Basic Pork Seasoning: Dry Rub recipe

Basic Pork Seasoning is a simple dry rub you can use for simple rubs on any pork or chicken recipe. Especially ideal for pork ribs, pork roasts and country-style pork ribs.  Made from simple pantry ingredients for whipping up at the last minute.

Great ways to use this rub on recipes other than pork on our site you will LOVE are our Oven Baked Beef Ribs or our One-Pan Southern Shrimp and Potatoes.

This simple go-to dry rub for pork and chicken that you can make in minutes!  Spices and seasonings are a way to flavor all foods and you know one of my favorites is a cajun/creole seasoning here but sometimes I like a good basic rub that isn’t too spicy.  

What is a Dry Rub?

A dry rub is a seasoning mix that is made of dry spices and seasonings that is “rubbed into the meat” to that flavors the edges of the meat. While it flavor of the rub doesn’t go far into the surface of the meat it does add a layer of flavor that highlights the flavor of the meat.  

A dry rub also gives an added crust or caramelization to the edges of the meat once cooked.

Ingredients in the Pork Seasoning Dry Rub:

Most dry rubs consist of salt, pepper, sugar and then added seasoning for flavor boosts.  When you are making them at home you can make them with the spices and herbs that you like and can make them as spicy or as mild as you like.  

• Celery Salt
• Pepper
• Brown Sugar/ Raw sugar**
• Onion Powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper
• Dry Mustard
• Dried Lemon Zest

Celery salt:  adds an earthiness and depth to the seasoning

Paprika is a mild chili seasoning that adds a nice smoky taste

Cayenne pepper adds the heat.  (feel free to add more if you want a little spicier taste!)

Dry mustard adds the zest and balance to the spice rub. It works especially well for country-style pork ribs.

Lemon zest is what sets this dry rub apart from most pork seasonings I’ve tried.  It adds a brightness you will LOVE!!  

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PRO TIP:  You can dry the zest of lemons overnight on a sheet pan.  If you need it at the last minute place the freshly grated lemon zest on a foil-lined tray in a 300° oven for 8-10 minutes until completely dried.

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I highly suggest this microplane for grating the fresh zest.  I’ve had mine for over five years and it is still as sharp as the first time I used it!  

What to use this Basic Pork Seasoning on:

• Spice rub for a Pork Roast
• Baby Back ribs rub
• Short Ribs Seasoning 
• Pork Chops seasoning
• Roast Chicken seasoning

Other recipes you might want to use this Basic pork Seasoning on:

• Oven Baked Beef Ribs OUR MOST POPULAR RECIPE
• Fall off the Bone BBQ Ribs  ~Use this on the ribs before they go on the grill!
• Air Fryer Pork Chops. ~ Use as a rub instead of the marinade!
• Panko Pork Chops. ~ add 1-2 tablespoons of the rub to the flour mixture for a unique flavor