McDonald’s first served the McRib sandwich in 1981.
The McRib was developed as a boneless pork sandwich shaped like a rack of ribs. It usually combines a seasoned pork patty with barbecue sauce, onions, and pickles on a bun.
The product first appeared as a limited-time menu item in the United States. Its periodic returns became part of the sandwich’s identity, generating attention precisely because it is not always available nationwide.
The McRib is not made from a rack of pork ribs. Its rib-like appearance is molded into the patty, which explains both its name and the frequent confusion about its ingredients.