This pork dry rub is all the rage for everything from pork butts to pork ribs.
Dry pork rub has the perfect ratio of salt to sugar and the right amounts of aromatic seasonings with a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
This pork rub mixture will keep for months, so make extra to use on all your favorite pork recipes throughout the grilling season!
![Make your own spicy-sweet pork rub and give chops, ribs, or roasts the best flavor! This easy DIY spice mix features paprika, chili powder, garlic, cayenne, and brown sugar. It not only gives pork sensational flavor, but also tenderizes the meat! Use smoked paprika if you want a touch of smoky flavor. This dry rub for pork ribs will keep for months, so be sure to make extra. Pork is an affordable meat that you will enjoy making often, thanks to this easy pork seasoning mix. #ourzestylife spoonfull of Pork Rub](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pork-Rub-OurZestyLife-3.jpg)
Homemade Pork Rub Recipe
- This DIY dry rub for pork ribs, roasts, shoulder, and loins tenderizes and infuses the meat with mouthwatering flavor.
- Pork is an affordable and easy meat to smoke, grill, bake, or fry, so it’s perfect for larger get-togethers. Just prep, season, and cook!
- This pork rub has a combination of sweet and spicy flavors suitable for a variety of different cuisines.
- Homemade pork, chicken and beef rubs do not contain additives that may be found in store-bought.
- You can adjust the ingredients and create your own signature rub recipe based on taste or dietary preference!
![This DIY pork rub recipe will infuse every pork dish you make with spicy-sweet flavor! Made with paprika, chili powder, garlic, cayenne, and brown sugar, it fill pork ribs, roasts and tenderloin with bold and zesty taste. Add smoked paprika for a more smoky flavor. Pork rub will keep for months in the pantry, and can even be used on beef, chicken or seafood. #ourzestylife jar of Pork Rub](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pork-Rub-OurZestyLife-4.jpg)
Ingredients and Variations
Paprika: Paprika is made from dried and ground peppers. It adds a deep, earthy flavor to recipes and also comes in a smoked variety which is also delicious in this recipe.
Salt: Kosher salt is free of additives and iodide unlike regular table salt, although any salt will work. Experiment with flavored salt if you have it.
Brown sugar: Sugar balances out the spicy elements of the recipe and also helps caramelize the seasonings onto the meat as it cooks. Sugar-free alternatives like Swerve or monk fruit are great switches for regular brown sugar if desired.
Spices: Chile powder, onion flakes, garlic, and cayenne powder round out the blend – add more or less depending on your preference. Other savory seasonings to consider are dried oregano, dried thyme, cumin, or a few red pepper flakes.
![Perk up all your pork recipes with this easy pork rub spice mix! It delivers bold flavor to chops, ribs, or roasts, making them tender, juicy and flavorful. Combining chili powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder and brown sugar, this dry rub for pork ribs, pork butt or pulled pork is all the seasoning you need. Make a big batch to keep on hand for grill season. Use in place of BBQ sauce, and try it on other meats or potato dishes to punch up the flavor. #ourzestylife taking a spoonfull of Pork Rub out of the jar](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pork-Rub-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
How to Make Pork Rub
This Texas-style BBQ pork rub is the perfect spicy-sweet blend to complement all your pork recipes!
- Mix the ingredients listed in the recipe below in a bowl and transfer to an airtight container.
- Shake the container to ensure the spices are well combined before using or storing.
![Whip up your own spicy-sweet pork rub to give your chops, ribs, or roasts amazing flavor. This simple spice mix has paprika, chili powder, garlic, cayenne, and brown sugar. It makes pork delicious and tender! For a smoky kick, try using smoked paprika. This rub lasts for months, so make plenty. With this seasoning, you'll love making pork even more than ever! #ourzestylife Pork Rub in the jar and on a spoon](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pork-Rub-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
Ways to Use Pork Rub
- Generously season pork shoulders, roasts, tenderloins, and racks of ribs up to two hours before cooking, unless otherwise directed by the recipe.
- For roasts or pulled pork pierce the widest parts of the meat and massage extra seasoning into the flesh for maximum flavor infusion!
- Don’t forget to use the rich and robust flavors of pork rub on scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes and even sprinkled on broccoli.
![Brighten up your pork dishes with this easy pork rub spice mix! It brings bold flavors to chops, ribs, or roasts, making them deliciously tender and juicy. Made with chili powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and brown sugar, this mix is perfect for all your pork needs. Make a big batch for grilling season. Use it instead of BBQ sauce, and try it on other meats or potatoes for a tasty twist. #ourzestylife Pork Rub on a spoon with Pork Rub on a table](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pork-Rub-OurZestyLife-8.jpg)
Best Way to Store
Pork rub should last about 4 months and is best kept in a tightly sealed container, like a mason jar, in a cool dry place away from temperature and light extremes. Be sure to shake the mix before using it to break up any clumps. You can also purchase desiccant packets for homemade seasonings that absorb moisture and keep it extra fresh.
