Memphis Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs
There's something special about a rack of slow-cooked, dry-rubbed pork ribs that just can't be beat. As a home cook, I've spent years perfecting my recipe for Memphis Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs, and I'm excited to share it with you. Whether you're a seasoned BBQ master or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
I remember the first time I tried authentic Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs - it was at a small BBQ joint in the city, and the flavors just blew me away. The combination of the dry rub, the slow cooking, and the tender, fall-off-the-bone texture was like nothing I'd ever tasted before. From that day on, I was determined to recreate those ribs in my own kitchen.
After months of experimentation and testing, I finally landed on a recipe that I'm proud to call my own. It's a combination of traditional Memphis-style dry rubbing, slow cooking, and a few secret ingredients that take the ribs to the next level. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner.
So if you're looking for a recipe that's sure to impress your friends and family, look no further than these Memphis Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs. With their tender, smoky flavor and fall-off-the-bone texture, they're the perfect dish for any occasion - from backyard BBQs to holiday gatherings.
In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of spices and herbs to create a dry rub that's both flavorful and aromatic. We'll also be using a low-and-slow cooking method to break down the connective tissues in the meat and create a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture. And to finish it all off, we'll be adding a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that complements the dry rub perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These Memphis Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs are incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner.
- The dry rub adds a depth of flavor to the ribs that's just incredible.
- The slow cooking method creates a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture that's just irresistible.
- The recipe is perfect for backyard BBQs and holiday gatherings.
- The ribs are smoky, tangy, and sweet - a perfect combination of flavors.
- The recipe is highly customizable - you can adjust the dry rub and BBQ sauce to your taste.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to this recipe is the combination of the dry rub and the slow cooking method. The dry rub adds a depth of flavor to the ribs that's just incredible, with a combination of spices and herbs that complement the pork perfectly. And the slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, creating a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture that's just irresistible.
Another important factor is the temperature control. By cooking the ribs at a low temperature for a long period of time, we're able to break down the collagen in the meat and create a tender, juicy texture. And by finishing the ribs with a high-heat sear, we're able to add a crispy, caramelized crust that adds texture and flavor to the dish.
Finally, the resting time is crucial. By letting the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, we're allowing the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, creating a tender, juicy texture that's just perfect.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to the ingredients, we're keeping things simple and straightforward. We'll be using a combination of spices and herbs to create the dry rub, as well as a few key ingredients to add moisture and flavor to the ribs. And for the BBQ sauce, we'll be using a combination of ketchup, vinegar, and spices to create a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the dry rub perfectly.
One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the pork ribs themselves. Look for a rack of ribs that's meaty and fresh, with a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can use either baby back ribs or St. Louis-style pork ribs - both work well in this recipe.
- 2 lbs (900g) pork ribsLook for a rack of ribs that's meaty and fresh, with a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can use either baby back ribs or St. Louis-style pork ribs - both work well in this recipe.
- 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarThe brown sugar adds a depth of flavor to the dry rub and helps to balance out the spices.
- 2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprikaThe smoked paprika adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dry rub that's just incredible.
- 1 tsp (5g) ground cuminThe cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dry rub that complements the pork perfectly.
- 1 tsp (5g) garlic powderThe garlic powder adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the dry rub that's just delicious.
- 1 tsp (5g) onion powderThe onion powder adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the dry rub that complements the pork perfectly.
- 1 tsp (5g) saltThe salt helps to bring out the flavors in the dry rub and adds a touch of savory flavor to the ribs.
- 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperThe black pepper adds a touch of spice and depth to the dry rub that's just perfect.
- 1/4 cup (60g) ketchupThe ketchup is the base of the BBQ sauce and adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the ribs.
- 2 tbsp (30g) apple cider vinegarThe apple cider vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the BBQ sauce that complements the ketchup perfectly.
- 1 tsp (5g) Worcestershire sauceThe Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the BBQ sauce that's just incredible.
- 1/4 cup (60g) waterThe water helps to thin out the BBQ sauce and create a smooth, even consistency.
- 2 tbsp (30g) honeyThe honey adds a touch of sweetness to the BBQ sauce and helps to balance out the flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Memphis Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs
- 1Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- 2In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dry rub.
- 3Apply the dry rub to the pork ribs, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
- 4Place the ribs on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or a large piece of aluminum foil, and put them in the oven.
