
The McRib, a barbecue-flavoured pork sandwich, has been a periodic item on McDonald's menus worldwide since its introduction in 1981. The McRib has been reintroduced to Australian menus as a limited-time offering, exciting fans who have been awaiting its return. The McRib consists of a restructured boneless pork patty shaped like a miniature rack of ribs, barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles, served on a soft roll. Its unique patty was developed by McDonald's first Executive Chef René Arend, who also invented Chicken McNuggets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| McRib Availability in Australia | Available as of November 2023 for a limited time |
| McRib Deluxe Availability in Australia | Available as of November 2023 |
| McRib Composition | Boneless pork patty, BBQ sauce, pickles, onions, and a toasted bun |
| McRib Deluxe Composition | McRib patty, BBQ sauce, pickles, onions, cheese, lettuce, tomato, McChicken sauce, and a toasted bun |
| Price of McRib | Around $8.40 for the burger, $12.65 for a small meal, $13.45 for a medium meal, and $14.25 for a large meal |
| Price of McRib Deluxe | Around $9.40 for the burger, $13.65 for a small meal, $14.45 for a medium meal, and $15.25 for a large meal |
| Previous Availability in Australia | 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 |
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What You'll Learn

McRib's availability in Australia
The McRib is a barbecue-flavored pork sandwich sold periodically by McDonald's. It was first introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1981 but was removed in 1985 due to poor sales. It was then reintroduced in 1989 and remained on the menu until 2005 in many countries. Since 2006, it has typically been made available for a short time each year in most markets, usually during the fall season. However, it is a permanent menu item in Germany and Luxembourg.
In Australia, the availability of the McRib has been limited and sporadic. It was available for a limited time in 2018 and again in 2019. In 2021, McDonald's Australia announced the return of the McRib for a limited time, starting on November 1. Similarly, in 2022, the McRib returned to Australian McDonald's locations for a "McRib Farewell Tour" from October 31 to November 20.
Despite the farewell tour promotion, McDonald's Australia announced in September 2023 that the McRib would once again be returning in November 2023. This return has been highly anticipated by customers, with some reporting sold-out locations across the country during previous promotional periods. The McRib Deluxe, a new variation featuring cheese, lettuce, tomato, and McChicken sauce, is also expected to be available alongside the classic version.
While the exact dates for the 2023 promotional period are not yet confirmed, it is expected to be available for a limited time, as has been the case in previous years. Customers in Australia can expect to enjoy the McRib at participating McDonald's locations during this promotional period.
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McRib's ingredients and recipe
The McRib is a barbecue-flavoured pork sandwich sold by McDonald's. It was first introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1981 and has since become a popular item, often returning to the menu for limited periods.
The main ingredients in a McRib sandwich are:
- Boneless pork
- BBQ sauce
- Onions
- Pickles
- Bun
The boneless pork patty is shaped like a miniature rack of ribs and is made from ground pork shoulder. The patty is seasoned and dipped in BBQ sauce, then topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, and served on a toasted homestyle bun.
While McDonald's has not released the official recipe for the McRib, some people have created their own homemade versions. Here is a recipe for a McRib-inspired sandwich:
Ingredients:
- Pork ribs (baby back ribs are a good option)
- Pork shoulder
- Salt
- Sugar
- BBQ rub or seasoning (such as Oz Dirt or HealthIER)
- Mustard
- Onion (sliced)
- Balsamic glaze
- Pickles
- Buns (stone-baked or hoagie rolls)
Instructions:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and trim any excess fat or meat.
- Apply a light coat of mustard to the ribs.
- Season the ribs generously with BBQ rub, salt, and pepper, or your preferred seasoning.
- Refrigerate the ribs for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the pork shoulder by combining it with salt and sugar, tossing to coat.
- Smoke or barbecue the ribs until cooked to your desired doneness.
- Glaze the ribs with BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking to allow the glaze to set.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing the ribs on a bun and topping with sliced onion, balsamic glaze, and pickles.
Note: This recipe may require adjustments based on your personal preferences and equipment. The cooking time and temperature will depend on your chosen cooking method and the type of ribs used.
