This easy Pork Shoulder Dry Rub is the best way to add so much flavor to your next pork shoulder – no matter how you end up cooking it! You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry!
The BEST Pork Shoulder Dry Rub
You guys aren’t going to need any other homemade rub recipes this summer! We suggest using it for a pork shoulder but it would be great on any cut of pork, like baby back ribs, pork tenderloin, or even pork chops. It is a tried-and-true recipe that we have been using for years and is always a crowd-pleaser with our whole family! We will never make another pork shoulder without it!
Looking for another easy dry rub recipe? Try our Smoked Chicken Dry Rub – so good!
What You Will Need
- kosher salt & ground black pepper – simple seasonings that are always a must when cooking any type of meat.
- paprika – a classic spice that brings great flavor! You could also use smoked paprika for an added smokey flavor.
- lemon pepper – this is our secret ingredient that really makes the whole dry rub!
- cayenne pepper – add as much or as little as you want for a little added kick.
- garlic powder, onion powder, & dry mustard – a combination of spices that are the perfect compliment to pork.
Is Pork Butt The Same As Pork Shoulder
Pork Butt is not the same thing as Pork Shoulder, although both cuts come from the shoulder of the pig. The pork butt is higher on the foreleg while the pork shoulder is a little farther down. This dry rub would be great on either one!
How To Make Pork Shoulder Dry Rub
Simply place all of the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl or small jar and mix to combine. Then use in any of your favorite pork recipes.
Should You Put Rub On Pork Shoulder Overnight
Yes! You can let the pork shoulder sit in this dry rub for up to 24 hours. Allowing it to sit in the dry rub for so long lets the spices soak into the meat. If you have the time, we highly recommend it! Just rub the spices all over and cover the meat in plastic wrap to sit in the fridge.
Ways To Cook Pork Shoulder
Side Dishes To Serve With Pork Shoulder
Made this recipe and loved it?! We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!
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Other Dry Rub Recipes You Might Like
Pork Shoulder Dry Rub
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1/2 cup 1x
- Category: Dry Rub
- Method: Mixing Bowl
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pork Shoulder Dry Rub – A simple, yet delicious homemade dry rub that is perfect for your next pork shoulder!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper*
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Use to coat the cut of pork in your favorite recipe!
Notes
- Storage: store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Double Batch: option to make a double to triple batch depending on how much meat you are cooking or to store for later.
- Cayenne Pepper: feel free to do less, more or omit depending upon your spice preferences. I like using anywhere from 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon.
Jon says
How much meat will 1 serving of this rub cover? I’m trying to see if I need to multiply it out to get the right amount of flavor. Thanks for the help
Erin says
Hi Jon – this works great for about a 3-4 lb pork shoulder.
Megab says
Is this recipe spicy? – asking for a kid.
Erin says
If you are worried at all about spice, omit the cayenne altogether and while it is very flavorful, it shouldn’t be very spicy (my kiddos eat it!).
Cory Terry says
Alright, so here’s the deal. Followed this recipe to the T – and it was the best pulled pork we’ve ever had from a backbard BBQ or a BBQ restaurant. The rub is spectacular. First time I’ve ever smoked a pork butt and didn’t have high expectations with that being the case. When we took our first nibble, I think our knees buckled a little bit. Even the wife complimented it and said it was the best pork she’s ever had – a d she never compliments my cooking. Well done Erin, well done.
Erin says
Glad you enjoyed it, Cory!
Perette Campbell says
Love this rub! I use it on chicken as well. I also subbed smoked paprika and chipotle powder for paprika and cayenne. And I only used 1 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder. Yum. Thank you
Erin says
So glad you are enjoying it, Perette!! Thanks for leaving a review!
Amy Cafer says
please tell me the 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper is a typo.
Erin says
Hi Amy – thanks for asking! Should be a teaspoon – just updated!