Use this Pork Rub as a dry rub for ribs, or on pork chops, pork tenderloin or pulled pork. This pork chop seasoning is quick and easy to make and so flavorful! It’s also delicious on chicken.
One of our favorite meals is grilled pork chops, and this pork rub is one of our favorite ways to season them. When you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe, pork is one of my favorite choices because there are so many delicious and easy ways to prepare it.
And a BBQ rub adds so much flavor. This rub is delicious whether you’re cooking baked pork chops, pork ribs, or pulled pork.
This pork rub recipe couldn’t be simpler. If you keep your kitchen stocked with common spices and seasonings, you probably have everything that you need to make this pork dry rub.
You can mix up a batch when you need it, or make this seasoning blend ahead of time so it’s ready to go for quick meals. It’s delicious on chicken, too!
How to Make a Dry Rub
A good dry rub includes a combination of sweet and savory ingredients. To make this dry rub, you’ll stir or whisk together all of the ingredients until they are fully combined. If there are any lumps in the mixture, use a fork or the back of a spoon to break them up.
Brown sugar is a key ingredient in this recipe. The brown sugar adds sweetness to balance out the savory flavors. It also helps to form a caramelized crust on grilled meats.
You’ll also need paprika for this recipe. You can use sweet paprika or smoked paprika, depending on your preference. I prefer the flavor of sweet paprika. If you want a smoky flavor, smoked paprika is recommended.
Spicy BBQ Rub
If you want some spice to your meat, you can add a little bit of chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper to the rub. A little goes a long way, especially with cayenne pepper, so I recommend starting with just 1/16 to 1/8 teaspoon.
The rub recipe includes chili powder, which is typically only mildly spicy and adds more of a savory flavor than heat.
Using this Pork Rub
First, pat your meat dry and then rub a generous amount of the seasoning mixture on all sides of the meat. This recipe makes about 5 tablespoons of rub, which is more than enough for 4 large pork chops, a large pork shoulder or two racks of pork ribs.
Use this BBQ rub on pork chops, pork tenderloin, ribs, pulled pork, or chicken. It’s also delicious on salmon and steak!
How long should you marinate with a dry rub
You can cook your meat right away after coating it in the dry rub. But for the best flavor, I recommend allowing the meat to marinate in the rub for at least one hour and up to 12 hours. Keep the meat in the refrigerator as it marinates.
How long does dry pork rub last?
Since this dry rub is just a mixture of spices, it will last for quite a while. If you use fresh spices and seasonings, you can store the pork rub for about 6 months. Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a kitchen cupboard.
Pork Rub
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika, sweet or smoked
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk or stir until well blended.
- Generously rub over pork chops, pork tenderloin, pork shoulder or ribs before cooking. For the most flavor, let the rub marinate on the meat for at least 1 hour (and up to 12 hours) in the refrigerator before cooking. This seasoning is also delicious on chicken and perfect for making pulled pork.
Notes
- Recipe makes more than enough rub to season 4 large bone-in pork chops, or a large pork shoulder or two racks of pork ribs.
- Store extra pork rub in an airtight container for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place.
Do you cover this in the oven?
Hi Darla,
This Pork Rub can be used with many different pork recipes. Please follow the directions in the recipe you are using the rub with regarding whether to cover it or not.
Thank you for offering different serving size options, safe my head from imploding!
Does this rub work well if I what to baste porkchops with BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can rub the pork chops with the rub before cooking, and then baste them with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Awesome rub! I used 1 teaspoon of onion powder though instead of the half. Thank you!
This is so good, I don’t even care for ribs and I ate them. I added 2 tsp of coffee and use oregano instead of thyme. Bbq them for 2.5 hrs on low. Delicious
Used this tonight on roasted chicken breast! Can’t believe this was so quick and easy AND delicious! Thanks! (:
How long do I cook them and what do I cook them in? Grill? Oven?
Hi Ashley,
This pork rub can be used on almost any cut of pork, using whichever cooking method you prefer. You can refer to my recipes for Baked Pork Chops, Grilled Pork Chops, Air Fryer Pork Chops, Slow Cooker Ribs and Baked Pork Tenderloin for a few ideas and cooking methods. I hope that helps!
Great Recipe! I love your work <3
This was excellent. Pork tender and evenly seasoned
Oh my golly gosh, I’ve just made your pork rub and had a little “dab” of it to taste and I hope the pork tastes as good as the rub when I’m done. Thank you xx
Used this rub on BBQ Pork Chops tonight and the Family said it was the best pork chops they’ve ever had.
Then asked if i can use the same rub on ribs and chicken next. Thanks
Used this on smoked pork tenderloin. It might be too “peppery” for some folks, but husband and I loved it! Nice caramelization… It’s a keeper!
I have used this rub a lot. It works well for pork, chicken and beef. I have it on a slab of St Louis style ribs now. On my ribs I remove the silver skin, them brush them with yellow mustard. I then cover them with rub. I like to let ribs go for a day or two. Then cook them.
Tried this rub because it had simple ingredients that I had on hand in my spice drawer. Absolutely loved it, will never use another rub! Thank you! ❤️?
I used this rub on pork tenderloin. So how long and what temperature should I use.????
You can use the cooking method in any of these recipes:
Baked Pork Tenderloin
Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Enjoy!
This pork rub is amazing! Easy, tasty and a great hit with everyone at my dinner! Thanks
Going to try this tonight on pork chop. Fry it first for the flavor – let it rest and add it to leftover potatoes, brocolli and rubbed chicken with fried onions and garlic. For a “goulash”
Best go-to spicy pork rub ever! Kick it up with smoky chipotle powder, and try it on grilled salmon. Yummy!
Started making your recipe a couple years ago and we keep making it. Always have some around. Good work.