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Public perception of the McRib
The McRib has a dedicated fan base in Australia, with people eagerly anticipating its limited-time availability and even travelling to different locations to get their hands on it. Some customers have expressed frustration when faced with sold-out situations, indicating their strong desire to taste the elusive McRib.
The unique nature of the McRib, with its boneless pork patty shaped like a miniature rack of ribs, sets it apart from other fast-food offerings. Its periodic availability and limited-time releases create a sense of exclusivity and excitement among consumers.
However, it is worth noting that the McRib has had a somewhat tumultuous history. After its initial introduction in 1981, it was removed from the menu in 1985 due to poor sales. It then made a comeback in 1989 and remained on the menu until 2005 in many countries. Since then, it has been periodically reintroduced, often as a limited-time offering or as part of special promotions.
In Australia, the McRib seems to have a cult following, with its releases generating buzz and excitement. Its return to the menu is often greeted with enthusiasm, and its absence leaves fans eagerly awaiting its comeback. The McRib has become a highly anticipated treat for many Australians, and its availability is eagerly monitored by those who crave its distinctive flavour and texture.
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History of the McRib
The McRib is a barbecue-flavoured pork sandwich sold by McDonald's. It was first introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1981 as a limited-time offering, initially tested in the Kansas City area. It was developed by McDonald's first executive chef, René Arend, a native of Luxembourg who also invented Chicken McNuggets in 1979.
The McRib was removed from the menu in 1985 due to poor sales but was reintroduced in 1989, remaining on the menu until 2005 in many countries. Since 2006, it has generally been made available for a short time each year in most markets where it is sold, typically during the fall season. The sandwich has a unique history of coming and going from the menu, with several farewell tours and limited-time returns, keeping its fanbase, often referred to as "the cult of McRib", on their toes.
The McRib consists of a restructured boneless pork patty moulded to look like a miniature rack of ribs, barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles, served on a 5+1⁄2-inch (14 cm) roll. The process of restructuring meat was developed by the US Army to deliver low-cost meat to troops in the field. It was further refined by a Natick Army Labs meat scientist, Dr Roger Mandigo, who created the McRib patty, primarily composed of ground pork shoulder.
In October 2018, the McRib returned to participating locations in the United States and Australia. In 2021, McDonald's Australia introduced two McRib varieties: the "traditional" McRib and the McRib Deluxe, which included McChicken sauce, cheese, tomato, and lettuce.
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McRib Deluxe
The McRib Deluxe is a new addition to McDonald's Australia's 2023 summer menu. It is an enhanced version of the classic McRib, which has been available in Australia since 2018. The McRib Deluxe features a boneless rib-shaped pork patty, coated in barbecue sauce, topped with pickles and onions, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, and served on a soft roll.
The McRib Deluxe is priced at around $9.40 for the burger only and $13.65, $14.45, and $15.25 for small, medium, and large meals, respectively. The prices may vary slightly depending on the location of the McDonald's store.
The McRib, first introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1981, is a barbecue-flavoured pork sandwich that has gained a cult following. It is composed of a restructured boneless pork patty, shaped like a miniature rack of ribs, and topped with barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles. The patty was developed by McDonald's first Executive Chef René Arend, who also invented Chicken McNuggets in 1979.
While the McRib has been a permanent menu item in Germany and Luxembourg, it is usually offered for a limited time in other countries, including Australia. The availability of the McRib in Australia may not always align with its release in other markets, as McDonald's aims to take advantage of cheap pork prices at certain times of the year.
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Frequently asked questions
The McRib is a barbecue-flavoured pork sandwich sold by McDonald's. It was first introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1981 and is shaped like a miniature rack of ribs.
Yes, the McRib is available in Australia as of November 2023. It is a limited-time offering and may not be available at all locations.
The McRib consists of a restructured boneless pork patty, barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles served on a soft roll.
The McRib costs around $8.40 by itself and $12.65, $13.45, and $14.25 for small, medium, and large meals, respectively. Prices may vary by store.
The McRib has a mixed reputation. Some people enjoy it, while others do not. It has been one of McDonald's most requested products in Australia and was dubbed "the most important sandwich of the year" in 2020 in the United States. However, it was removed from the menu in 1985 due to poor sales. Ultimately, whether it is good or not is a matter of personal preference.



























