Copycat McRib Sandwich

Savor the nostalgia of a fast-food classic right from your own kitchen with this homemade copycat McRib recipe! This beloved sandwich, famous for its tantalizing barbecue flavor and its elusive presence on menus, can now be a staple at your dining table. With a juicy, seasoned pork patty smothered in a rich, homemade BBQ sauce, each bite delivers that signature sweet and tangy taste complemented by the crispness of fresh onions and the tang of dill pickles. No need to wait for its seasonal return; let’s dive into the kitchen and recreate the magic of the McRib anytime you crave it!

Ingredients:

For the Pork Patties:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon water

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional:

• 4-6 hoagie rolls
• 1 white onion, thinly sliced
• Dill pickle slices

Instructions:

1. Make the Pork Patties:
   • In a bowl, mix together the ground pork with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and water. The water helps to keep the patty moist.
   • Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on how large you want your sandwiches. Shape each portion into a rectangle that’s roughly the size of your hoagie rolls.
   • Place the shaped patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 2 hours. This helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:
   • Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard in a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside to cool.
3. Cook the Pork Patties:
   • Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
   • Remove the patties from the freezer and grill for about 4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
   • During the last minute of grilling, baste the patties generously with the BBQ sauce, turning them to coat both sides.
4. Assemble the Sandwich:
   • Toast the hoagie rolls if desired for added texture.
   • Place a cooked pork patty on the bottom half of each roll.
   • Top with more BBQ sauce, followed by a few slices of onion and dill pickle slices.
   • Cap with the top half of the hoagie roll.
5. Serve:
   • Your copycat McRib sandwiches are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them immediately while they’re warm and the sauce is still sticky.

Remember, the key to a good copycat McRib is the texture of the pork patty and the flavor of the BBQ sauce. You can tweak the sauce ingredients to match your preferred taste, making it smokier or sweeter as desired. Enjoy your homemade sandwich!