If you thought pulled pork couldn’t get any better, wait until you season it with this delicious rub!
Ever wonder what gives pulled pork its magnificent flavor? Sure, the meat itself is amazing, but it’s often the seasoning that really brings the sensational taste. Wet marinades are great, but I really prefer a dry spice blend, especially this recipe for pulled pork rub.
Why? Because I like to get in there with my fingers and massage the mix of spices deeply into the meat. And I just like the flavor better. In this pulled pork rub, we have a perfectly well-balanced blend of sweet, savory, spicy, and smoky (all the “s” words!), and that’s exactly what you want to enhance pork. The brown sugar brings the sweet, while the paprika, mustard, and cumin add the spice. Old standbys like onion and garlic powders, and salt and pepper are essential for flavor, and the cayenne brings the heat. No one taste stands out; rather, all of these spices combine to produce a uniquely delicious flavor.
It’s really simple to make this pulled pork rub. All you have to do is combine the ingredients and make sure to mix them well. Then you’ll coat your pork evenly with the spice rub and let it rest in the fridge for several hours or overnight. So simple. You might even want to make a double batch because I think you’re going to be using this rub a lot, and not just on pork.
Tips for the perfect pulled pork rub
Start out by making sure that all of your spices are fresh (FYI: ground spices are usually good for two to three years). One of the best things about this recipe is that it is customizable to your taste. Try using dark brown sugar for deep, rich sweetness, and be sure to crumble it to avoid lumps. You might also want to use smoked paprika to add that delicious smoky flavor. If you like less heat, you can decrease the amount of cayenne pepper, but don’t leave it out altogether. Pork really benefits from a little kick. Finally, you should wet your pork a bit so the rub will stick well. Some folks like to coat the pork with yellow mustard first. I’ve tried it, and it’s pretty delish!
How do I store leftovers?
Store your pulled pork rub in an airtight container, and it will keep in your pantry, or any cool, dry place in your kitchen, for up to 6 months. While plastic containers work, we recommend glass, stainless steel, or ceramic. These materials do a better job at keeping out air and moisture, thus preserving the flavor and potency of your spice blend longer.
Serving suggestions
Pulled pork, which cooks low and slow in a smoker, oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, will be insanely good if you season the meat with this spice rub first. But other cuts of pork that make use of different cooking methods also come out super delicious with pulled pork rub, such as this Easy Grilled Pork Loin or these Bone-In Pork Chops. No matter how you cook your pulled pork, it will go perfectly with casual sides, such as Mustard Potato Salad, a cabbage salad tossed in The Perfect Coleslaw Dressing, and a platter of Grilled Corn On The Cob. But the pulled pork rub flavors also lend themselves to more upscale fare. We love to have pulled pork with creamy, cheesy Brie Pasta, Roasted Beet And Orange Salad, and a side of Roasted Asparagus.
Pulled Pork Rub
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well to eliminate any clumps.
- Place the spice rub in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry location for up to six months.
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