Step 1 of 5

Rub the pork

Mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder and black pepper together, then rub the mixture into every surface of the pork shoulder. Leave it in the fridge if you have time.

— Overnight in the fridge is better, uncovered. The rub draws moisture to the surface and then goes back in as a brine.