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Serve up the most mouth-watering and flavorful pulled pork you've ever tasted with my Pulled Pork Seasoning Recipe! Ready in under a minute using easy pantry ingredients, this seasoning is the first step towards an unforgettable dinner.
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Seasoning for Pulled Pork
When I think about pulled pork, I can't keep my mind from racing with all the delicious possibilities. Pulled pork nachos, tacos, flatbreads, sandwiches- there are just so many amazing meals to be made! And it all starts with having the best pulled pork seasoning.
Luckily, making the perfect seasoning for pulled pork couldn't be easier. Whip it up in under a minute and you're all set! Use it as a rub to let your pork absorb over hours in the fridge or toss it in the pot right before cooking- it'll be delicious either way.
And if you're a fan of spicy BBQ pulled pork, you're in luck! This is the perfect pork seasoning for BBQ. Add a little cayenne pepper and some extra paprika- or change things up with smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor!
What is the best cut of pork for pulled pork?
When I'm making pulled pork, I always start with pork loin roast. Pork loin is perfect cut thanks to its long fibers that shred easily when cooked low and slow.
Plus, it's a nice tough meat, which makes it ideal for crock pot cooking and budget-friendly. The long cook time renders the fibers unbelievably soft and tender!
Another great choice is pork shoulder roast. This heavy, fatty cut turns to melt-in-your-mouth candy when cooked slow, and the high fat content means you can skim off the fat to use for sauteing later!
Shredded Pork Seasoning Ingredients
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
How to Make Pulled Pork Rub
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl, and mix well until no clumps remain.
- Rub pork thoroughly with the seasoning mix and let rest in the fridge until ready to cook- the longer it rests, the more the flavorful it will be! Save the leftover seasonings for later.
- When ready to cook, add the leftover seasonings in with your favorite BBQ sauce, cook, and enjoy!
All set to get cooking? Next up, try my Crockpot Pulled Pork recipe for melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork perfect for lunch, dinner, potlucks, and more!
Tips for Rub for Pulled Pork
- Feel free to add salt to the mix! I like to salt my pork several hours before cooking to let it brine, so I don't add any salt to the seasoning itself.
- Craving a little more spice? Toss in a teaspoon or so of cayenne pepper for an added kick!
- This is only the seasoning- to make pulled pork, you'll need barbecue sauce and broth, too! Use your favorite sauce, or try out my Homemade BBQ Sauce made specifically for the perfect pulled pork!
- Made too much? Never fear! This seasoning is great for pulled pork, but it's also delicious on tenderloin, pork chops, or truly all things pork! Just store it in a cool, dry place in a jar with your other spices.
What Goes Well with Pulled Pork
Once you've made up a big batch of pulled pork, it's time to make some incredible pulled pork dinners! And there are so many amazing options.
- Pulled Pork Pasta: All the gooey, cheesy deliciousness of stuffed shells, combined with savory pulled pork! These stuffed shells are a family favorite I can't recommend highly enough. It's a luxurious pasta dinner all set in under an hour.
- Pulled Pork Nachos: There's no nachos like pulled pork nachos! Combining tender and smoky pulled pork with crispy chips, fresh vegetables and melty cheese, these nachos are the ultimate game night meal!
- Pulled Pork Flatbread: Flatbread pizzas are already a big favorite of mine for their ease and crispy deliciousness, so how about pairing that with mouthwatering pulled pork? Coming together in minutes with easy ingredients, this flatbread is a must-try!
- Pulled Pork Tacos: The pulled pork classic for a reason! Stuffed with juicy pulled pork ready to melt in your mouth and fresh, crisp vegetables to add crunch and a pop of flavor, these are the kinds of tacos you'll be craving night after night.
Pulled Pork Spices FAQ
Pork is naturally mild in flavor, so it relies on seasonings and sauce to enhance it. For pulled pork, use a good rub like the one in this recipe, and then add in plenty of your favorite sauce either after cooking it or while it's heating!
There's nothing as disappointing as bland pulled pork, but never fear! It can be saved even after the meat is fully cooked. Just add in extra BBQ sauce and seasoning mix, and heat the pulled pork until it's lightly simmering. Let it cook a little longer over low heat so the flavors can infuse, and enjoy!
If you can get it started early enough, always season meat early. This gives the seasoning plenty of time to be absorbed into the meat, flavoring it all the way through and ensuring extra flavorful and tender pulled pork! This is especially important for grilled or smoked pork that doesn't simmer in sauce.
The mild flavor of pork pairs beautifully with paprika, brown sugar, garlic, onion, and pepper, so I always suggest using these seasonings when preparing pork. More spices such as cayenne, herbs, and chili powder can be added for an extra flair!
How to Cook Pulled Pork
There are so many delicious ways to make pulled pork! Here are three of my favorites, tried and tested to make sure they're fall-apart tender every time.
- Crockpot Pulled Pork: The easiest by far! Put everything in a pot and let it cook, and you're all done.
- Grilled Pulled Pork: Grilling might take a little more effort, but it's so worth it for the amazing flavor and crisp. This is showstopping pulled pork!
- Smoked Pulled Pork: Looking for something truly unique? Try out smoked pulled pork! It may be the most tender and juicy yet, and filled with incredible smoky flavor.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Try more of my best pork recipes, and leave a comment and rating below! We love to hear from you.
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Pulled Pork Seasoning
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
See our Beef Temperature Chart for helpful tips on cooking any cut of beef!
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl, and mix well until no clumps remain.½ cup Brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon Garlic powder, 1 Tablespoon Paprika, 1 teaspoon Onion powder, ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- Rub pork thoroughly with the seasoning mix and let rest in the fridge until ready to cook- the longer it rests, the more the flavor will infuse! Save the leftover seasonings for later.
- When ready to cook, add the leftover seasonings in with your favorite BBQ sauce, cook, and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add salt to the mix! I like to salt my pork several hours before cooking to let it brine, so I don't add any salt to the seasoning itself.
- Craving a little more spice? Toss in a teaspoon or so of cayenne pepper for an added kick!
- This is only the seasonings- to make pulled pork, you'll need barbecue sauce and broth, too! Use your favorite sauce, or try out my Homemade BBQ Sauce made specifically for the perfect pulled pork!
- Made too much? Never fear! This seasoning is great for pulled pork, but it's also delicious on tenderloin, pork chops, or truly all things pork!
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