The BEST pulled pork rub recipe that is quick to blend together to use with your favorite cut of pork. We like using it on pork shoulder simmered in the slow cooker all day. Shred and use the pulled pork on a bun, on a tortilla, or in a gyro.
This dry rub is the perfect combination of spices that together make a flavorful pulled pork seasoning. Our pulled pork rub recipe will quickly become a pantry staple. Easily make in bulk to have on hand whenever it is needed!
For more pork recipes, check out Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast With Vegetables, Sheet Pan Pork Chops and Potatoes, Pork Roast Instant Pot and Baked Pork Chops.
Pork Rub Recipe
Whether using this rub to season pulled pork in the crock pot or to add flavor to pork chops, feel free to use what spices you have on hand, adding or subtracting from those listed in the recipe.
We especially enjoy cooking with dry rubs because of the ability to create in bulk then portion as needed. This saves time and effort while ensuring you don’t compromise on flavor when it’s time to cook.
Store the pork rub in a mason jar, airtight container or an empty spice container.
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!
Equipment
- slow cooker
- measuring cups and spoons
- 2 forks for shredding
- small mixing bowl
- stir spoon
Ingredients
- 3- 5 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt ✅
- 1 tablespoon cumin ✅
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ✅
- 1 tablespoon onion powder ✅
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic ✅
- 1 tablespoon paprika ✅
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make
Add the cumin, chili powder, onion powder, granulated garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Prep the meat
Place meat in the slow cooker. Top with spices.3- 5 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
Cook
Cook low 8-10 hours or high 6-8 hours. Shred with two forks, removing any excess fat or bones.
This low, slow cooking tenderizes the meat. It will be falling apart by the time it’s done.
Frequently Asked Questions
After cooked, remove any bones and extra fat from the slow cooker. Save some large pieces to serve with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes or Gluten Free Cheesy Potatoes and shred the rest with two forks to serve as pulled pork sandwiches, tacos or on a pita gyro.
You can use a pork shoulder or pork butt if looking for a rich flavor. For a leaner cut of pork, use pork loin or pork sirloin. Add 1-2 cups of broth to the slow cooker before cooking if you choose one of these cuts to help keep the meat moist.
Store up to 5 days in the fridge for meals throughout the week or freeze leftover seasoned pulled pork.
How To Freeze Pulled Pork
Cool the pork completely.
Then, place in an airtight container or seal in a ziplock bag with a freezer label for up to 3 months.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Level off the top of the measuring spoon before adding to the mixing bowl.
- Measure spices over the counter or a plate instead of over the mixing bowl to prevent spilling excess into the bowl.
- Store dry rub at room temperature for up to 6 months.
More Dinner Ideas
- Crockpot Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Baked Spaghetti
- Sausage Penne Pasta
- Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
- Chili Mac Casserole
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Pulled Pork Rub
Ingredients
- 3- 5 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt ✅
- 1 tablespoon cumin ✅
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ✅
- 1 tablespoon onion powder ✅
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic ✅
- 1 tablespoon paprika ✅
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine the spices. Add the cumin, chili powder, onion powder, granulated garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon granulated garlic, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper
- Prep the meat. Place meat in the slow cooker. Top with spices.3- 5 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
- ⭐️Cook. Cook low 8-10 hours or high 6-8 hours. Shred with two forks, removing any excess fat or bones.
Notes
- After cooked, remove any bones and extra fat from the slow cooker. Save some large pieces to serve with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes or Gluten Free Cheesy Potatoes and shred the rest with two forks to serve as pulled pork sandwiches, tacos or gyros.
- Make in bulk by doubling or tripling the ingredients.
- Store the pork rub in a mason jar, airtight container or an empty spice container up to 6 months.
Nutrition
If you enjoyed these recipes make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below!
Then follow us on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. We love seeing what you come up with!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
I CRAVE GYROS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t crave pork but GYROS ARE MY BESTIES!!!
Create Kids Club says
They really are delicious, aren’t they?! 🙂
dietitianjess says
I love gyros… sadly I haven’t had any good ones since visiting Greece but making them myself could be a game changer- thanks for the inspiration!
Create Kids Club says
I can only imagine how good they must be in Greece!
Abbey Sharp says
I love my crockpot! It does wonders, and now I need to make this ASAP! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Create Kids Club says
I couldn’t live without that kitchen appliance 🙂
Jessica @Nutritioulicious says
I don’t eat pork personally but my husband would love these!
Create Kids Club says
They would be good with shredded beef or chicken too 🙂
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
These look great! I love the crockpot – it’s so convenient to get everything in there in the morning, and not have to worry about cooking dinner during the more hectic evenings.
Create Kids Club says
It is my go to when my kids have after school activities 🙂
Kelli McGrane says
These tacos are a combo of my two favorite easy weeknight dinners! Such a great recipe idea 🙂
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Kelli!
Brynn at The Domestic Dietitian says
I absolutely love anything you can make in a crock pot and these look amazing! What a great recipe and love that you can use the same base for other meals.
Create Kids Club says
I agree, Brynn! I love finding ways to easily use the same ingredients! It makes life so much easier 🙂
Christina Bauer says
I love that you made a gyro style taco! I’ll be stealing that idea for dinner soon 🙂 maybe tempeh could replace the pork.
Create Kids Club says
Give it a shot! Sounds yummy – let me know how it works!
Jenna says
I would definitely make this but I’d sub beef for us. I love any crockpot dish that gets you several different meals.
Create Kids Club says
Beef or even chicken would be delicious 🙂
Mariangelica @ Chasing Littles says
My husband is going to looooove these!!! Thank you for sharing this recipe. you take wonderful photos of your prep.
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Mariangelica!
Katie Morford says
Your photos are gorgeous and this sounds right up my alley.
Create Kids Club says
Thank you, Katie!! 🙂
anne@Craving Something Healthy says
What a great taco twist! Love anything I can get multiple meals from!
Create Kids Club says
Me too, Anne!
Judy says
This recipe has been used many times over. Served on a bun is my families favorite, but they also enjoyed the gyro style tacos on flatbread as well!