Indulge in the bold and smoky flavors of Memphis-style BBQ ribs, a culinary masterpiece known for its tender meat and rich, caramelized crust. These succulent ribs embody the essence of Southern barbecue, with a unique dry rub that penetrates deep into the meat and a luscious sauce that adds an extra layer of smoky sweetness. Prepare to embark on a tantalizing journey as we delve into the secrets of creating this iconic dish, offering three irresistible recipes that cater to various tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a classic dry rub, a tangy vinegar-based sauce, or a sweet and spicy glaze, we have the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings. Get ready to savor the ultimate barbecue experience with our comprehensive guide to Memphis-style BBQ ribs.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
MEMPHIS-STYLE BABY BACK RIBS
When she started dating her now husband, Melissa Cookston fell in love - with barbecue. "He took me to watch a competition and I was hooked," she says. She signed up for her first cook-off a few months later and eventually became the first woman to win the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis, TN, twice! These days, Melissa is the pitmaster at Mississippi's Memphis Barbecue Co., where she's much more serious about the quality of the meat than the table manners: "We give you permission to play with your food, stick it in your face and lick sauce off your hands," she says.
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 6h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 28
Steps:
- Make the rub: Whisk the turbinado sugar, brown sugar, salt, paprika, ancho powder, granulated garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne, cumin and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl.
- Preheat a grill to medium low and prepare for indirect cooking: On a gas grill, preheat the grill, then turn off half the burners. On a charcoal grill, light the coals, then bank to one side; put a disposable aluminum drip pan on the unlit side of the grill under the grates. Meanwhile, soak the wood chips in water, 30 minutes; drain.
- Make the ribs: Turn the ribs bone-side up. Slip a paring knife between the thin membrane and the bone to loosen, then pull off the membrane; trim any excess fat. Season both sides of the racks with the rub (about 1/2 tablespoon per side). Transfer to a roasting pan, bone-side down, and let sit 30 minutes.
- When the grill registers 250˚ F, add the wood chips: On a gas grill, fill a smoker box with the chips and use according to the manufacturer's instructions; on a charcoal grill, sprinkle the chips over the coals. Place the ribs bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill. Cover the grill and smoke the ribs for 2 hours (if using charcoal, adjust the air vents and add more coals as needed so the temperature stays around 250˚ F).
- While the ribs are smoking, lay out 2 long sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (or double pieces of regular foil). Spread 1/2 tablespoon each of the rub, brown sugar and maple syrup down the center of each piece of foil.
- Place the ribs, meat-side down, on the prepared foil, then top each rack with another 1/2 tablespoon each of the rub, brown sugar and maple syrup. Fold the foil over the ribs and crimp the edges, leaving one side open; pour 2 tablespoons apple juice into each packet and crimp the final edge to seal. Return to the grill and cook until the meat is tender, 2 to 2 1/2 more hours.
- Meanwhile, make the barbecue sauce: Heat the canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the ketchup, 1/2 cup honey, the tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, cayenne and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a low boil, whisking, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Whisk in 1/2 cup water and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup of the rub until dissolved; season with more of the rub, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. Let cool.
- Make the glaze: Whisk 3/4 cup of the barbecue sauce with the remaining 1/4 cup honey. Set aside the rest of the barbecue sauce for serving.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the foil; return to the grill, meat-side up. Brush with the glaze and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice. For "muddy style," sprinkle with more of the rub. Serve with the remaining barbecue sauce.
SIMPLE BBQ RIBS
Country-style ribs are cut from the loin, one of the leanest areas of pork. These ribs are seasoned, boiled until tender, then baked with your favorite barbeque sauce. That's it! Back to simplicity, back to the country life. Sigh.
Provided by LLOYD RUSHING
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Pork Rib Recipes Country-Style Ribs
Time 2h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place ribs in a large pot with enough water to cover. Season with garlic powder, black pepper and salt. Bring water to a boil, and cook ribs until tender.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- Remove ribs from pot, and place them in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour barbeque sauce over ribs. Cover dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until internal temperature of pork has reached 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 440.5 calories, Carbohydrate 24.5 g, Cholesterol 127.7 mg, Fat 22.2 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 33.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 4260.3 mg, Sugar 16.8 g
MEMPHIS-STYLE BARBECUE RIBS
Summertime is the season of barbecue... so it's time to learn how to make a barbecue classic. Even though ribs take time, they're well worth the effort, and these Memphis-Style Barbecue Ribs are PERFECT for any summer get-together. Seasoned with homemade barbecue dry rub, these ribs cook low and slow for hours. Finish this nod to the Memphis dry rib on the grill or in the broiler, and serve with traditional barbecue sides to complete the feast!
