The McRib from McDonald's features tender, boneless pork patties slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with crunchy pickles and onions, all nestled inside a soft, toasted bun, delivering a smoky and satisfying sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Sauce pan
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Oven or toaster
- Ladle or spoon (for sauce)
- Food thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
- 1/2 cup sliced white onions
- 4 soft sandwich rolls (hoagie or sub rolls)
Using ground pork with a balanced blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar ensures the patties capture that authentic smoky and slightly sweet flavor characteristic of a McRib. Fresh dill pickle slices and sliced white onions contribute the crucial crunch and tang needed to mimic the original sandwich's texture. Choosing soft sandwich rolls like hoagie or sub rolls will help achieve the signature McRib sandwich feel, holding all ingredients together without overpowering the taste. Be sure to baste the patties generously with barbecue sauce during cooking for maximum flavor and moisture. Your homemade McRib copycat menu item will closely replicate the iconic McDonald's experience when these ingredient details are carefully followed.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, ground coriander, and brown sugar.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Divide the pork mixture into 4 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into an oblong, rib-shaped patty, slightly larger than the sandwich rolls.
- Place patties on the grill or griddle.
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).
- While patties cook, warm barbecue sauce in a sauce pan over low heat.
- Slice onions and prepare pickle slices.
- Once patties are done, remove from grill using tongs or spatula.
- Generously brush each patty with warm barbecue sauce using a basting brush.
- Place sauced patties onto a baking sheet.
- Toast sandwich rolls in preheated oven or toaster until lightly golden.
- Assemble each sandwich: place a barbecue sauced pork patty on the bottom half of each roll.
- Top each patty with sliced onions and dill pickle slices.
- Cover with the top half of the toasted roll.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Substitution
The McRib from McDonald's copycat menu uses ground pork seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and other spices to replicate the iconic flavor of the original boneless pork patties. You can substitute ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative while maintaining the texture. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika mixed with a touch of liquid smoke can provide a similar smoky flavor. Using store-bought barbecue sauce is convenient, but making your own sauce allows you to adjust sweetness, tanginess, and spice levels to your preference. When cooking, a food thermometer ensures the pork patties reach an internal temperature of 160degF (71degC) for safe consumption.
Tips
Ensure your ground pork mixture is combined evenly to avoid uneven cooking or texture inconsistencies in the patties. Use a food thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 160degF (71degC), guaranteeing the pork is safely cooked through. Brushing the patties with warm barbecue sauce rather than cold allows the sauce to better adhere and infuse flavor. Toasting the sandwich rolls just until golden enhances texture and prevents sogginess when assembled with saucy patties.
Nutritions
The McRib contains approximately 500-600 calories per sandwich, with protein coming primarily from the 1 lb of ground pork divided into four patties. Barbecue sauce adds sugar and sodium, contributing around 20-30 grams of carbs and 600-900 mg of sodium, influencing your daily intake depending on sauce quantity used. The sandwich roll supplies carbohydrates and fiber, while pickles and onions add minimal calories but enhance flavor and provide small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants. Watching portion size and sauce quantity helps manage calories and sodium for balanced nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover McRib patties in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly, ensuring they are cooled to under 40degF (4degC) within two hours of cooking. When reheating, use an oven or grill to maintain the patties' texture, heating them to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for food safety. Keep sandwich components like buns, pickles, and onions separate to preserve their freshness, and assemble your McRib just before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try substituting ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option while maintaining moisture by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture. You can also experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors, such as honey chipotle or smoky bourbon, to customize the tanginess and sweetness to your preference. Instead of traditional sandwich rolls, use brioche buns for a richer, slightly sweet bite that complements the smoky pork. To enhance texture, caramelize the onions in a skillet before adding them to the sandwich, giving your McRib an extra layer of flavor and softness.
Allergies
The McRib contains pork, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to pork or other meats. The sandwich also includes common allergens like onions and spices such as garlic and paprika, which can cause irritation or allergic responses in some people. You should carefully check all ingredients, especially the barbecue sauce, which can contain hidden allergens like soy, gluten, or sulfites.
Why this recipe?
The McRib menu from McDonald's is beloved for its unique combination of tender, seasoned pork patty, tangy barbecue sauce, and soft, toasted bun, creating a satisfying flavor profile that stands out from typical fast food options. Its limited-time availability generates excitement and urgency, making the McRib a nostalgic favorite that many fans eagerly anticipate yearly. Making a copycat McRib at home allows you to customize ingredients to match your taste and enjoy the iconic sandwich any time without waiting. Your homemade version can capture the authentic taste while accommodating dietary preferences and ingredient quality for a personalized experience.