Get ready to lick your fingers and savor the bold flavors of the Bluff City! Memphis-style ribs are a staple of Southern cuisine, and we’ve got 19 mouth-watering recipes to spice up your barbecue game. From classic dry rubs to tangy glazes and slow-smoked masterpieces, these spicy Memphis rib recipes will transport you straight to the heart of Tennessee.
Whether you’re a pitmaster or just looking for a new way to wow your friends and family, our collection of recipes is sure to satisfy your cravings. So grab your apron, fire up the grill (or smoker), and get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of Memphis-style ribs. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the city’s most iconic dishes, each one bursting with flavor and character.
Slow-Smoked Memphis Dry Rub Ribs
Get ready for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs smothered in a rich, spicy flavor profile characteristic of Memphis-style barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks beef or pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup dry rub mixture (see below)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Dry Rub Mixture:
– 1/2 cup chili powder
– 1/4 cup ground cumin
– 1/4 cup paprika
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Remove membrane from back of ribs, if applicable.
3. Apply dry rub mixture evenly to both sides of the ribs.
4. Place ribs in smoker, bone-side down.
5. Smoke for 4-5 hours or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from heat, let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Sticky Memphis-Style BBQ Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with these tender and flavorful ribs, smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup Memphis-style BBQ sauce (see below for recipe)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Apply the dry rub evenly to both racks of ribs, making sure they’re well-coated.
5. Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone-side down.
6. Bake for 2 hours, or until the meat starts to pull away from the bone.
7. Remove the ribs from the oven and brush with Memphis-style BBQ sauce.
8. Return the ribs to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 10-15 minutes
Tangy Memphis Mustard Glazed Ribs
Get ready for a sweet and tangy twist on classic BBQ ribs! This recipe combines the richness of pork with the bold flavors of Memphis-style barbecue, all wrapped up in a sticky mustard glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup Memphis-style barbecue sauce (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
– 1/4 cup yellow mustard
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. Remove membrane from back of ribs (this helps the glaze penetrate).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Apply the glaze evenly to both racks of ribs.
5. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Increase oven temperature to 400°F and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15-20 minutes
Classic Memphis Wet Ribs with Molasses Sauce
Get ready to savor the rich flavors of this Southern-style comfort food! This recipe for Classic Memphis Wet Ribs with Molasses Sauce is a true staple of barbecue cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1 cup molasses
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the short ribs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the ribs from the marinade and place them in a large baking dish lined with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 2 1/2 hours, or until tender and falling off the bone.
6. Serve with additional molasses sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Hickory-Smoked Memphis Ribs with Sweet Heat
Get ready to fall in love with these tender and tangy ribs, smothered in a sweet and spicy glaze. This recipe combines the classic flavors of Memphis-style BBQ with a hint of sweetness and a kick of heat.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs (St. Louis style)
– 1 cup hickory wood chips
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Sweet Heat BBQ Glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Remove membrane from back of ribs.
3. Season ribs with salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
4. Smoke ribs for 4 hours.
5. Brush Sweet Heat BBQ Glaze during last 30 minutes of smoking.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Sweet Heat BBQ Glaze:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Combine all glaze ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Memphis-Style Baby Back Ribs with Dry Spice
Experience the rich flavors of Memphis-style barbecue with this easy recipe for tender and juicy baby back ribs, seasoned with a dry spice blend.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup dry spice blend (see below)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Dry Spice Blend:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the dry spice blend, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Sprinkle both sides of ribs evenly with the spice mixture.
5. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone-side down.
6. Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Pineapple-Glazed Memphis Ribs
Get ready to elevate your BBQ game with these sweet and tangy ribs!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs (memphis-style)
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-low heat (275°F).
2. In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Season ribs with salt and pepper.
6. Grill ribs for 2 hours, or until slightly charred.
7. Brush pineapple glaze all over the ribs during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Memphis Bourbon BBQ Ribs
Get ready to experience the rich flavors of Memphis-style barbecue with these tender and juicy ribs smothered in a sweet and tangy bourbon-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup bourbon
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help them tenderize).
4. Place the ribs in the smoker or grill, bone-side down.
5. Brush the bourbon-based sauce onto the ribs every 30 minutes for 2-1/2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Finish with a final brush of sauce and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
Spicy Memphis Coffee-Rubbed Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the rich flavors of these tender and spicy ribs, infused with the bold notes of coffee and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs, if necessary. Rub the coffee mixture all over the ribs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear ribs for 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
5. Transfer ribs to preheated grill or oven and cook for 2 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Memphis Ribs with Apple Cider Vinegar Mop
Memphis Ribs with Apple Cider Vinegar Mop: A tangy twist on traditional BBQ ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-low heat (275°F).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs (optional but recommended for tender results).
