This pork rub brings the best flavor to ribs, pork chops, pork tenderloin and pulled pork! It’s quick and easy to make using pantry ingredients and full of bold, savory flavors.
This will be your go-to Pork Rub
Many of my most-loved recipes are pork recipes, and this pork rub is one of the main reasons why! It’s a pork chop seasoning, BBQ rub for ribs, pulled pork seasoning and pork tenderloin rub, all in one.
This pork rub is bold, savory, complex and slightly sweet. It’s made with just a handful of common spices and seasonings – I bet you have everything you need to make it right now. By making this homemade spice blend instead of grabbing a mix at the store, you get to control the ingredients and you’ll know exactly what goes into your meal.
I love to prep this pork rub ahead of time so that I always have it on hand in my kitchen. It’s the perfect seasoning for Grilled Pork Chops, Baked Pork Chops, Slow Cooker Ribs, Instant Pot Pulled Pork and Baked Pork Tenderloin.
What Ingredients Make the Best Pork Rub?
A good dry rub includes a combination of sweet and savory ingredients. Here’s a look at what you’ll need. Find the printable recipe with ingredient amounts below.
- Brown Sugar. The brown sugar is the secret to the best pork rub! It adds sweetness to balance out the savory flavors. It also helps to form a caramelized crust on grilled meats.
- Chili Powder. Brings flavor complexity and mild heat. Chili powder is typically only mildly spicy and adds more of a savory flavor than heat.
- Paprika. 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.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder. For depth and savory flavor.
- Dried Thyme. I find that thyme pairs so well with pork. It’s warm and earthy and brings great balance to this spice rub.
- Salt & Pepper. Flavor essentials!
To Make a 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 1/8 teaspoon.
How to use this Pork Rub
To make this dry rub, 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.
To season any cut of pork: First, pat the 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! Try my Chicken Seasoning next.
How long should you marinate with a dry rub
You can cook your meat right away after coating it in the dry rub. However, 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.
Storage Instructions
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.
Made this recipe? I’d truly appreciate if you leave a comment and star rating below! Your review will help others who want to try this recipe. Thank you! 💛
Best Pork Rub Recipe
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.
- Cook as desired. Refer to my recipes for Baked Pork Chops, Grilled Pork Chops, Crock Pot Pulled Pork, Instant Pot Pulled Pork, Slow Cooker Ribs or Baked Pork Tenderloin for cooking instructions.
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.
- This seasoning is also delicious on chicken.
I originally shared this recipe in July 2020. Post updated April 2025 with more helpful information.
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.