Best 8 Memphis Style Rub Recipes

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In the heart of Tennessee, where smoky aromas fill the air, lies the culinary treasure of Memphis-style rub. This distinctive blend of spices and herbs embodies the city's rich barbecue culture, adding a tantalizing depth of flavor to meats of all kinds. With its perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and savory notes, Memphis-style rub has become a beloved staple in kitchens across the world. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a home cook looking to elevate your grilling game, this guide will take you on a flavor-filled journey through the techniques and secrets of creating an exceptional Memphis-style rub.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MEMPHIS DRY-RUBBED BACK RIBS



Memphis Dry-Rubbed Back Ribs image

When you go to the barbecue joints in Memphis, you can typically get your ribs wet or dry, the difference being that the wet ribs will be finished with a pretty heavy slather of a tomato-based, fairly sweet barbecue sauce, while the dry ribs will be finished with an additional dusting of the house barbecue rub. I happen to like the dry-rubbed version better, but there's usually a bottle of sauce on the table so I can add a little if I want. The most famous of all the dry rib joints in Memphis is The Rendezvous and I really like their ribs. They use loin baby back ribs and they cook them over charcoal until done, then they finish them with another layer of their delicious dry rub. I hope you like my version. These would go very well served with white beans and cornbread.

Provided by Food Network

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 slabs pork loin baby back ribs, about 2 1/4 pounds each
Rib Rub #99 as needed, recipe follows
3/4 cup Sugar In The Raw
1/2 cup salt
1/4 cup paprika
2 tablespoons finely ground black pepper
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

Steps:

  • At least a half hour and up to 4 hours before you plan to cook the ribs, peel the membrane off the back of the ribs and trim any excessive fat. Season the ribs liberally on both sides with the Rib Rub. Refrigerate.
  • Prepare the grill for cooking over indirect heat at 300 degrees F using apple or cherry wood for flavor. Place the ribs directly on the cooking grate, meaty-side up. Cook for 1 hour. Flip and cook another 30 minutes. Flip again and cook until they are nicely caramelized and golden brown, about another 30 minutes, but may vary depending on your grill. Transfer the ribs to a platter.
  • Lay out two big double-layered sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each big enough to wrap a whole slab of the ribs. Transfer the ribs to the foil, meaty-side up. Fold the foil up around the ribs into a packet. Seal the packets snugly, being careful not to puncture the foil with the rib bones. Return to the grill for 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach your desired degree of tenderness. The best way to determine the doneness is to open the foil after 45 minutes and feel the texture of the meat. It should be very tender. Transfer the foil packets to a platter. Raise the temp of the grill to 400 degrees F. Remove the ribs from the foil and return to the cooking grate. Sprinkle lightly with additional Rib Rub #99. Cook for 5 minutes. Flip and sprinkle the other side lightly with the Rib Rub and cook for 5 minutes. Flip one last time and cook for 5 minutes more. Remove the ribs to a platter. Serve 1/2 slab to each guest.
  • Combine all ingredients, mix well, and store in an airtight container.

DRY RUB RIBS- MEMPHIS (DAVE'S DINNERS)



Dry Rub Ribs- Memphis (Dave's Dinners) image

Provided by Dave Lieberman

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield about 15 ribs

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds baby back ribs
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dry oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
25 grinds fresh black pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

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



Memphis-Style Ribs image

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

Grilling Method
Indirect grilling
Advance preparation
4 to 8 hours for marinating the ribs
Special equipment
1 1/2 cups wood chips or chunks (preferably hickory), soaked for 1 hour in cold water to cover and drained
For the ribs and rub
3 racks baby back pork ribs (about 7 pounds), or 2 racks pork spareribs (6 to 8 pounds total)
1/4 cup sweet paprika
4 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
4 1/2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons celery salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
For the mop sauce (optional)
2 cups cider vinegar
1/2 cup yellow (ballpark) mustard
2 teaspoons salt

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.

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

MEMPHIS RUB



Memphis Rub image

This zesty rub will bring out the best in ribs and other meats. Try it on chicken!

