Do you love soft and tasty pork belly? Then this Pork Belly Rub Recipe is great for you. A good rub gives deep flavor and warm spice.
It makes the pork belly crisp outside and soft inside. This rub needs simple items you already have at home.
You will learn how to make Pork Belly Rub in a very easy way. Also, you will find out the ingredients for Pork Belly Rub Recipe and its tips and serving suggestions.
This rub is suitable for grilling, roasting and air frying. It is aromatic and has a strong flavor. Once you use it, you will want to use it all the time.
Why You’ll Love This Pork Belly Rub Recipe
You will love this rub because it has strong taste from simple items. It makes the pork belly sweet, salty, and a little spicy. It is very quick to make.
It helps give crisp skin and juicy meat. You can use it on many pork cuts. It works for small meals and big family dinners.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Pork Belly Rub
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Course: Seasoning
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 25 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Spoon
- Airtight jar
Ingredients You Need for Pork Belly Rub Recipe
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 pinch cayenne (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Mix the sugar and salt
Add sugar and salt to a bowl. Mix well so the sweet and salty base blends before the spices go in.
2. Add all spice powders
Add paprika, pepper, garlic, onion, cumin, mustard, and chili. Stir gently until everything mixes and the color looks even.
3. Check the flavor
Taste a tiny bit. Add more salt or sugar if necessary to make the rub match your preferences for how your meat should taste.
4. Add heat if you like
Add cayenne only if you want heat. Mix it slowly so the hot spice spreads well and does not get too strong.
5. Store the rub
Put the rub in a tight jar. Keep it dry and closed so the taste stays fresh for many uses.
6. Prepare pork belly
Rub the pork belly dry with a towel. Dry meat assists in the adhesion of the rub and also allows the skin to crisp when cooked.
7. Apply the rub
Rub the mix all over the pork. Coat each side well so every bite has full flavor and warm spice.

Tips to Make the Best Pork Belly Rub Recipe
- Use fresh spices for best taste.
- Add more sugar for sweet flavor.
- Dry pork belly fully before rubbing.
- Let rub sit on meat for one hour.
- Add more cayenne if you want heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted veggies. Great with noodles or rice. Use in tacos or wraps. Serve with mashed potatoes. Pair with fresh salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Keep the rub in a tight jar.
- Store in a cool place.
- Use within two months.
- Keep it dry for best flavor.
- Do not keep it in the fridge.
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25 |
| Carbs | 5g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Health Benefits
Spices have good antioxidants. Garlic powder may help immunity. Cumin helps digestion. Dry rubs avoid extra oil. It gives flavor without heavy sauces.

Pork Belly Rub Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 pinch cayenne optional
Instructions
Mix the sugar and salt
- Add sugar and salt to a bowl. Mix well so the sweet and salty base blends before the spices go in.
Add all spice powders
- Add paprika, pepper, garlic, onion, cumin, mustard, and chili. Stir gently until everything mixes and the color looks even.
Check the flavor
- Taste a tiny bit. Add more salt or sugar if necessary to make the rub match your preferences for how your meat should taste.
Add heat if you like
- Add cayenne only if you want heat. Mix it slowly so the hot spice spreads well and does not get too strong.
Store the rub
- Put the rub in a tight jar. Keep it dry and closed so the taste stays fresh for many uses.
Prepare pork belly
- Rub the pork belly dry with a towel. Dry meat assists in the adhesion of the rub and also allows the skin to crisp when cooked.
Apply the rub
- Rub the mix all over the pork. Coat each side well so every bite has full flavor and warm spice.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for best taste.
- Add more sugar for sweet flavor.
- Dry pork belly fully before rubbing.
- Let rub sit on meat for one hour.
- Add more cayenne if you want heat.
FAQs about Pork Belly Rub Recipe
How much rub should I use on pork belly?
Use enough to cover the whole piece lightly. This gives strong taste without hiding the pork flavor and keeps the balance perfect while cooking.
Can I use this rub for other meats?
Yes, it works great on chicken, beef, and ribs. The warm spices and sweet base blend well with many meats and give rich taste easily.
Should I let the rub sit on the pork?
Yes, let it rest on the meat for one hour. This helps the spices soak in and gives deeper flavor once the pork is cooked fully.
Can I make the rub without sugar?
Yes, you can skip sugar if you want less sweetness. The rub will still taste warm and bold but will not have caramel flavor on the skin.
How spicy is this rub?
It is mild unless you add cayenne. You can add more chili powder for heat or remove it completely for a soft flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Pork Belly Rub Recipe is easy, fast and they are full of warm flavor. You can prepare it in minutes using basic items. It leaves pork belly sweet, salty and strong flavor.
It works for roasting, grilling and air frying. Try this rub today and enjoy a tender pork with rich flavor in every bite. You may begin to use this rub for many of your meals!

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!



















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