Ribs

Memphis Style Ribs

Name: Memphis Style Ribs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 270 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork ribs; 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar; 2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprika; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup (60g) hickory wood chips; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (240ml) water

By Gabriel Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Ribs

Prep30 min

Cook240 min

Total270 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I tried Memphis Style Ribs at a local barbecue joint. The tender, fall-off-the-bone meat and the rich, smoky flavor left me wanting more. As a home cook, I was determined to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. After months of experimentation, I finally perfected my Memphis Style Ribs recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of slow-cooked ribs, crispy bacon, and a tangy barbecue sauce. It's a dish that's perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal equipment.

In this recipe, we'll cover everything from preparing the ribs to making the barbecue sauce from scratch. We'll also discuss the importance of resting the meat and the best ways to serve it. So, let's get started and dive into the world of Memphis Style Ribs!

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it in the comfort of your own home, using ingredients that are easily accessible at your local grocery store. The best part? It's incredibly delicious and sure to impress your guests. So, whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer milder flavors, this recipe is sure to please.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's get cooking and experience the authentic taste of Memphis in the comfort of your own home. With this recipe, you'll be able to create tender, smoky ribs that are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal equipment, making it perfect for beginners.
The combination of dry rub, barbecue sauce, and smoking creates a rich, complex flavor profile that's sure to please.
The recipe is versatile and can be made in the comfort of your own home, using ingredients that are easily accessible at your local grocery store.
The resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.
The hickory wood adds a strong, smoky flavor that complements the dry rub and barbecue sauce perfectly.
This recipe is perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings with friends and family.
The recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy home cooks.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Memphis Style Ribs is to cook them low and slow, allowing the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld together. This recipe uses a combination of dry rub, barbecue sauce, and smoking to create a rich, complex flavor profile. The dry rub adds a deep, spicy flavor, while the barbecue sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.

The smoking process is what sets Memphis Style Ribs apart from other types of ribs. By cooking the ribs over low heat for an extended period of time, we're able to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and easy to chew. The smoke also adds a deep, rich flavor that's characteristic of Memphis Style Ribs.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the resting time. After cooking the ribs, it's essential to let them rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.

Finally, the type of wood used for smoking is crucial. In this recipe, we're using hickory wood, which is a classic choice for Memphis Style Ribs. The hickory wood adds a strong, smoky flavor that complements the dry rub and barbecue sauce perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Memphis Style Ribs, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. In this recipe, we're using a combination of pork ribs, dry rub, barbecue sauce, and hickory wood to create a rich, complex flavor profile. We're also using a few pantry staples, such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, to add depth and warmth to the dish.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the pork ribs. Look for ribs that are meaty and have a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can use either baby back ribs or spare ribs, depending on your personal preference.

2 lbs (900g) pork ribsLook for ribs that are meaty and have a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can use either baby back ribs or spare ribs, depending on your personal preference.
1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the ribs. You can also use white sugar or honey if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the ribs. You can also use regular paprika if you don't have smoked paprika on hand.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the ribs. You can also use fresh garlic if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the ribs and helps to bring out the other ingredients. Use a flaky sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the ribs. You can also use white pepper if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauceBarbecue sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the ribs. You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce.
1/4 cup (60g) hickory wood chipsHickory wood chips add a strong, smoky flavor to the ribs. You can also use other types of wood chips, such as apple or cherry, if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil helps to keep the ribs moist and adds a rich, fruity flavor. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the ribs. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer.
1 cup (240ml) waterWater helps to keep the ribs moist and adds a bit of steam to the cooking process. You can also use other liquids, such as beer or stock, if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenInstant-read thermometerWood chip smoker or charcoal grill Cutting boardSharp knifeMeat claws or tongs

