, succulent pork infused with a magical blend of smoky, sweet, and sizzling flavors. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited! 😘
So, grab your apron, dust off that grill, and get ready to unleash the flavor beast within. Trust me, once you try my pulled pork rub, you’ll be the BBQ hero among your friends and the envy of every backyard cookout. Let’s spice up your world, one mouthwatering bite at a time! 👌
Homemade Pulled Pork Rub
Get ready for a flavor explosion like no other! Pulled pork rub is the secret ingredient that takes your pork to the next level. The irresistible blend of herbs, spices, and seasonings is lovingly applied to the meat before it undergoes slow cooking. Brace yourself for the magic as the rub works wonders, infusing the pork with irresistible smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
But here’s the best part: you’re in charge! Customize the rub to suit your taste buds’ wildest dreams. Want it sweeter? Amp up the brown sugar. Craving a spicy kick? Bring on the heat with some extra cayenne pepper. With every sprinkle and adjustment, you’re crafting a masterpiece that’s uniquely yours. 😉
Recipe Ingredients
Open that pantry cabinet and grab what you need. Mix, rub, and it’s time to party!
- Seasonings – To give an aroma and earthy taste, I stir in dried thyme, dried oregano, and a kiss of cumin. I added freshly ground pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, too, for a spicy touch. And paprika for added smoky flavor. Don’t forget garlic and onion powder for a savory base flavor.
- Dark Brown Sugar – Though any sugar works, I prefer dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper, and caramel-y finish.
How to Make Pulled Pork Rub
- Blend Ingredients – In a small bowl, mix together the freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, dark brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. (Photo 1)
- Stir the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. (Photo 2)
- Store – Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place (or ziplock bag) and use it as needed. When ready to use, a thin layer of mustard will help it stick to the pork.
Recipe Variations
- Kid-Friendly – Some kids hate spicy; you know that! So make it sweeter by adding more sugar and omitting an amount of cayenne, chili, and other spices.
- Citrusy – Add lemon or lime zest for an additional refreshing layer of flavor. If available, you can also use lemon salt or lemon pepper.
- Wet Pork Rub – Not a fan of dry rub? No worries! Just add oil, lime juice, butter, catsup, or vinegar, and enjoy this moister meat rub!
Recipe Tips
- You may use this rub on any meat, but add ingredients or adjust the amount depending on the kind of meat. If smoking pork, a layer of mustard will help it stick.
- You don’t need a fancy hand mixer or food processor when mixing. Just use a fork to break down some large granules and let them look like one spice blend.
- Always double or triple the batches! You’ll love it, I swear. So, increase the amount so you don’t have to make it again.
- Use fresh ingredients and always check for expiration dates for better results.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Since this pulled pork rub is just like any other spice blend or BBQ mix powder, it is made-ahead in nature. Follow the instructions and make the rub at least one day ahead so it’s ready to use anytime.
Store smoked pulled pork rub in an airtight container, like a mason jar, in a cool, dry place, and it will stay fresh for up to a year. You can use it on meat or snacks like French fries or corndog.
FAQs
For the best results, leaving the rub on pork for at least 30 minutes before cooking is recommended. However, you can also leave it on for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor even more. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Slow cooking is your best bet for pulled pork, yielding tender and flavorful meat without overcooking and drying out the meat. And, of course, for the best flavors, you also need the best spice rub ever. Ahem! 😉
The choice between a dry rub and a wet rub for pork largely depends on personal preference and the desired outcome of the dish. Both methods can result in delicious and flavorful pork, so it’s a matter of individual taste and your specific recipe.
How to Use Pork Rub
Pork rubs have a variety of uses and are a versatile seasoning in your culinary repertoire. Aside from smoked pulled pork, you can try this homemade seasoning in any of these recipes.
- Smoked Turkey Wings
- Air-Fryer Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker Pork Loin
- Stuffed Pork Chops
- Smothered Pork Chops
More Homemade Seasonings to Try
Conclusion
It’s the ultimate cheat code for pulled pork or any BBQ meat. Just remember to adjust sweetness or spiciness according to your recipe-eaters. Feel free to share how you use this pork rub in the comments section! 😍
Pulled Pork Rub
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (7g) black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon (5g) garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (6g) onion powder
- 2 teaspoons (2g) dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons (2g) dried oregano
- ¼ cup (50g) dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 tablespoon (6g) chili powder
- ½-1 teaspoon (1-2g) cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons (14g) smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons (10g) cumin
Instructions
- Mix the freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, dark brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin in a small bowl.
- Stir ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place (or ziplock bag) and use as needed. A thin layer of mustard will help it stick to the pork if using on smoked meats.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly ground pepper and fresh, high-quality spices (double-check expiration dates). You may want to invest in a mortar and pestle to use as needed to make freshly ground spices.
- Cayenne pepper can be spicy, so adjust your amount depending on your heat tolerance level. You might want to omit if cooking for kids.
- To ensure even flavoring, rub the spice mix all over your meat or vegetables before cooking. You can also let the meat marinate in the spice mix for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
- Store the spice mix properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This spice mix will last for several months if stored properly.
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
