Description
This Copycat McDonald’s McRib Sandwich recipe replicates the iconic fast-food favorite with juicy, seasoned ground pork patties shaped to mimic ribs, coated in rich BBQ sauce, and served on toasted hoagie buns with tangy pickles and sliced onions. Baked and optionally broiled for a caramelized finish, this homemade version offers a nostalgic, flavorful sandwich experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Patties
- 1 1/2 lb. ground pork
- 2 tsp. light brown sugar
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
Assembly and Toppings
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (preferably Sweet Baby Ray’s or Heinz)
- 4 hoagie buns, preferably sprinkled with cornmeal or semolina, split
- 3/4 cup dill pickle chips (preferably Heinz or Mt. Olive)
- 1/2 cup sliced white onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Add ground pork and mix thoroughly with a sturdy spatula or your hands until the spice mixture is evenly distributed, approximately 30 seconds.
- Shape Patties: Divide the pork mixture into four equal portions (around 6 1/4 oz. each). Shape each portion into a 6″ x 2″ rectangular patty and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Create Rib Texture: Using clean fingers or gloves, pinch and flatten the top of each patty to create four raised crosswise strips, mimicking the appearance of ribs. Place the patties into the freezer and freeze until solid, about 2 to 3 hours.
- Preheat Oven: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 400°F (204°C). Set a wire rack atop a rimmed baking sheet and fill the bottom of the sheet with 1/2 inch of water to create a moist baking environment.
- Bake Patties: Transfer the frozen patties onto the prepared wire rack. Cover the pan tightly with foil, crimping the edges to seal. Bake until the patties are cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C), about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Glaze with BBQ Sauce: Remove foil and brush the patties generously with BBQ sauce on all sides, turning to coat evenly. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake until the sauce is bubbling and sticky, about 5 minutes more. Alternatively, you can preheat the broiler to high and broil the patties for 2 to 3 minutes until caramelized and bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Toast Buns: While the patties finish cooking, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the hoagie buns cut side down in batches until lightly browned and toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer toasted buns to a plate.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place each pork patty on a toasted bun. Top with dill pickle chips and sliced white onions. Serve immediately, or for a more authentic McDonald’s experience, wrap each sandwich tightly in foil and let steam for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Freezing the patties before baking helps maintain their distinct rib shape during cooking.
- Using a water bath in the baking sheet adds moisture to prevent patties from drying out.
- Choice of BBQ sauce greatly affects flavor; Sweet Baby Ray’s or Heinz are recommended for authenticity.
- Toasting buns imparts a crispy texture that balances the tender pork.
- Steaming wrapped sandwiches after assembly mimics the original McRib texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: McRib, McDonald's copycat, pork sandwich, BBQ pork, homemade fast food, rib-shaped patties, BBQ sandwich