- 5Cook the ribs for 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- 6While the ribs are cooking, mix together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water, and honey to create the BBQ sauce.
- 7After 2 hours, brush the BBQ sauce all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- 8Return the ribs to the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce is caramelized and the ribs are tender.
- 9Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- 10Slice the ribs into individual portions and serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to cook the ribs low and slow to break down the connective tissues and create a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs in the dry rub to create a unique flavor profile.
- Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax.
- Use a wire rack to cook the ribs, as this will help to create a crispy, caramelized crust on the bottom.
- If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, you can add more honey or brown sugar to taste.
- To add some heat to the ribs, you can sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the dry rub before cooking.
- To make the ribs more substantial, you can serve them with a side of coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob.
- To make the ribs ahead of time, you can cook them up to a day in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not cooking the ribs low and slow enough, resulting in a tough, chewy texture.
- Not letting the ribs rest long enough, resulting in a dry, overcooked texture.
- Using too much BBQ sauce, resulting in a sweet, overpowering flavor.
- Not using a wire rack to cook the ribs, resulting in a soggy, steamed texture.
- Not experimenting with different spices and herbs in the dry rub, resulting in a bland, uninteresting flavor.
- Not serving the ribs with a variety of sides, resulting in a boring, unbalanced meal.
Variations and Substitutions
- To make the ribs more spicy, you can add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dry rub.
- To make the ribs more sweet, you can add more honey or brown sugar to the BBQ sauce.
- To make the ribs more tangy, you can add more apple cider vinegar to the BBQ sauce.
- To make the ribs more smoky, you can add more smoked paprika to the dry rub.
- To make the ribs more substantial, you can serve them with a side of coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob.
- To make the ribs more adventurous, you can try using different types of wood chips or chunks to add a unique smoky flavor.
- To make the ribs more elegant, you can serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
What to Serve With Memphis Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs
These Memphis Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs are perfect for serving at a backyard BBQ or holiday gathering. You can serve them with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. You can also serve them with a salad or roasted vegetables for a more elegant meal.
Some other ideas for serving the ribs include serving them with a side of mac and cheese, serving them with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables, or serving them with a side of warm bread or cornbread.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
To store the ribs, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat the ribs, you can wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they're heated through.
It's also a good idea to let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will help to redistribute the juices and create a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture. You can also add a little bit of BBQ sauce to the ribs before serving to help keep them moist and flavorful.
To make the ribs ahead of time, you can cook them up to a day in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until serving. You can also prepare the dry rub and BBQ sauce ahead of time and store them in airtight containers until you're ready to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pork ribs should I use for this recipe?
You can use either baby back ribs or St. Louis-style pork ribs for this recipe. Both work well and will result in tender, flavorful ribs.
How long do I need to cook the ribs for?
You should cook the ribs for at least 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I use a different type of wood chip for the recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of wood chips to add a unique smoky flavor to the ribs. Some popular options include hickory, oak, and cherry.
How do I store the ribs after cooking?
You can store the ribs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat the ribs, you can wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they're heated through.
Can I make the dry rub and BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dry rub and BBQ sauce ahead of time and store them in airtight containers until you're ready to use them.
What type of sides should I serve with the ribs?
You can serve the ribs with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. You can also serve them with a salad or roasted vegetables for a more elegant meal.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
You can check the internal temperature of the ribs to make sure they're cooked to a safe temperature. You can also check the texture of the ribs - they should be tender and fall-off-the-bone.
Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce for the recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of BBQ sauce to add a unique flavor to the ribs. Some popular options include Kansas City-style BBQ sauce, Carolina-style BBQ sauce, and Alabama-style BBQ sauce.

Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) pork ribs
- 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5g) onion powder
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60g) ketchup
- 2 tbsp (30g) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp (5g) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup (60g) water
- 2 tbsp (30g) honey
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dry rub.
- Apply the dry rub to the pork ribs, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
- Place the ribs on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or a large piece of aluminum foil, and put them in the oven.
- Cook the ribs for 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- While the ribs are cooking, mix together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water, and honey to create the BBQ sauce.
- After 2 hours, brush the BBQ sauce all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Return the ribs to the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce is caramelized and the ribs are tender.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Slice the ribs into individual portions and serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.