How to Make Memphis Style Ribs

1
Preheat your smoker or grill to 225-250°F (110-120°C), using hickory wood chips for smoke.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dry rub.
3
Apply the dry rub to the pork ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
4
Place the ribs in the smoker or grill, bone side down. Close the lid and cook for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-170°F (71-77°C).
5
After 4 hours, brush the ribs with barbecue sauce and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the sauce is caramelized and the ribs are tender.
6
Remove the ribs from the smoker or grill and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or serving.
7
While the ribs are resting, heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
8
Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
9
Brush the ribs with the garlic sauce and serve immediately.
10
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, if desired.
11
Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the ribs rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing or serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Use a water pan in your smoker or grill to add moisture and prevent the ribs from drying out.
Experiment with different types of wood chips or pellets to find the flavor you like best.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your dry rub and sauce ingredients - the possibilities are endless!
If you don't have a smoker or grill, you can also cook the ribs in the oven. Simply preheat to 300°F (150°C) and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-170°F (71-77°C).
Let the ribs cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacterial growth.
Reheat the ribs in the oven or on the grill to restore the crispy texture and caramelized sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the ribs rest long enough, resulting in dry and tough meat.
Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Overcooking the ribs, resulting in a dry and flavorless texture.
Not using enough wood chips or pellets, resulting in a lack of smoky flavor.
Not experimenting with different types of wood chips or pellets to find the flavor you like best.
Not using a water pan in your smoker or grill to add moisture and prevent the ribs from drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of wood chips or pellets, such as apple or cherry, to add unique flavors to your ribs.
Experiment with different dry rub ingredients, such as brown sugar or smoked paprika, to create a custom flavor profile.
Add a sweet and tangy glaze to your ribs by brushing them with a mixture of barbecue sauce and honey during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Use a variety of spices, such as cumin or coriander, to add a unique flavor to your ribs.
Try using different types of meat, such as beef or pork belly, to create a unique twist on traditional ribs.
Add some heat to your ribs by incorporating spicy ingredients, such as hot sauce or red pepper flakes, into your dry rub or sauce.
Use a mixture of barbecue sauce and beer to create a rich and tangy sauce for your ribs.

What to Serve With Memphis Style Ribs

Memphis Style Ribs are perfect for serving at backyard barbecues, picnics, or casual gatherings with friends and family. You can serve them with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread, to complement the rich and smoky flavor of the ribs.

Some other ideas for serving Memphis Style Ribs include:

Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, to add some color and nutrients to the dish.

A fresh green salad, such as a spinach or kale salad, to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory ribs.

A side of warm bread, such as cornbread or biscuits, to soak up the juices and sauce from the ribs.

ColeslawBaked beansCornbreadGrilled or roasted vegetablesFresh green saladWarm bread

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

If you're not planning to serve the ribs immediately, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh. To refrigerate, let the ribs cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To freeze, let the ribs cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen ribs can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to reheat the ribs, you can do so in the oven or on the grill. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-170°F (71-77°C). To reheat on the grill, preheat to medium-high heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-170°F (71-77°C).

It's also important to note that you should always reheat cooked ribs to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of wood chips are best for smoking ribs?

Hickory wood chips are a classic choice for smoking ribs, but you can also experiment with other types of wood chips, such as apple or cherry, to find the flavor you like best.

How long do I need to let the ribs rest before serving?

It's recommended to let the ribs rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing or serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.

Can I cook the ribs in the oven instead of on the grill?

Yes, you can cook the ribs in the oven. Simply preheat to 300°F (150°C) and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-170°F (71-77°C).

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160-170°F (71-77°C) and the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Can I make the ribs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them?

Yes, you can make the ribs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them. Simply let the ribs cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.

How do I reheat the ribs?

You can reheat the ribs in the oven or on the grill. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-170°F (71-77°C). To reheat on the grill, preheat to medium-high heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-170°F (71-77°C).

What type of sauce is best for Memphis Style Ribs?

A sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is traditional for Memphis Style Ribs. You can make your own sauce using a combination of ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, or use a store-bought sauce.

Can I use a gas grill to cook the ribs?

Yes, you can use a gas grill to cook the ribs. Simply preheat the grill to 225-250°F (110-120°C) and cook the ribs for 4-5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160-170°F (71-77°C).

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card