Provided by Erin Parker, The Speckled Palate
Categories Entrees
Time 7h10m
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a roasting pan or a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and set aside. (This may require more than one pan if you're making a lot of ribs.)
- Rinse ribs and pat dry with paper towels, and remove any silver skin from the backs. (You should be able to remove this with your fingers.)
- If you want, trim the ribs into 4-5 rib sections.
- Season the ribs liberally with Memphis-style barbecue rub. You'll use about 1 tablespoon per pound.
- Arrange the ribs on the roasting pan or prepared baking sheet(s), and cover with aluminum foil. Transfer to the preheated oven, and bake for 5 hours.
- Once the ribs have baked for 5 hours, remove from the oven. Brush the ribs with ¾ cup barbecue sauce, then sprinkle with additional barbecue rub.
- Transfer the pan(s) back into the oven, and cook uncovered for an additional 2 hours or until the ribs are tender. The meat will start pulling off the bones, and once it does, you'll know your ribs are almost ready!
- When the second bake is done, remove from the oven.
- Preheat the grill to 350°-400°F.
- Turn off the burners on the side where the ribs will be finished, as the barbecue sauce will cause them to catch fire.
- Baste the ribs with an additional ¾ cup of the barbecue sauce, and grill until sticky sweet and darkened. (About 10-15 minutes.)
- Sprinkle with additional barbecue rub to finish, and enjoy!
- Preheat the oven's broiler.
- While the broiler is heating up, brush the ribs with an additional ¾ cup of the barbecue sauce.
- When the broiler is screaming hot, transfer the ribs back into the oven, and broil for 8 minutes, or until the tops of the ribs are browned and sticky.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional barbecue rub to finish, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 943 calories, Carbohydrate 20 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 335 milligrams cholesterol, Protein 88 grams protein, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 727 milligrams sodium, Sugar 14 grams sugar
DRY RUB RIBS- MEMPHIS (DAVE'S DINNERS)
Provided by Dave Lieberman
Categories main-dish
Time 2h15m
Yield about 15 ribs
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat over to 300 degrees F.
- Mix the rub ingredients together well in a small bowl.
- Remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs, then rub the vegetable oil onto the ribs. Pour the rub over the ribs and work the rub fully and evenly into the ribs. Spread the ribs out evenly on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake until tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
MEMPHIS-STYLE RIBS
Steps:
- Your ribs may already be trimmed, or you can ask the butcher to trim them. To do it yourself, place the ribs meat-side up on a cutting board. There is a line of fat at the base of the ribs; cut along it to remove the cartilaginous rib tips. Turn the meat over, rib-side up. Cut off the flap of meat on the inside of the ribs. (The reason to remove these pieces is that they will burn, well before the ribs are done. You can season them and grill them over direct heat for about 15 minutes, turning once. They are delicious.) With the rib-side up, finesse a sharp knife under the tough membrane that covers the bones. Working from one rib to the next, pull the membrane off the rib. (For a better grip, grab the membrane with a paper towel.) The membrane may tear and you may have to start over, but be patient - removing the membrane allows the spices and smoke to penetrate the ribs, and makes the ribs much more attractive and easy to eat.
- In a shallow, non-reactive pan large enough to hold the ribs, mix together 1 cup cider vinegar, 1 cup cider, garlic, bay leaves, 2 tablespoons hot sauce and the salt. Put the ribs in this marinade, turn to coat, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 16 hours, turning once during this time.
- Remove the ribs from the pan 2 hours before you are going to grill and pat dry. Discard the marinade. Sprinkle the ribs all over with 1/2 cup of the rub, patting it on with your fingers. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 1/2 hours. Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 1/2 hour before grilling.
- Mix the remaining 3/4 cup cider vinegar, 3/4 cup cider, and 1 tablespoon hot sauce. You will apply this mixture to the ribs once every hour or so with a spray bottle, a barbecue mop, a pastry brush or a long-handled spoon.
- Soak about 3 cups of wood chips (hickory, oak or apple) for at least 1/2 hour in cold water.
- Prepare a charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill for indirect grilling over low heat. Drain and add 1 cup of the wood chips.
