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Pork Spice Rub

This aromatic pork spice rub is a versatile pantry staple that brings a deep, smoky complexity to your favourite meat dishes. Falling into our low-sugar category, this blend relies on the natural warmth of cumin and cloves rather than sweeteners to enhance the flavour of the pork. The addition of chipotle chilli powder provides a gentle heat, while anise seeds offer a sophisticated, herbaceous undertone that cuts beautifully through richer cuts of meat.

Ideal for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, this homemade seasoning is far superior to shop-bought versions which often contain hidden fillers and sugar. Simply massage the rub into a pork shoulder for slow-roasting, or use it to season lean pork loin steaks before searing them in a hot frying pan. For the best results, prepare a larger batch and store it in a sealed jar to keep the spices punchy and fresh.

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Ingredients for Pork Spice Rub

  • 3 tablespoons cumin seeds

  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano

  • 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons chipotle chilli powder

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons anise seeds

  • 5 cloves

  • Equipment: an electric coffee/spice grinder

How to make Pork Spice Rub

Finely grind all ingredients in grinder.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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