This loaded, leading rub for pulled pork recipe is designed specifically for that. The amount is perfect for an 8 to 12 pound pork roast. Also, this is listed in our own Pulled Pork on a Grill recipe and is part of our Condiments & Flavorings, Seasonings & Rubs, Grilling, and Pork categories.

Dry or Wet Rub for Pulled Pork Recipe

This Pork Rub Recipe uses common ingredients and can be made either dry or wet. It is both sweet and spicy and is designed mostly for pulled pork. However, it's also good for pork roasts and pork chops.

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Prep: 5

Total: 5

Servings: servings

Calories: 45kcal

Author: Jeff Baygents

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Ingredients

Ingredients for Initial DRY RUB

¼ cup dark brown sugar
½ Tbsp salt
½ Tbsp Ground Black Pepper
¾ tsp paprika
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
½ Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp dry mustard dry ground or powder
½ Tbsp ground cumin
½ Tbsp chili powder
¼ tsp cayenne red pepper

Ingredients to Add for WET RUB

2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar or white vinegar
1 Tbsp water

Instructions

Combine all dry ingredients.
¼ cup dark brown sugar, ½ Tbsp salt, ½ Tbsp Ground Black Pepper, ¾ tsp paprika, 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder, ½ Tbsp onion powder, 1 Tbsp dry mustard, ½ Tbsp ground cumin, ½ Tbsp chili powder, ¼ tsp cayenne red pepper
Optionally, add in wet rub ingredients.
2 Tbsp honey, 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 Tbsp water
Use now or store dry rub in a spice jar. If adding any wet ingredients, store in fridge until ready to use.

Notes

Good for about an 8-12 lb pork roast, pork shoulder, pork loin, Boston butt, pork tenderloin, or pork chops. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Let us all know how it was!

SOURCE: DarnGoodRecipes.com™

Ingredients for Pulled Pork Rubs

Fortunately, we have both dry and wet methods for this pork rub. I’ve made it both ways and I prefer the wet rub. However, I sometimes still make pulled pork using just the dry rub.

1. Ingredients of DRY RUB for Pulled Pork

The dry ingredients for this pulled pork rub include all very common items. The recipe shows the actual amounts used. Here are those dry pork rub ingredients.

some of dry ingredients for rub for pulled pork

The DRY Rub for Pulled Pork uses about 10 ingredients.

brown sugar
salt & pepper
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
dry mustard
cumin
chili powder
cayenne red pepper

2. Ingredients of WET RUB for Pulled Pork

The wet ingredients for this pulled pork rub also include typical items from your kitchen. Basically, after you’ve made the dry rub, you just add in these few extra wet items.

The WET Rub for Pulled Pork uses the dry ingredients first. Then, you just add 3 more liquid ingredients.

wet rub for pulled pork uses dry rub plus 3 liquid items

honey
vinegar
water

SUBSTITUTIONS of Ingredients for Rub for Pulled Pork Recipe

Occasionally, substitutions are necessary when you don’t have an ingredient. So, here are a lot of them you can use for either rub for pulled pork recipes.

using yellow mustard substitution in rub for pulled pork

Dry Mustard can be substituted with double the amount of Yellow Mustard.

Double the Yellow Mustard amounts as a substitute for Dry Mustard.
Also, White Vinegar is a substitute for Apple Cider Vinegar.
Honey can be replaced with equal amount of white sugar
A half teaspoon of molasses mixed into white sugar is a substitute for Brown Sugar. However, if molasses isn’t available, just white sugar will work.
Double the Minced Garlic amounts as a substitute for Garlic powder.
Onion powder can be replaced with double amount of finely diced onions (sweet or yellow).
Chili powder and Cumin can each be replaced with equal amounts of Taco Seasoning.

How To Apply The Rub To Roast For Pulled Pork

This is how to add the rub onto the pork roast you’ll be using to make pulled pork. Just follow these steps.

rinsing pork over running water before applying rub for pulled pork

Step 1. At first, rinse off pork roast over running water. Then, pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 2. After that, cut some deep slits in your pork roast, about 2 inches apart.

cutting deep slits before applying rub for pulled pork

Step 3. Then, add the dry or wet rub all over the entire roast. Rub it onto the entire meat surface as well as into the deep slits.

Other Pork Related Meats For This Rub

Use this as a rub for pulled pork when barbecuing a pork roast on the grill. Also, use it for a few other pork meats such as those seen here.

Charcoal grilled Pork Tenderloin
Pork Shoulder
Pork Loin
Boston Butt
Pork Chops

Rub for Pulled Pork Sandwich

After you’ve used this rub for pulled pork, you can then make a traditional pulled pork sandwich. Use your pulled pork to make our great, original pulled pork sandwich from the 1970s. In particular, you’ll discover the best toppings and condiments used by the Midwestern & Southern states.

Pork Dry Rubs vs Marinades

Now, there are those also that are feeling that rubs are typically better anyway over marinades, e.g., BonAppetit.com wrote a factual article on this at “Fact: Dry Rubs are Better Than Marinades“. Regardless of which side you’re on, we can all agree that we always aspire to balance the trade-offs between time-savers, better flavors, and everyone’s personal preferences.

Conclusion of Rub For Pulled Pork Recipe

In conclusion, you’ve now seen how to make a dry rub and a wet rub for pulled pork. Also, you’ve seen how it’s good on other pork roast cuts and pork chops. In another case, you’ve seen where it can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for wet rub and in the pantry for the dry rub. Finally, you’ve learned where it makes about 1/2 cup amount for an 8 to 12 pound pork roast. Plan your weekend grilling session now!

RUB For Pulled Pork Recipe: Dry & Wet