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Are you in the mood for some delicious pulled pork? Look no further than this all-purpose Pulled Pork Rub that will elevate your pork butt to new heights of flavor. Whether you’re using a Crockpot, Smoker, or Oven, this rub will ensure that your pork turns out tender and savory every single time. It’s the perfect recipe to have on hand for grilling season.
Unleashing the Flavors with the Perfect Seasonings and Flavorings
Preparing this Pulled Pork Rub requires a blend of eight ingredients, each with a specific purpose. Some enhance the pork’s natural flavors (considered seasonings), while others add a delightful punch of taste (flavorings). The best part? You probably already have all these spices in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
Seasonings: Brown Sugar, Sea Salt, and Pepper.
Flavorings: Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Dried Mustard, Smoked Paprika, and Cayenne Pepper (optional).
Now, I know it may seem like a long list, but every ingredient plays a crucial role. The combination of sugar, salt, and pepper creates a delectable balance of sweetness, saltiness, and a touch of heat from the black pepper. The onion and garlic powder form a solid foundation of flavor that complements the tender pork perfectly. Meanwhile, the dried mustard and cayenne pepper offer a pleasant kick, while the smoked paprika provides that irresistible smokiness.
Crafting Your Own Pulled Pork Rub
Making your own pulled pork rub, or any homemade spice blend, is incredibly simple. All you need is a small bowl, a few measuring spoons, and five minutes of your time. Just measure all the spices, give them a good stir, and store the blend in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.
Harnessing the Power of the Pork Rub
Whether you’re smoking, braising, or slow cooking your pulled pork, here’s what you need to do: Allow your pork butt to sit on the counter for 30-45 minutes to remove the chill, and then generously coat the entire meat surface with this enticing Pulled Pork Rub—top, bottom, and all sides. Proceed to cook as desired, shred the pork, and get ready to savor your masterpiece!
Pork Cuts for Mouthwatering Pulled Pork
When it comes to pulled pork recipes, Pork Shoulder, also known as Pork Butt, is the go-to cut of meat. It’s incredibly tender and bursting with flavor when cooked low and slow. This is thanks to its natural fattiness and the fact that it effortlessly falls off the bone after cooking.
For this recipe, I opted for a substantial 7-pound roast that I lightly trimmed. Whenever pork shoulders are on sale, I recommend picking up one or two to whip up this easy and satisfying meal for your family. Trust me, they’ll love it! (Just a heads up if you’re shopping at Costco—you might need several crockpots to handle it all!) And if you have extra raw pork, freezing it is a fantastic solution.
Smoking vs. Crockpot: How to Achieve Excellence
Both a smoker and a Crockpot work wonders when it comes to cooking pulled pork. If you’re lucky enough to have a smoker, I highly recommend trying out my tried-and-true recipe for Smoked Pork Butt. It yields the most flavorful meat you’ll ever taste. However, if a smoker isn’t in your possession, fear not! Your trusty Crockpot or slow cooker can still get the job done. Check out my recipe for Pulled Pork made in the crockpot—it’s all about braising this colossal piece of meat to achieve that heavenly, tender texture. No matter which method you choose, don’t forget to generously apply this incredible pulled pork rub to the meat before cooking.
Perfect Pairings for Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some classic suggestions to complete your meal:
- Homemade Rolls: Perfect for creating mouthwatering sandwiches.
- Classic Coleslaw: This combo is simply out of this world.
- Mexican Street Corn: A delicious addition that’ll take your taste buds on a spicy adventure.
- Classic Baked Beans: Another southern favorite that’ll make your heart sing.
- Homemade Cornbread: Sweet and tender, the perfect sidekick for pulled pork.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A classic favorite you can’t go wrong with at any BBQ joint.
Experience the Bliss of Pulled Pork Rub
There you have it—a simple and flavorful Pulled Pork Rub recipe that’s perfect for summer. Whether you’re planning to fire up the smoker or create a melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork in your Crockpot, this rub is a game-changer. Your meat will be bursting with flavor that will leave your taste buds begging for more. So why wait? Give it a try and make this summer one to remember. Enjoy, my friends!
