McRib Copycat Recipe (McDonald’s): Make the Iconic Sandwich at Home Easily

I remember the excitement when the McRib makes its once-a-year comeback to McDonald’s menu. That unique combination of tender pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and soft bun is hard to resist. But have you ever wished you could enjoy it anytime without waiting for its limited-time release?

Ingredients

• For the Pork Patties:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, finely ground
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• For the Barbecue Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 8 dill pickle slices
• ½ large onion, thinly sliced

Equipment

To craft the perfect McRib copycat, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Mixing Bowls

• For marinating the pork and mixing the barbecue sauce.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Ensure precise ingredient measurements for consistent flavor.

• Grill or Grill Pan

• Achieve that signature smoky flavor by grilling the pork patties.

• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board

• Slice onions and pickles evenly for the best texture and presentation.

• Whisk

• Blend the barbecue sauce ingredients smoothly.

• Spatula

• Easily flip the patties without breaking them.

• Basting Brush

• Apply the barbecue sauce evenly during grilling.

• Aluminum Foil

• Keep the patties warm and moist after cooking.

• Saucepan

• Simmer the barbecue sauce to develop rich flavors.
• Lightly toast the hoagie rolls for added crunch and warmth.

Having these tools on hand will streamline the cooking process and help you recreate the beloved McRib right in your kitchen.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your McRib copycat ahead of time ensures a smoother cooking experience and enhances the flavors. Here’s how I like to organize the process:

Marinate the Pork Patties

1. Prepare the Marinade

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

1. Marinate the Pork

• Add 2 pounds of pork shoulder patties to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.

1. Refrigerate

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step enhances the flavor and tenderness.

Make the Barbecue Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients

• In a saucepan, mix together 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.

1. Simmer

• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens, about 15-20 minutes.

1. Cool and Store

• Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Prepare the Fixings

1. Slice the Onions and Pickles

• Thinly slice 1 medium onion and 8 dill pickle slices. Store them in separate containers or zip-top bags in the refrigerator.

1. Toasting the Buns

• When ready to serve, lightly toast 4 hoagie rolls on the grill or in a toaster oven for extra crunch and warmth.

Assemble and Reheat

When it’s time to enjoy your McRib copycat:

1. Grill the Patties

• Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and grill them over medium heat until fully cooked and nicely charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.

1. Apply the Sauce

• Brush the cooked patties generously with your homemade barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.

1. Assemble the Sandwich

• Place the sauced patties on the toasted buns, adding your prepared onions and pickles.

1. Serve Immediately

• Enjoy your delicious homemade McRib with your favorite sides.

Storage Guide

By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy a hassle-free and flavorful McRib experience anytime you crave it.

Instructions

Recreating the iconic McRib at home is a rewarding process. Follow these steps to bring the beloved sandwich to your kitchen.

Prep

1. Marinate the Pork:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
• Add 2 pounds of pork loin slices to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

1. Prepare the Barbecue Sauce:

• In a saucepan, mix 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens, about 15 minutes.
• Let the sauce cool and store it in an airtight container for up to a week.

1. Prepare the Buns and Toppings:

• Slice 4 hoagie rolls in half and lightly toast them on a grill or in a toaster oven until golden brown.
• Thinly slice 1/2 cup dill pickles and 1/2 cup onions, setting them aside for assembly.

Cook

1. Grill the Pork:

• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Remove the marinated pork slices from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels to eliminate excess marinade.
• Place the pork patties on the grill, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred.

1. Baste with Barbecue Sauce:

• During the last minute of grilling, brush the pork patties generously with the prepared barbecue sauce.
• Allow the sauce to caramelize and adhere to the meat, enhancing the flavor profile.

Assemble

1. Build the Sandwich:

• Spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted hoagie roll.
• Place the cooked pork patties onto the bottom half of the roll.

1. Add Toppings:

• Top the pork with sliced dill pickles and onions, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.

1. Finalize and Serve:

• Close the sandwich with the top half of the roll, pressing gently to meld the ingredients.
• Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as fries or coleslaw, and enjoy your homemade McRib!

Serving Suggestions

Enhancing your homemade McRib experience is all about pairing it with the perfect sides and beverages. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve your McRib copycat creation:

Classic Sides

• Crispy French Fries: Golden and crispy fries are a must-have. Whether you prefer shoestring or thick-cut, they add a satisfying crunch.
• Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw complements the smoky flavor of the McRib, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Onion Rings: Thick, battered onion rings offer an extra layer of indulgence with their crunchy exterior and sweet onion flavor.

Fresh Additions

• Pickle Spears: Extra dill pickle spears on the side enhance the sandwich’s tanginess.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a healthy balance to your meal.

Dipping Sauces

• Barbecue Sauce: Serve extra barbecue sauce for dipping or drizzling over your fries.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch pairs wonderfully with both the sandwich and the sides.
• Spicy Mayo: For those who like a kick, spicy mayo adds an extra layer of flavor.

Beverage Pairings

• Classic Soda: A cold cola or your favorite soft drink is the perfect match for the rich flavors of the McRib.
• Craft Beer: For an adult twist, pair your sandwich with a light lager or a hoppy IPA.
• Iced Tea: Refreshing iced tea, sweetened or unsweetened, complements the meal without overpowering the flavors.

Presentation Tips

• Platter Arrangement: Arrange your McRib sandwiches on a large platter with sides neatly sectioned around for an inviting presentation.
• Garnishes: Add fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the buns for an elegant touch.
• Napkins and Utensils: Don’t forget to include plenty of napkins and necessary utensils to make the dining experience seamless.

Extra Touches

• Cheese Options: Offer a variety of cheeses like cheddar or Swiss for those who want to customize their sandwich.
• Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds an extra crunch and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the pork patties.
• Grilled Vegetables: Adding grilled peppers or mushrooms can elevate the sandwich with additional textures and flavors.

Storage

Proper storage ensures that your homemade McRib maintains its juicy flavor and delightful texture. Here’s how I store each component to keep everything fresh and delicious:

Marinated Pork Patties

After marinating the pork patties, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. You can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if previously frozen.

Cooked Pork Patties

Once grilled, allow the pork patties to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the grill or in a skillet to maintain their tenderness.

Homemade Barbecue Sauce

I store the homemade barbecue sauce in a clean, airtight jar or container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Shake or stir before use if any separation occurs.

Toppings and Buns

• Onions: Slice onions fresh and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Pickles: Keep dill pickle slices in their brine in the refrigerator for up to one month.
• Buns: Store hoagie rolls at room temperature in a bread box or airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls and toast them directly from the freezer when needed.

Assembled Sandwiches

For the best experience, assemble your McRib sandwiches just before serving. However, if you need to prepare them in advance, wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat the pork patties and warm the buns before assembling to enjoy a fresh-tasting sandwich.

Following these storage guidelines will help you enjoy your homemade McRib sandwiches fresh and flavorful whenever the craving strikes.

Conclusion

Making the McRib at home has been a fun journey and a delicious way to bring a favorite classic into my kitchen. I love how each step from marinating the pork to assembling the sandwich adds a personal touch that you can tweak to your liking. Whether it’s sharing with family or enjoying a cozy meal solo this copycat recipe never fails to satisfy my cravings. Give it a try and treat yourself to that iconic McRib flavor whenever you want