Best 6 Memphis Dry Rub Recipes

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In the heart of barbecue country, Memphis-style cooking shines with its signature dry rub, a flavorful blend of spices and herbs that imparts a deep, smoky taste to meats. This unique rub, used in both wet and dry variations, elevates pork ribs, chicken, and even vegetables to tantalizing heights. Memphis-style barbecue is a true celebration of smoky, savory flavors, and this article presents a collection of mouthwatering recipes that capture the essence of this iconic culinary tradition. From the classic Memphis Dry Rub to variations like the Sweet & Spicy Rub and the Ultimate Pork Rub, these recipes offer a range of flavor profiles to suit every palate. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard barbecue enthusiast, these recipes will guide you in creating authentic Memphis-style barbecue that will impress your family and friends. So, fire up your grill or smoker, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant world of Memphis-style barbecue!

Let's cook with our recipes!

MEMPHIS DRY RUB



Memphis Dry Rub image

This is a wonderful and spicy rub that goes great on beef or pork ribs! Put it on ribs lightly to get a nice kick and put it on heavy to get a bold hot dish!

Provided by Nikki Johnson

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup paprika
3 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili powder

Steps:

  • Combine brown sugar, white sugar, paprika, salt, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder in a bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 24.6 calories, Carbohydrate 5.9 g, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 0.4 g, Sodium 876.8 mg, Sugar 4.7 g

BEST MEMPHIS BBQ DRY RUB



Best Memphis BBQ Dry Rub image

This is the best Memphis-style BBQ dry rub; perfectly sweet, spicy and peppery.

Provided by Jordan VanderLaan

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
2 tablespoons paprika
1 ½ tablespoons ground white pepper
1 ½ tablespoons red pepper flakes
1 ½ tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Whisk brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, white pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, chili powder, and garlic powder together in a bowl. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 100.9 calories, Carbohydrate 22.7 g, Fat 2 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 3523.2 mg, Sugar 10.6 g

MEMPHIS DRY-RUB RIBS



Memphis Dry-Rub Ribs image

This Juneteenth showstopper, using a dry rub from Greg Collier, the chef and co-owner of Leah & Louise in Charlotte, N.C., is an ode to the flavors of the Mississippi Delta. The smoky, sweet, salty pork ribs slow roast in the oven, yielding tender meat seasoned with a traditional barbecue dry rub. You can substitute the pork for slab beef spareribs with equally good results, or use mushrooms for a vegetarian approach. Crushed peanuts and sweet-potato pikliz make the ribs a meal.

Provided by Nicole Taylor

Categories     dinner, barbecues, finger foods, meat, roasts, main course

Time 3h

Yield 3 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 (packed) cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup hot paprika
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seed
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
4 pounds bone-in country pork rib rack
Crushed unsalted peanuts, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • Make the rub: In a large bowl, combine all rub ingredients and mix well.
  • Prepare the ribs: Rinse the pork ribs then pat dry and place on a medium sheet pan, fat side up. Coat the ribs all over with the dry rub. Place in the fridge uncovered for at least 7 hours or overnight.
  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Transfer ribs to rack and cook, uncovered, 1 1/2 hours. Cover with foil and cook for an additional 1 hour. The ribs will be done when they have an internal temperature of 180 degrees and the meat pulls away from the bone.
  • Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing into individual ribs. Garnish with crushed peanuts, if desired.

MEMPHIS DRY RUB RIBS (STEVEN RAICHLEN)