More Rubs and Seasonings
Did you try this Pork Rub recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
![close up of Pork Rub in a spoon](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pork-Rub-OurZestyLife-7-500x500.jpg)
Pork Rub Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup paprika (smoked paprika if you like extra smokey flavor)
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 2 Tablespoons dried onion flakes or onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine paprika, kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, chili powder, onion flakes, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Store in a mason jar with a lid, or any sealed airtight container.
Notes
- Recipe makes 2 cups (32 Tablespoons)
- Keep pork rub in a tightly sealed container and in a cool, dry place. It should stay fresh for about 4 months.
- Shake the rub before using it to break up any clumps.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
©Our Zesty Life. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!
![](/wp-content/themes/ourzestylife-2022/assets/images/pinterest.png)
![Whip up your own spicy-sweet pork rub to give your chops, ribs, or roasts amazing flavor. This simple spice mix has paprika, chili powder, garlic, cayenne, and brown sugar. It makes pork delicious and tender! For a smoky kick, try using smoked paprika. This rub lasts for months, so make plenty. With this seasoning, you'll love making pork even more than ever! #ourzestylife jar of Pork Rub with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SP-Pork-Rub-2-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
![Create a tasty pork rub to add spicy and sweet flavors to your chops, ribs, or roasts. This easy mix uses paprika, chili powder, garlic, cayenne, and brown sugar. It not only flavors but tenderizes your pork too! Add smoked paprika for a smoky taste. The rub keeps for months, so make extra. Pork is affordable and with this seasoning, you'll want to cook it all the time! #ourzestylife Pork Rub in a spoon with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SP-Pork-Rub-2-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![Perk up all your pork recipes with this easy pork rub spice mix! It delivers bold flavor to chops, ribs, or roasts, making them tender, juicy and flavorful. Combining chili powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder and brown sugar, this dry rub for pork ribs, pork butt or pulled pork is all the seasoning you need. Make a big batch to keep on hand for grill season. Use in place of BBQ sauce, and try it on other meats or potato dishes to punch up the flavor. #ourzestylife homemade Pork Rub on a spoon with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NP-Pork-Rub-2-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![Make your own spicy-sweet pork rub and give chops, ribs, or roasts the best flavor! This easy DIY spice mix features paprika, chili powder, garlic, cayenne, and brown sugar. It not only gives pork sensational flavor, but also tenderizes the meat! Use smoked paprika if you want a touch of smoky flavor. This dry rub for pork ribs will keep for months, so be sure to make extra. Pork is an affordable meat that you will enjoy making often, thanks to this easy pork seasoning mix. #ourzestylife close up of Pork Rub in a jar with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NP-Pork-Rub-2-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
![Make your own delicious spicy-sweet rub for pork chops, ribs, or roasts. This simple mix includes paprika, chili powder, garlic, cayenne, and brown sugar. It flavors and tenderizes the meat perfectly! Use smoked paprika for added smoky flavor. The rub will last for months, so be sure to make a lot. With this easy seasoning, you'll enjoy cooking pork often! #ourzestylife Pork Rub in a jar and on a spoon with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/LP-Pork-Rub-2-OZL-1.jpg)
![Give your pork recipes a boost with this simple pork rub spice mix! It adds bold flavor to chops, ribs, and roasts, making them tender and juicy. This mix of chili powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and brown sugar is perfect for pork ribs, pork butt, or pulled pork. Make a big batch for grilling season. Use it instead of BBQ sauce, and try it on other meats or potatoes for extra flavor. #ourzestylife close up of dry Pork Rub in a spoon with writing](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LP-2-Pork-Rub-OurZestyLife-.jpg)
When baby back ribs go on sale I buy them, cut in half, coat them in this rub and freeze them using a sealer. When I’m ready for fall off the bone pork ribs I sous vide them in water bath ( still in the sealer bag) until done then open the bag and give them a quick char on the grill. OMG talk about delicious !
That sounds like the perfect way to use the rub Deb! Thank you for sharing!
why do you use dark brown sugar over light?
Hi George, the dark brown sugar gives a little more depth to the flavor of the rub (since it has molasses in it). You could substitute light if you prefer or happen to have that on hand. Enjoy the rub!
I’ve used this once, and it was fantastic; using it again this week, and very much looking forward to it!
Thank you Jason! So happy to hear you love this pork rub so much!
Absolutely delicious
Thank you! So glad you love it!
This is my go to rub for pork and chichen.
YAY! I’m so happy to hear that Deb! This is a favorite of ours too, we always have a jar around!