If you're looking to add an extra touch of delicious to your pork, then this Sweet Dry Rub recipe is a must-try.
This rub is packed with sweet and savory flavors. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll be amazed at how this rub elevates the taste of your favorite pork cuts. It works for chicken too!
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible goodness of sweet pork.
Why You Will Love This Sweet Rub
The charm of this Sweet Dry Rub lies in its ability to enhance the natural flavors of pork with its perfect blend of sweetness.
The brown sugar in the rub creates a subtle sweetness that complements the pork's inherent richness. The savory spices gives balance to the sweet taste.
This simple yet powerful combination takes your meat to a whole new level, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
How to Make this Sweet Dry Rub
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients well until fully combined, ensuring there are no lumps. (I use a small fork to help break up clumps in the brown sugar)
And really, that's all it takes! The rub is ready to use. Unless you're feeding a crowd, you probably have enough for more than one meal.
To use, generously rub the mixture onto all sides of the pork, to evenly coat. Let the meat sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help the flavors develop.
Then proceed with cooking your pork by your preferred method. I've used this rub for both chicken and pork, and cooked on the grill, air fryer, and Instant Pot. Fabulous results every time!
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Storage
I love that I can save this easily and have it ready for another meal. Simply place the dry rub in a small jar with an airtight lid, and keep it in a cool, dry place. The rub will be fresh for several months, although it never takes me that long to use it up. 😁
Substitutions and Variations
If you're looking to add a little spicy kick to your Sweet Pork Rub, you can add a touch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or even chili powder. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of spiciness. Remember to taste and adjust accordingly, as the heat intensity can vary based on personal preference.
You could add a hint of warmth by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the rub.
As always, feel free to customize the rub by adjusting the ratios of spices, until it perfectly suits your taste preferences.
Expert Tips
For best results, pat the pork dry before applying the rub. This helps the rub stick to the pork and create a delicious sweet crust.
Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, I do this regularly! Once you've prepared your sweet dry rub, you can store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months. This allows you to have the rub readily available whenever you're in the mood for some sweet and savory pork goodness.
The beauty of making your own sweet dry rub is that you have complete control over the flavors. If you prefer a sweeter profile, you can increase the amount of brown sugar. Conversely, if you like it spicier, feel free to add some chili powder or cayenne pepper. Don't be afraid to experiment and tailor the rub to suit your personal taste preferences.
While this sweet dry rub is specifically designed for pork, there's no hard and fast rule against using it on other meats. I sometimes use it to make air fryer chicken to add a touch of sweetness and spice. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may differ depending on the meat you choose.
I use the rub for Instant Pot Pulled Pork, but it can also be used for grilling and air frying. Be aware that because of higher sugar content, the rub is prone to burning. Therefore, I recommend a lower heat/longer cooking time than you might otherwise use.
Try this Dry Rub in these Recipes
📖 Recipe
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Sweet Dry Rub for Pork (or Chicken)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1-½ TB paprika
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1-½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients and then sprinkle on meat before cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Erica
Used this on some pork chops last night for dinner and I had to come say thank you. The caramelization on them was gorgeous and delish!
Sula
I'm so glad you tried it - it really does create a very special flavor!
Angela Pagliarello
I love the sweetness of this rub!
Sula
The sweetness really complements pork so well!
Claire
This was delicious!!! I tried it on some boneless pork chops and they came out so juicy and tender!! We had them with baked potatoes and some corn.
Can't wait to give it a go with some chicken 🙂
Also what cut of pork is in the photos?
Sula
Those photos were taken with bone-in country style ribs. 🙂
Sherry Ronning
I used your sweet dry rub for my air fryer chicken recipe and it turned out amazing! Thank you for a great dry spices recipe!
Sula
Yes I use it sometimes for chicken and absolutely love it!
Puja
Such a simple recipe but so incredibly flavorful! Thank you for sharing!
Sula
You're welcome - enjoy!