You'll never have to eat flavorless pork again with this tasty pork tenderloin rub. Savory and sweet, this delicious combination of spices makes the most amazing pork tenderloin.
Pork Tenderloin Rub Recipe
When you have a good dry rub recipe, you can pretty much guarantee that you can make a delicious and easy dinner at the drop of a hat. No matter what cooking method you prefer to use, this homemade pork rub recipe will add loads of flavor to this lean cut of meat.
I love to grill a pork tenderloin to juicy perfection. Sometimes I'll make marinated pork tenderloin, but other times it's like this seasoning blend is just calling my name.
A tasty spice rub is one of my favorite ways to season pork tenderloin. If you don't season this cut of meat well, it can end up pretty flavorless. So adding the perfect blend of spices and a touch of brown sugar ensure a flavorful meal every time.
Homemade spice rubs are honestly just so much better than any seasoning mix your could buy at the grocery store. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking and mix in anything that sounds like it would be yummy!
This pork tenderloin rub is the best balance of savory flavor and a touch of sweet that adds so much flavor. You'll love how easy it is to make and cook with.
Why You'll Love this Pork Tenderloin Rub
This particular recipe has become a family favorite. It makes such a good pork tenderloin that pairs well with many different sides. You're going to love it too:
- While this makes the best pork tenderloin, you can also use it on other cuts of meat. Season pork chops, pork loin, and even pork shoulder with this amazing seasoning blend. Just keep in mind that these cuts of meat will have different cook times.
- You can make this brown sugar rub with just basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and spice cabinet. It could save you a trip to the grocery store!
- Make your dry rub ahead of time and store in the pantry or spice cabinet until needed. That'll make prep time go even faster!
Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a pork rub spice mixture that rivals the ones of the shelves at the store. Here's what you need to make this rub that can be used in tons of pork recipes:
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
- chipotle powder
- brown sugar
Substitutions and Variations
Both light and dark brown sugar will work in this dry pork rub. Just use whatever you have on hand.
Feel free to use different spices and change up the dry rub if you want. Red pepper, chili powder or cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs or dried herbs like rosemary, parsley, and thyme will also be great.
If you start swapping out the cut of pork you're using, make sure you know to cook them. They'll grill much differently than a pork tenderloin.
How to Make Pork Tenderloin Dry Rub
There's only one simple step to making this seasoning mix:
In a small bowl, mix together each of the spices as well as the brown sugar. You can also add everything to a mason jar and shake well until thoroughly combined.
How to Use Pork Tenderloin Rub
Now that you've made the best pork tenderloin rub, you can use it and get to cookin':
When you are ready to cook with this homemade pork seasoning, be sure to bring the pork tenderloin out about 30 minutes before prepping.
Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then generously season it with the dry rub that you mixed together.
Allow the dry rub to sit on the pork while you preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C).
Once preheated, turn off one of the burner and keep the other one on medium-high heat. Then place the seasoned pork tenderloin on the side of the grill that is still on.
Cook on one of the larger sides for 3 minutes and then flip to the larger side and cook another for 3 minutes.
Move the tenderloin the side with indirect heat with the fatter side towards the heat. Grill for four more minutes on each side until the pork tenderloin reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Remove from the grill and let the pork rest on a cutting board before slicing with a sharp knife and serving.
How to Store Leftover Pork Tenderloin Rub
This recipe makes enough dry rub to season 1 ½ lbs of pork tenderloin. I do not recommend saving any leftover rub that has been used. However, if you only use some of the rub for a smaller amount of meat, you can store the leftovers.
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for a few months.
Tips for Success
Check out these simple tips for my favorite pork tenderloin recipe:
- Use an instant-read thermometer to quickly and accurately check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin to make sure that it has reached a safe temp.
- Make sure that the bowl you mix the dry rub in is completely dry. Any moisture can cause the spices to clump together and not combine well.
- Feel free to double or triple the recipe and separate it into spice jars or containers to save for later.
FAQ
Basic salt and pepper are very tasty on pork, but it also tends to pair well with spices like paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. Pork is also wonderful with sweet ingredients like brown sugar, so warming spices like cinnamon also go well with it.
If you are using a marinade, it is good to give pork at least an hour to marinate before cooking. However, the convenience of a dry rub allows you to add it to the meat just minutes before cooking and still have loads of flavor.
More Tasty Recipes
If you make and love this recipe, please leave a ★★★★★ review below! It means so much to me when you try my recipes, and I'd love to know how it goes. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Pork Tenderloin Rub
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon chipotle powder
Instructions
- Add all spice ingredients to a small bowl or mason jar.
- Mix or shake until all spices are thoroughly incorporated.
- Use as directed.
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