How to make a flavorful rub for a pork shoulder roast?

Question

Find ingredients and ratios for a bold, tasty pork shoulder rub.

Answer 1

To make a flavorful rub for a pork shoulder roast, combine coarse salt, black pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and often a touch of cayenne or chili powder for heat, ensuring a balanced sweet, savory, and spicy profile.

Detailed Explanation:

A flavorful dry rub is essential for a delicious pork shoulder roast, enhancing its natural richness and contributing to a delectable crust (or 'bark' when smoked). The best rubs create a balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and sometimes spicy notes. Here's a common and effective combination, with ratios for a typical pork shoulder:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coarse kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (for sweetness and caramelization)
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (for smoky flavor and color)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder (optional, for tang)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (optional, for earthy notes)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. Pat your pork shoulder roast completely dry with paper towels.
3. Generously apply the rub all over the surface of the pork shoulder, massaging it in to ensure it adheres well. Don't be shy; you want a good, thick coating.
4. For best results, apply the rub at least 4 hours before roasting, or ideally, overnight (up to 24 hours) in the refrigerator, uncovered, allowing the flavors to penetrate and the surface to dry for a better crust.

Pro Tip:

For a deeper, more complex flavor, toast whole spices like cumin seeds or coriander seeds before grinding them and adding them to your rub.