1-First Step: Gather and measure everything Start by setting out a small bowl, a spoon, and all of your spices. Measure 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder. Having everything ready makes the process fast and keeps the flavor balanced.

2-Second Step: Mix the rub Add all the spices to the bowl and stir until the color looks even. The brown sugar should blend into the salt and spices without clumps. If the mixture looks uneven, keep stirring for another 10 to 15 seconds so every spoonful tastes the same.

3-Third Step: Prepare the meat Pat the pork dry with paper towels. This step matters because dry meat helps the rub stick better and helps the surface brown during cooking. If you want even better adhesion, lightly brush the pork with a small amount of apple cider vinegar before adding the seasoning.

4-Fourth Step: Coat the pork evenly Sprinkle the All-Star Pork Rub over the meat and use your hands to spread it across every side. Cover the top, bottom, edges, and any folds or thicker areas. For a standard batch, this rub makes enough for 4 servings, so adjust the amount if you are cooking a larger cut. Let the seasoned pork rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking quick items like chops or tenderloin. If you are seasoning a larger cut like shoulder, you can let it sit longer while you prep the rest of the meal.

5-Fifth Step: Cook using your preferred method Cook the meat according to your preferred instructions. Pork can be grilled, roasted, pan-seared, or slow-cooked, depending on the cut. For a quick dinner, pork chops often cook well over medium-high heat. For a bigger cut, low and slow heat brings out tenderness and deep flavor. If you are grilling, place the pork on a hot grill and cook until the exterior gets a nice color. For extra flavor, brush on barbecue sauce near the end of cooking so it can caramelize without burning.

6-Final Step: Rest, slice, and serve Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices stay inside the meat. Then slice or pull it, depending on the cut. If you want a stronger seasoning hit on pulled or sliced pork, sprinkle a little extra rub over the top right before serving.