4. Brush both sides of the ribs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place ribs on grill, bone-side down. Close lid and cook for 2 hours.
6. After 2 hours, brush ribs with apple cider vinegar mixture every 10-15 minutes until they reach desired level of tenderness (about 4-5 hours total).
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Smoky Memphis Ribs with Brown Sugar Glaze
Savor the rich flavors of the South with this mouthwatering recipe for Smoky Memphis Ribs with a sweet and sticky Brown Sugar Glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs (optional but recommended for tender results).
4. Apply the dry rub mixture evenly to both racks of ribs.
5. Place ribs in smoker or grill and cook for 4-5 hours, or until tender.
6. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Brush glaze on ribs during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
8. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Memphis Ribs with Peach BBQ Sauce
Memphis Ribs with Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe
Sweet and tangy, these Memphis-style ribs are slathered in a luscious peach BBQ sauce that will transport your taste buds to the heart of the South.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork ribs
- 1/4 cup peach BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Rinse the ribs under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
- Brush peach BBQ sauce over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. Serve hot with additional peach BBQ sauce on the side, if desired.
Cooking Time:
2-1/2 hours at 275°F
Crockpot Memphis-Style Pork Ribs
Experience the authentic flavors of Memphis without leaving your kitchen! These slow-cooked pork ribs are smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce, perfectly balancing sweet and savory notes.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Memphis-style)
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Season the pork ribs with the dry rub mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
3. Place the seasoned ribs in the Crockpot.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs, ensuring they’re fully coated.
6. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
Serve:
Remove the ribs from the Crockpot and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw and cornbread!
Memphis Ribs with Honey Chipotle Glaze
Get ready to fall in love with the sweet and smoky flavors of Memphis-style ribs! This recipe combines tender pork ribs with a sticky honey chipotle glaze that’s sure to become your new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Remove membrane from ribs; season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, chipotle peppers, and apple cider vinegar.
5. Brush glaze over ribs during last 10 minutes of cooking (about 20-25 minutes per pound).
6. Remove from oven; let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours or until meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Cherry Cola Memphis Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the sweet and tangy flavors of these Cherry Cola Memphis Ribs!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup cherry cola
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cherry cola, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help the rub penetrate deeper).
4. Apply the cherry cola glaze to both sides of the ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
6. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Memphis-Style Ribs with Whiskey Glaze
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Memphis with these tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs smothered in a rich whiskey glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup whiskey (your choice of bourbon or Tennessee whiskey works well)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Cook the ribs for 4-5 hours, or until tender and slightly charred.
4. While the ribs are cooking, combine whiskey, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Reduce the glaze by half, stirring occasionally.
6. Brush the ribs with the whiskey glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Memphis Ribs with Molasses and Mustard
Get ready to experience the rich flavors of Memphis-style ribs, elevated by the sweetness of molasses and the tanginess of mustard. This recipe is a unique twist on classic BBQ ribs that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
• 2 pounds pork ribs
• 1 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together molasses, mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Remove membrane from the back of the ribs and place them in a large baking dish.
4. Brush the molasses-mustard mixture evenly onto both sides of the ribs.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Garlic Butter Memphis Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the rich flavors of these tender and juicy Garlic Butter Memphis Ribs. A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup garlic butter (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
Garlic Butter Recipe:
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs; pat dry with paper towels.
4. Brush garlic butter on both sides of the ribs; sprinkle brown sugar mixture evenly.
5. Bake for 2 hours; finish with 10 minutes under broiler.
6. Brush with barbecue sauce during last 10 minutes of baking.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Memphis-Style Ribs with Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze
Memphis-Style Ribs with Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze Recipe:
Summary: Get ready to savor the rich flavors of Memphis-style ribs smothered in a spicy and sweet hot pepper jelly glaze. This recipe yields tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs that are perfect for any BBQ gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup hot pepper jelly
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together hot pepper jelly, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional but recommended for tender results).
4. Place ribs in a large baking dish or roasting pan, bone-side down.
5. Brush the hot pepper jelly glaze all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ribs are caramelized and tender.
8. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your grill game with these mouth-watering Memphis-style rib recipes! This collection of 19 scrumptious dishes will transport you straight to the heart of Tennessee. From classic dry rubs and tangy glazes to sweet heat and spicy twists, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a fan of slow-smoked tender ribs or sticky BBQ goodness, these Southern-style recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So fire up the grill and get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of Memphis with these 19 delectable rib recipes!
