If you’re looking to add some flavor to your pork dishes, creating your own spice rubs can be a great way to do so. Not only can you customize the flavors to your liking, but making your own spice rubs is also an affordable and easy way to enhance the taste of your favorite pork dishes.
In this article, we’ll go over some popular and tasty spice rub recipes and tips for using them.
Basic Pork Spice Rub Recipe
Before we get into some more complex spice rub recipes, it’s important to have a basic recipe that you can always fall back on. Here’s a simple and versatile recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Now that we have a basic recipe down, let’s explore some more interesting and flavorful spice rubs for pork.
Spice Rub Recipes for Pork
Sweet and Spicy Rub
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
This sweet and spicy rub is perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of heat. The combination of brown sugar and chili powder provides a nice balance of sweetness and spiciness.
Herb and Garlic Rub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
This herb and garlic rub is perfect for those who prefer a more savory flavor. The combination of thyme, rosemary, and garlic provides a robust and earthy taste.
Smoky BBQ Rub
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
This smoky BBQ rub is perfect for those who enjoy a classic BBQ flavor. The addition of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor to the rub.
Tips for Using Spice Rubs for Pork
Now that we’ve explored some tasty spice rub recipes, here are some tips for using them:
- Be generous with your rub: When applying your rub to your pork, be sure to use enough so that it covers the entire surface evenly. This will ensure that the flavor is distributed throughout the meat.
- Use a binder: To help the rub adhere to the pork, use a binder such as olive oil, mustard, or even mayonnaise. This will help the rub stick to the meat and ensure that the flavor is locked in.
- Let it rest: Once you’ve applied your rub to your pork, let it rest for at least an hour in the refrigerator. This will give the flavors time to infuse into the meat.
Why A Spice Rub Makes Sense For Pork
A spice rub is a good choice to improve the taste of pork because it adds layers of flavor to the meat without overpowering it. It also helps to seal in moisture and create a crust on the exterior of the meat, which enhances the texture and appearance of the dish.
Additionally, using a spice rub allows for customization and experimentation with different flavor combinations, making it a versatile and exciting way to elevate the taste of pork dishes.
Pork can be a dry meat if it is overcooked or cooked using a method that does not retain moisture. Using a spice rub can help to add flavor and moisture to the meat, making it less likely to become dry.
However, if pork is cooked properly, it can be juicy and tender. It is important to cook pork to an appropriate internal temperature, which varies depending on the cut of meat, and to use cooking methods that retain moisture, such as roasting or braising.