- Grill the ribs, covered, until they are crispy, and the meat has pulled back from the bone, 3 to 4 hours, depending on the heat of your grill. Spray or baste the ribs with the vinegar-cider mixture every hour, and turn them once during grilling. Don't forget to add more wood chips--and, if using charcoal, more coals--as needed (check every hour or so). You should have enough soaked wood chips for about 3 hours of cooking time; if your ribs take longer, you will need to soak more chips.
- If the ribs are done before you are ready to eat, wrap them in heavy-duty aluminum foil and leave them over very low, indirect heat for up to 1 hour.
- Remove the ribs from the grill, spray or baste with any remaining basting liquid, and sprinkle with the remaining the 1/4 cup of rub. Serve as is, or with Vinegar Sauce.
- Mix together all of the ingredients in an airtight container and store at room temperature. The rub will keep for several months.
- Yield: about 1 cup, enough for 8 pounds of Memphis-Style Ribs.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients. Use immediately, or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Yield: about 2 1/2 cups
MEMPHIS-STYLE HICKORY-SMOKED BEEF AND PORK RIBS
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 14h25m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- For the rub:
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until combined. Keep in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- For the ribs:
- Rinse and dry ribs. Place on a clean cutting board and pull off the membrane, the thin fatty skin that lines the underside of the ribs. Trim the ribs of excess fat and meat. Liberally season both sides of the ribs with 1/4 to 1/2 cup Neely's BBQ Rub. Wrap ribs and refrigerate for at least 8 hours so flavors can permeate.
- Preheat grill to 250 degrees F using hickory and charcoal.
- Use indirect heat and cook with the cover down.
- Place ribs, meatier side down, on the grill away from the coals. Cook beef 2 hours, adding more coals as needed. Turn and cook for 45 minutes more, or until the ribs "bend" and the meat easily separates from the bone using a fork. Cook the pork ribs 3 hours. Turn and cook another hour, or until ribs bend. Remove from grill.
- For dry ribs: Sprinkle extra Neely's BBQ seasoning over ribs, cut bones and serve.
- For wet ribs: Coat ribs with Neely's BBQ Sauce, cut and serve.
- In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cooked uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.
MEMPHIS STYLE DRY RIBS: CORKY'S RIBS
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h5m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat a grill to medium heat with all of the coals on 1 side.
- Grill over indirect heat (meat side down) for approximately 2 hours, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 185 degrees F.
- Baste ribs on both sides during cooking with 3 parts water to 1 part BBQ sauce. Once the ribs reach 185 degrees F, baste again with full strength BBQ sauce and sprinkle liberally with dry rib seasoning.
MEMPHIS-STYLE HICKORY-SMOKED BEEF RIBS
Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 3h
Yield 4 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Rinse and dry ribs. Place on a clean cutting board and pull off the membrane, the thin fatty skin that lines the underside of the ribs. Trim the ribs of excess fat and meat. Liberally season both sides of each slab with 1/4 to 1/2 cup Neely's BBQ Dry Rub. Wrap ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours so flavors can permeate.
- Preheat grill to 250 degrees F. using hickory and charcoal. Use indirect heat and cook with the cover down.
- Place ribs, meatier side down, on the grill away from the coals. Cook beef 2 hours, adding more coals as needed. Turn and cook for 45 minutes more, or until the ribs "bend" and the meat easily separates from the bone using a fork. Remove from grill.
- For dry ribs: Sprinkle extra Neely's BBQ Dry Rub over ribs, cut between the bones and serve.
- In a bowl stir together the paprika, sugar and onion powder until combined. Keep in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
QUICK BABY BACK RIBS
This is an easy recipe for ribs which won't be tough, like smoked ribs, or fall off the bone, like braised ribs. These ribs are done the right way, and I've never had better ribs than this.
Provided by Mike Swieton
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Pork Rib Recipes Baby Back Ribs
Time 1h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Prepare an outdoor grill for indirect heat - a pile of charcoal on one side, nothing under the food. Once it is going, throw some soaked mesquite woodchips on it.
- Remove the membrane from the ribs if the butcher has not already. Combine the salt, pepper, paprika, chile powder and thyme; rub onto the ribs. Cut the slab of ribs in half.
- Place the ribs over indirect heat, and close the lid. Cook for 20 minutes, then brush with barbeque sauce. Cover, and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 465.1 calories, Carbohydrate 23.5 g, Cholesterol 117.2 mg, Fat 29.7 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 24.2 g, SaturatedFat 10.9 g, Sodium 1388.1 mg, Sugar 16.3 g
MEMPHIS-STYLE RIBS
Provided by Steven Raichlen
Categories Backyard BBQ Dinner Lunch Beef Rib Tailgating Grill Grill/Barbecue Sugar Conscious Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- 1. Prepare the ribs and rub: Remove the thin, papery skin from the back of each rack of ribs by pulling it off in a sheet with your fingers, using the corner of a kitchen towel to gain a secure grip, or with pliers.