Provided by ALIKAT695

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

¼ cup paprika
1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons monosodium glutamate (MSG)
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

Steps:

  • In a small airtight container, mix paprika, dark brown sugar, white sugar, salt, monosodium glutamate, celery salt, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, garlic powder and onion powder. Seal and store in a cool dark place until ready for use.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 62 calories, Carbohydrate 12 g, Fat 1.3 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 1785.8 mg, Sugar 7.5 g

OVEN BAKED MEMPHIS STYLE RIBS



Oven Baked Memphis Style Ribs image

Make and share this Oven Baked Memphis Style Ribs recipe from Food.com.

Provided by tonymartin815

Categories     Pork

Time 4h40m

Yield 12 ribs, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

12 pork spareribs
8 tablespoons pork dry rub seasonings (I used Bad Byron's Butt Rub)
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Steps:

  • First, we start by preheating the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, take the spare ribs and wash them thoroughly. Run them under cold water and hand rub both sides.
  • Remove the thin flap of meat on the back side; the piece that emulates flank steak. After, remove the thin, transparent film also located on the backside of the ribs. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! (If you dont, your ribs will be tough and bitter).
  • Rub a small amount (1 cup total) of apple vinegar over both sides of the ribs. The vinegar draw the pork blood from the meat, and also acts as a tenderizer; and adds flavor.
  • Sprinkle 3 table spoons of rub seasoning on the front, three on the back, and take about 2-3 minutes to rub it into, and spread thoroughly, on each side.
  • Place ribs in a baking pan and cover with foil.
  • Place ribs on a rack positioned in the middle of the oven.
  • To create the mop, take 1 table spoon of your rub, add 1 cup of apple vinegar, and one table spoon yellow mustard. Mix together well.
  • After 2 hours of cooking, remove the ribs and drain the juices from the pan. Apply mop mixture lightly to the meaty side of the ribs using a soaked paper towel, etc. When finished, recover with foil, place back in oven on middle rack, reset timer for another 2 hours.
  • Once the second duration of 2 hours has finished, remove foil, remove ribs and drain the excess juice. Re apply mop lightly. return to over WITHOUT foil covering it. Switch oven to BROIL- High mode and broil for 10-15 minutes (or until you find the outer side crispy enough).
  • remove from oven, sprinkle remaining table spoon of rub spices over front and back of ribs, and let sit uncovered for approximately 10 minutes.
  • Enjoy.

MEMPHIS SPICE RUB



Memphis Spice Rub image

A rub with a kick. Great on baby back ribs, pork loin or tenderloin; pork butt or chicken. Recipe came from Steve Johnson in Fine Cooking Magazine #56.

Provided by Kerena

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 5m

Yield 1/2 cup, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/2 tablespoons hot chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon paprika
1/2 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper, ground
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
  • Use as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 13.3, Fat 0.6, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 599.4, Carbohydrate 2.3, Fiber 1, Sugar 0.7, Protein 0.5

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:

  • Use a variety of spices: Memphis-style rubs typically include a mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and pepper.
  • Adjust the heat level: If you want a spicier rub, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a milder rub, reduce the amount of these spices.
  • Use brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a slightly sweet flavor to the rub and helps to caramelize the meat during cooking.
  • Apply the rub liberally: Make sure to coat the meat with a generous amount of rub so that it can penetrate the meat and develop a flavorful crust.
  • Let the meat rest before cooking: This allows the rub to soak into the meat and develop more flavor.
  • Cook the meat over indirect heat: This will help to prevent the rub from burning and will allow the meat to cook evenly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked to your desired doneness: Memphis-style barbecue is typically cooked to a medium or medium-rare doneness.

Conclusion:

Memphis-style dry rub is a versatile and flavorful way to add a smoky, savory flavor to your favorite meats. With its combination of spices, brown sugar, and paprika, Memphis-style rub is sure to please even the most discerning palate. Whether you're grilling, smoking, or roasting, Memphis-style dry rub is a great way to add some extra flavor to your next meal.

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