How to Make Mouth-Watering Memphis BBQ Ribs

Picture this: a warm summer evening, the aroma of smoky, tender ribs wafting through the air, and friends and family gathered around the grill, all eagerly awaiting a taste of Memphis food magic. Feel like that picture has your mouth watering? You’re in for a treat. During this recipe, we’ll walk you through the straightforward steps to create the most succulent, delectable Memphis BBQ ribs you’ve ever tasted.

The Key Ingredients: A Love Story

When it comes to Memphis BBQ ribs, it’s all about the harmonious union of two essential components: the dry rub and the sauce. These two elements, when combined, create a symphony of flavors that’ll have your taste buds singing in delight.

Dry Rub Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Sauce:

• Your favorite store-bought or homemade Memphis BBQ sauce

Ribs:

• 2 racks of St. Louis-style pork ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)

Crafting the Perfect Memphis BBQ Ribs

The ingredients are gathered, it’s time to get on making the ribs. There aren’t too many steps to this recipe, but it’s definitely worth following them accurately if you want the best results. Take your time, enjoy the process, and you’ll soon be tucking into a decadent feast.

Step 1: Prep Your Ribs

Preparation is where we’ll start. You’ll need to remove the sinewy membrane from the back of your ribs. There’s no way around this, as it allows the dry rub to penetrate the meat more effectively. To do this, slide a butter knife under the membrane at one end of the ribs and gently lift it up. Then, using a paper towel for grip, pull the membrane away from the ribs.

Step 2: Apply the Dry Rub

It’s time to bring all the dry ingredients together. Do this in a small bowl and once combined, generously coat both sides of the ribs with the rub, making sure to press it into the meat. Now you want to rest them for around 30 minutes. This resting process allows the flavors to seep in.

Source: Canva

Step 3: Smoke or Grill Your Ribs

There are two popular methods for cooking Memphis BBQ ribs: smoking and grilling. Choose the one that suits your preference and equipment.

Smoking Method:

• Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
• Place the ribs bone-side down on the smoker grates.
• Smoke the ribs for about 4-5 hours. They should hit an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Grilling Method:

• Preheat the grill to medium heat at 300°F (150°C).
• Set up your grill for indirect grilling by placing a drip pan filled with water under the grates on one side and heating the other side.
• Place the ribs bone-side down on the unheated side of the grill, over the drip pan.
• Grilling is quicker than smoking, so you’ll probably only need to grill for around 2.5-3 hours. They should hit an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Step 4: Slather on the Sauce

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, it’s time to bring in the star of the show – the Memphis BBQ sauce. Generously brush your favorite store-bought or homemade Memphis BBQ sauce onto the ribs, ensuring an even coating. Continue to cook the ribs, allowing the sauce to caramelize and form a beautiful, sticky glaze.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

The ribs are cooked and slathered in sauce. Now we need to rest them for another 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy ribs. After they’ve rested, slice the ribs between the bones and serve them up with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips and Tricks for Rib Perfection

To elevate your Memphis BBQ ribs game to the next level, consider these tips and tricks:

• Wood chips: If you’re smoking your ribs, experiment with different types of wood chips to impart unique flavors. Fruitwoods like apple or cherry are popular choices for pork ribs, but feel free to mix and match to create your signature taste.
• Monitor the heat: Whether smoking or grilling, maintaining a consistent temperature is key to achieving tender, flavorful ribs. Use a reliable thermometer to monitor the heat and adjust as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Basting: Keep the ribs moist during cooking by periodically basting them with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. This adds another layer of flavor and helps prevent the ribs from drying out.
• Practice patience: Resist the urge to peek at your ribs too often. Opening the smoker or grill frequently can cause fluctuations in temperature, leading to longer cooking times and uneven results. Trust the process, and let the heat do its magic.

Key Takeaways

So there you have it, the secrets to mouth-watering Memphis BBQ ribs are yours to enjoy. Gather a gang, fire up the grill or smoker, and embrace the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked, saucy goodness as it fills the air.