- 2. Combine the paprika, black pepper, brown sugar, salt, celery salt, cayenne, garlic powder, dry mustard, and cumin in a small bowl and whisk to mix. Rub two thirds of this mixture over the ribs on both sides, then transfer the ribs to a roasting pan. Cover and let cure, in the refrigerator, for 4 to 8 hours.
- 3. Prepare the mop sauce (if using): Mix together the cider vinegar, mustard, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
- 4. Set up the grill for indirect grilling and place a large drip pan in the center.
- If using a gas grill, place all of the wood chips in the smoker box and preheat the grill to high; when smoke appears, reduce the heat to medium.
- If using a charcoal grill, preheat it to medium.
- 5. When ready to cook, if using a charcoal grill, toss the wood chips on the coals. Brush and oil the grill grate. Arrange the ribs on the hot grate over the drip pan. Cover the grill and smoke cook the ribs for 1 hour.
- 6. When the ribs have cooked for an hour, uncover the grill and brush the ribs with the mop sauce (if using). Re-cover the grill and continue cooking the ribs until tender and almost done, 1/4 to 1/2 hour longer for baby back ribs, 1/2 to 1 hour longer for spareribs. The ribs are done when the meat is very tender and has shrunk back from the ends of the bones. If using a charcoal grill, you'll need to add 10 to 12 fresh coals to each side after 1 hour. Fifteen minutes before the ribs are done, season them with the remaining rub, sprinkling it on.
- 7. To serve, cut the racks in half or, for a plate-burying effect, just leave them whole.
EASY BARBEQUED RIBS - MEMPHIS STYLE (WET)
Just what the world needs, another BBQ rib recipe! This one has allspice (my favorite) and is mostly made from chili sauce (like Heinz) and marinates overnight, then is roasted in the oven for 5 hours on low heat.
Provided by threeovens
Categories Pork
Time 17h
Yield 2 racks, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Prepare the marinade by combining all ingredients except ribs in a large bowl. Place ribs in a large glass baking dish and pour marinade over coating all sides. Refrigerate 12 to 24 hours.
- Next day, remove ribs from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 300°F Remove ribs from marinade; reserve marinade. Place ribs on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, 5 hours, basting with reserved marinade every 30 minutes or so.
- After the last basting, place marinade in a small saucepan and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Serve with ribs.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 876.1, Fat 63.8, SaturatedFat 21.6, Cholesterol 176.9, Sodium 943.1, Carbohydrate 32.8, Fiber 5, Sugar 24.1, Protein 40.9
BEST MEMPHIS BBQ DRY RUB
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
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
PRESSURE-COOKER MEMPHIS-STYLE RIBS
After my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous restaurant, I was inspired to create my own version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor the ribs would get from grilling over hot coals. -Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 35m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Combine vinegar and water; brush over ribs. Pour remaining vinegar mixture into a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker. Mix together next 12 ingredients, reserving half. Sprinkle ribs with half of seasoning blend. Cut ribs into serving-size pieces; transfer to pressure cooker. , Lock lid; close pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 20 minutes. Allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes; quick-release any remaining pressure. , Remove ribs; skim fat from cooking juices. Using a clean brush, brush ribs generously with skimmed cooking juices; sprinkle with reserved seasoning. Serve ribs with remaining juices.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 509 calories, Fat 35g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 136mg cholesterol, Sodium 1137mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 38g protein.
Tips:
- Choose the right ribs: Baby back ribs are the most popular choice for Memphis-style BBQ ribs, but you can also use spare ribs.
- Remove the membrane: The membrane on the back of the ribs can be tough and chewy, so it's important to remove it before cooking.
- Use a good rub: The rub is what gives Memphis-style BBQ ribs their characteristic flavor. There are many different recipes for Memphis-style BBQ rub, but they typically include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin.
- Cook the ribs low and slow: Memphis-style BBQ ribs are cooked low and slow over indirect heat. This allows the ribs to cook evenly and develop a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
- Baste the ribs with sauce: During the last hour of cooking, baste the ribs with a Memphis-style BBQ sauce. This will help to keep the ribs moist and add flavor.
- Let the ribs rest: After the ribs are cooked, let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Conclusion:
Memphis-style BBQ ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make Memphis-style BBQ ribs that will impress your friends and family.
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