Memphis Dry Rub Ribs (Steven Raichlen) image

Fashioned after Charlie Vergos' famous ribs-grilled over charcoal, mopped with vinegar sauce, and coated with a dry rub just before serving. Nearly impossible to duplicate these famous ribs at home because Vergos cooks them in a one-of-a kind pit and the rub recipe is a closely guarded secret. Here is Mr. Raichlen's take on my favorite ribs.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 tablespoons sweet paprika
3 tablespoons pure chile powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons memphis dry rub seasonings
4 slabs baby back ribs (6-8 lb.)
salt
fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • You will need a barbecue mop.
  • Make the rub: add the rub ingredients to a bowl; stir to mix.
  • Store rub in an airtight container away from heat and light; will keep for 6 months.
  • Make the mop sauce-add the vinegar, salt, and rub in a bowl; add 1 cup water; whisk until the salt dissolves; set aside.
  • Remove the thin, papery membrane from the back of each rack of ribs.
  • Generously season the ribs all over with salt and pepper.
  • Set up grill for direct grilling (charcoal is more accurate); preheat to medium.
  • When ready to cook, brush the grill grate, place the ribs on the hot grate, bone side down, and grill until that side is sizzling and golden brown, about 35 minutes.
  • Turn the ribs and grill meat side down until that side is sizzling and golden brown, about 25 minutes longer.
  • When fully cooked, the ribs will be nicely browned and tender enough to pull apart with your fingers.
  • The dripping fat may cause flare-ups; if this happens, move the ribs to another spot on the grate.
  • Transfer the grilled ribs to a platter or cutting board.
  • Generously brush or mop the ribs on both sides with the mop sauce.
  • Thickly sprinkle the meat side with the remaining rub to form a crust.
  • You can use all or the rub or just a part, depending on your fondness for spice.
  • Mr. Raichlen likes a crust about 1/8 inch thick; serve the ribs as whole racks, cut the racks in pieces, or carve them into individual ribs and serve any remaining rub on the side.

RUBY TUESDAY'S MEMPHIS DRY RUB RIBS COPYCAT



Ruby Tuesday's Memphis Dry Rub Ribs Copycat image

Menu description - "Hang Off The Plate Ribs® A colossal portion of fork-tender premium baby back ribs. Slow-cooked for hours and seasoned with our secret spices. They've got attitude!" recipelink.com (Adapted from source: BBQ USA: 425 Fiery Recipes from All Across America by Steven Raichlen)

Provided by Chef GreanEyes

Categories     Pork

Time 40m

Yield 1 rack ribs, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons celery salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pinch onion powder
1 rack baby back ribs
barbecue sauce (Stubb's Mopin Sauce BBQ Baste)

Steps:

  • Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
  • Rub 2/3 of the mixture onto front and back of ribs.
  • Lightly brush on barbecue sauce.
  • Grill.
  • Sprinkle remaining Rub onto top of ribs after grilling.

MEMPHIS DRY-RUB MUSHROOMS



Memphis Dry-Rub Mushrooms image

This showstopper - using a dry rub adapted from Greg Collier, the chef and co-owner of Leah & Louise in Charlotte, N.C. - is an opportunity to explore different mushroom varieties. Black oyster mushrooms give a brawny bite, and effortlessly hold the soulful seasoning while getting the crispest, crunchiest edges. Fuzzy white lion's mane or even portobellos work, too; just buy the biggest mushrooms you can find. This recipe uses Worcestershire sauce, which typically includes anchovies, so be sure to seek out vegan Worcestershire if you'd like to make the dish vegan. Serve with sweet potato pikliz.

Provided by Nicole Taylor

Categories     barbecues, vegetables, main course, side dish

Time 45m

Yield 3 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 (packed) cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup hot paprika
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seed
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 pounds large clusters of black oyster mushrooms or lion's mane, or portobello mushrooms
1/2 cup canola oil or grapeseed oil
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Make the rub: In a large bowl, combine all rub ingredients and mix well. Reserve 1/4 cup rub for the mushrooms and put the rest in an airtight container for another use, such as chicken, salmon or cauliflower.
  • Prepare the mushrooms: Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Using a slightly damp kitchen towel, wipe the mushrooms to remove any dirt. (Don't rinse the mushrooms or submerge them in water.) Carefully cut or tear the mushrooms into 6 large pieces about the size of a hand.
  • Place the mushrooms on a large sheet pan and drizzle them with the oil and Worcestershire sauce. Gently massage the reserved 1/4 cup dry rub into the nooks and crannies of the mushrooms.
  • Roast the mushrooms on the top rack until deeply browned and crisp at the edges, about 40 minutes.

Tips:

  • Choose the right ribs: Baby back ribs are the most popular choice for Memphis-style dry rub, but you can also use spare ribs.
  • Trim the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and trim off any excess fat.
  • Make the rub ahead of time: The rub can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Apply the rub liberally: Coat the ribs on all sides with the rub, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
  • Let the ribs rest: After applying the rub, let the ribs rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, in the refrigerator.
  • Smoke the ribs: Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke the ribs for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender and cooked through.
  • Baste the ribs: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, baste the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce.
  • Let the ribs rest: Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

Memphis-style dry rub ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that your family and friends will love. So fire up your smoker and get started today!

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