Dry Rub for Pork Recipe
One of the easiest things to do is to make your own spice mixes. Not only will it save you a ton of money, but it is a great way to use up the spices in your pantry before they get stale. This Dry Rub for Pork Recipe, is essential for making great ribs and pulled pork.

The best part? I’m sure that you have the ingredients right in your panty.
What you need
- garlic powder or granulated garlic
- brown sugar – use light or dark brown sugar
- cumin
- paprika – use Spanish or smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor
- chili powder – any generic chili powder will work. Just a mixture of different peppers you can also use cayenne pepper or a smoked pepper like chipotle for a different flavor profile.
- granulated onion or onion powder
- dry mustard
- black pepper – substitute white pepper if you like
NOTE: If you are storing the blend for later use, do not add salt. The salt will cake up during storage. I use kosher salt or sea salt at the time I rub the pork for best results.

How to make it
- Add all ingredients to a large canning jar. You can also mix in a bowl.
- Shake or mix well.

Important tips
- Do not add salt if you are planning to store for any length of time. Salt will draw moisture from the air if you live in a humid climate.
- Add salt when you are applying the rub to the meat.
- You can store the mixes indefinitely in an air tight container.
- Store at room temperature in a dark closet with the rest of your soices.
- If any of your spices or the brown sugar have caked up, pulse the mixture in a food processor for a few seconds to remove the clumps.
How to use this dry rub for pork
- Pulled pork
- Spare ribs
- pork chops
- also great on chicken and beef

Why should you make this?
- uses up large quantities of spices from your pantry. Spices are said to lose their potency after about 6 months.
- incredibly easy. It takes less than 5 minutes to make a large batch.
- flavor is essential. Especially when smoking meats.
- versatile. Use on ribs, pork shoulder, butt, loin or on chicken and beef for extra flavor.
Looking for more homemade spice blends?
Tools I use
I hope you enjoyed the recipe today for this Dry Rub for Pork Recipe.

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Enjoy. And have fun cooking!


Dry Rub for Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon Chili powder
- 2 tablespoon garlic, granulated
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion, granulated
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a jar or other air tight container.
- Shake to combine.
Notes
Nutrition
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Can I use this rub for a different meat as I do not eat pork?
This rub would be great on beef too, Mirlene! Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
What a great idea, I think I have all the spices I need. Getting into this rub right now.
Thanks Laura! I appreciate your comment! Hope you enjoy the rub!
I am often intrigued by the use of onion powder in US recipes, it is pretty rare to see and find here in Europe. Such lovely flavours for pork although I have to admit that I usually always add fennel seeds to any dry rubs I use on pork.
That’s odd. Onion add such great flavor to any dish! I mean, you add onion to 99.9% of the savory dishes that you make, why not add it in dehydrated form? I was going for more of Mexican flair with this rub. Fennel would not do. Thanks for the comment, Brian!
You are so right about saving money with homemade spice mixes! I have been doing this more and more. I like the Mexican flair going on in this mix, and I am sure it will be perfect for the pork tacos I’m making this week!
Mmm! I love pork tacos! It would be great for that!
This sounds like such a great mix of spices and great to have on hand when you need it.
Thank you Caroline! I appreciate your comment!
I love all the different spices in this .. I have everything bought separated, so this rub will come in handy and perfect for all the pork roasts I make!
It’s a great way to use your spices before they lose their peak flavor! Thanks, Claudia!
So good! I like to add a little chipotle powder, too. I love spice!
I add chipotle when I have it. I was out at the moment. More heat is good! And the smokiness of the chipotle is great! Thanks, Alyssa!
Pork is in regular rotation at my house and I’m always looking for new ways to spice it up. This looks like one that would be a huge hit with my family!
Thanks Karen! I appreciate your comment!
I love homemade spices! You are correct, they will save a ton of money.
They’re so easy as well! Thank you for the comment, Jacque!