Best Homemade Pork Rub For Smoking

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This Homemade Pork Rub For Smoking is perfect for all kinds of smoked pork dishes, such as pulled pork, pork ribs, pork tenderloin, pork belly, pork butt, and pork shoulder. Best of all, it's super easy to make. All you need is five minutes and a few simple ingredients.

Homemade pork rub for smoker in a glass jar with green herbs behind it.

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Pork is one of my favorite meats for smoking, and the most important ingredient is a good dry rub.

I like to use this rub on Carnitas Pork Tacos, Smoked Pork Tenderloin, Smoked Pork Loin Roast, Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops, and Smoked Pork Chops.

This rub also goes great on my Smoked 3-2-1 Ribs and Instant Pot Pork Ribs.

❤️ Why this recipe works

It takes 5 minutes to make.
It's suitable for various cuts of pork.
Making your own dry rub is economical and lets you control the ingredients.
This recipe can easily be scaled up or scaled down.
It stays fresh for up to 6 months.

🧂 Ingredients

This easy pork rub recipe is perfect for both grilling and smoking.

Brown sugar. I used light brown sugar, but you can use any type of sugar. Dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content so it will have a richer flavor.
Paprika. I highly recommend smoked paprika if you have it.
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Chili powder
Dry mustard powder. This is the secret ingredient in this spice rub. It gives it great flavor.
Kosher salt, or use freshly ground sea salt.
Black pepper, or use freshly ground peppercorns.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

🥣 How To Make Homemade Pork Rub For Smoking

Ingredients for the smoked pork rub added to a small white bowl.

Step 1: Combine brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, dry mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar.

A spoon mixing the pork rub ingredients in a white bowl.

Step 2: Use a spoon or fork to combine all of the ingredients. Break apart any clumps of sugar.

Pork chops seasoned with pork rub on a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 3: To use, liberally sprinkle the dry rub on the cut of pork with a spoon. If not grilling or smoking the meat right away, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge until you are ready to cook it.

Crispy smoked pork chops on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Cook your pork as per your favorite recipe.

Top Tip

Add the spices and herbs to a glass mason jar. Place a lid on the jar and shake it for about 10 seconds to mix all the ingredients. Or place a couple of teaspoons of rub on a plate and roll a piece of pork in it to coat. Cover all areas, top, bottom, and sides.

📖 Variations

Sweeter - add extra brown sugar to the spice rub for a sweeter taste.
Less sweet: If you prefer your rub to be less sweet, use only 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar
Spicier: If you would like your spice rub spicier, increase the chili powder
Extra spicy: If you want to add even more spice to this recipe, add some cayenne pepper. Just a pinch will do!
Other spices: Ground cumin is also fabulous in this dry rub recipe!

Use this rub on Smoked Apple Pork Chops With Apple Glaze.

💭 Expert Tips

Use fresh spices if possible.
Store any leftover rub in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Make extra pork rub so you have it on hand when you need it.
Use the rub on any pork dish, even chicken.
Use apple wood pellets when smoking pork, the apple flavor really complements it!

🥄 How much dry rub do I put on pork?

A good rule of thumb is to use 1 tablespoon of dry rub for every pound of pork. This estimate has always worked for me. For example, I had 4 large bone-in pork chops that weighed approximately 3 pounds. I used all of the pork dry rub on the pork chops.

🌡️ Storage

This pork rub can be stored in an air-tight container or a resealable bag in a dry place for future use. I like to store mine in a canning jar in the pantry. Keep the rub away from heat and sunlight.

If this rub is stored properly, it will keep for up to 6 months. However, for optimal flavor, use the rub within 2 months. Make sure to date and label the jar or bag.

Store smoked pork rub in the freezer in a resealable bag for optimal freshness. It will stay fresh and fragrant for up to a year.

📖 Recipe FAQs

How long should rub be on pork before smoking?

If you have time, you can apply rub to the pork anywhere from a half hour to 8 hours before smoking. The longer it sits the longer it has for the flavor to penetrate the meat. However, you will still get great flavor if you apply the rub just before placing the meat on the smoker.

What is the difference between rub and seasoning?

Rub is a mixture of herbs and spices that is applied to meat before cooking. Seasoning is a mixture of herbs and spices that is used to flavor food during or after cooking.

What is the difference between a dry rub and a wet rub?

A dry rub is a mixture of herbs and spices that is rubbed into meat before cooking. A wet rub is a mixture of herbs and spices mixed with a liquid that is also rubbed into meat before cooking.

How do you make the dry rub stick to meat?

To help the dry rub stick to the meat, apply a little olive oil, avocado oil, or mustard to the outside of the meat before applying the spice rub.

Can I use barbecue sauce with a dry rub?

Yes, you can use your favorite bbq sauce with a dry rub. Apply the BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of the smoking process.

What readers are saying about this pork rub recipe:

Reader Reviews⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"My new favorite rub when pellet smoking a Boston butt. Would be good on any pork or chicken!" - Kim

"First time I have used a smoker. I tried thick pork chops. I used your rub recipe and followed the recipe. They turned out amazing, so moist. Best pork chops we have ever had! I have since then fixed ribs, and they were awesome! I am getting ready to fix a pork loin. This is going to be my every-time rub!" - Nina

👩🏻‍🍳 More Homemade Rub Recipes

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