Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the bold flavors of Memphis-style ribs! The city known for its rich musical heritage is also famous for its finger-lickin’ good barbecue, and we’re about to take you on a culinary journey through the best spicy Memphis rib recipes out there. From classic dry rubs to sweet and tangy glazes, these mouth-watering dishes will have your friends and family begging for more.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 18 spicy Memphis rib recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a BBQ newbie, these recipes offer a range of flavors and heat levels to suit every palate. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to dig in!
**Stay tuned for our countdown of the top 18 spicy Memphis rib recipes!**
Classic Memphis Dry Rub Ribs
Classic Memphis Dry Rub Ribs Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Memphis-style BBQ with these tender and flavorful dry-rubbed ribs. This recipe yields a deliciously crispy exterior and fall-off-the-bone interior, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/2 cup dry rub mixture (see below)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Dry Rub Mixture:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 tablespoons garlic powder
– 2 tablespoons onion powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together dry rub ingredients.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Apply dry rub mixture evenly over both racks of ribs.
5. Place ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 2 hours and 30 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Slow-Smoked Memphis-Style Ribs
Slow-Smoked Memphis-Style Ribs: A Classic Southern Delight
For those who love the sweet and tangy flavors of Memphis-style barbecue, these slow-smoked ribs are a must-try. With tender meat, a caramelized crust, and a hint of spice, this recipe is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup dry rub (see below for recipe)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix dry rub ingredients. Apply evenly to both racks of ribs.
3. Place ribs in smoker, bone-side down. Close lid and smoke for 4 hours.
4. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. After 4 hours of smoking, brush ribs with the BBQ sauce. Close lid and smoke for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Remove ribs from smoker and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Spicy Memphis BBQ Ribs with Molasses Glaze
Get ready to fall in love with the bold flavors of Memphis-style barbecue! This recipe combines tender, spicy ribs with a rich molasses glaze that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup Memphis-style BBQ rub (containing paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove membrane from back of ribs and season with BBQ rub, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
3. Grill ribs for 2-3 hours, or until tender and slightly charred.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together molasses and water to create glaze.
5. Brush glaze over ribs during last 10 minutes of grilling.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Memphis Mustard-Based Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the rich flavors of Memphis-style ribs, elevated by a tangy and sweet mustard-based glaze. These tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs are perfect for any BBQ lover.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup yellow mustard
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F.
2. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Grill the ribs for 4-5 hours, or until tender and slightly charred.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Brush the glaze on the ribs during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
6. Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Honey-Glazed Memphis Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the rich flavors of these tender and sticky honey-glazed Memphis ribs. This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any barbecue or gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 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 honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and place them on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
4. Brush the honey-glaze all over the ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until the meat is tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Memphis-Style St. Louis Ribs
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of Memphis-style BBQ with these tender, fall-off-the-bone St. Louis ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork spare ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup Memphis-style BBQ rub (see below for recipe)
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Memphis-Style BBQ Rub:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. Remove membrane from back of ribs.
3. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ rub, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
4. Apply the dry rub mixture evenly to both racks of ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Place ribs in smoker or grill and cook for 2-1/2 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Smoky Apple Cider Memphis Ribs
Experience the sweet and tangy flavors of the South with these tender and juicy Smoky Apple Cider Memphis Ribs. A twist on traditional BBQ, this recipe combines the deep smokiness of hickory wood with the warmth of apple cider and a hint of spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup hickory wood chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together apple cider, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and apply the apple cider mixture evenly.
4. Place ribs in smoker, fat side up. Close lid and smoke for 4 hours.
5. During last hour of cooking, add hickory wood chips to smoker.
6. Remove ribs from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Memphis Ribs with Brown Sugar Rub
Experience the sweet and tangy flavor of Memphis-style ribs with this simple recipe. This classic Southern dish is perfect for a backyard BBQ or family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional).
4. Apply the brown sugar rub evenly to both sides of the ribs.
5. Place the ribs on the grill, bone side down. Close the lid and cook for 2-1/2 hours or until tender.
6. Brush the ribs with apple cider vinegar during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Tangy Vinegar-Based Memphis Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the rich flavors of Memphis-style ribs! This recipe combines tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, and a hint of spice for a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove any membrane from the ribs and place them in a large baking dish.
4. Brush the rib mixture evenly over 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 caramelized and tender.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Memphis Ribs with Coffee Rub
Experience the bold flavors of Memphis-style ribs with a unique coffee rub that adds depth and complexity to this BBQ favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup coffee grounds (medium-dark roast)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together coffee grounds, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional) and brush both sides with a thin layer of oil.
4. Apply the coffee rub evenly to the ribs, making sure they’re well-coated.
5. Place the ribs on the grill, bone-side down. Close the lid and cook for 2-1/2 hours or until tender.
6. Finish with your favorite BBQ sauce (optional) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Spicy Memphis Ribs with Hot Sauce Glaze
Get ready to sizzle your taste buds with these fall-off-the-bone ribs smothered in a spicy hot sauce glaze. This recipe is a twist on traditional Memphis-style BBQ, adding a bold and tangy kick.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together hot sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and cut into individual portions.
4. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone-side down.
5. Brush the spicy glaze all over the ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
6. Bake for 2 hours or until tender.
7. During last 15 minutes of cooking, brush with barbecue sauce and return to oven.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Memphis-Style Baby Back Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with these tender, juicy, and flavorful Memphis-style baby back ribs! This recipe is a classic take on the city’s famous BBQ style, featuring a tangy tomato-based sauce and a slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone texture.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds baby back ribs
– 1/4 cup Memphis-style BBQ rub (containing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ rub, honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and apply the BBQ mixture evenly, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
5. Finish with a 10-minute broil at high heat to caramelize the sauce.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes (including broiling)
Garlic Butter Memphis Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with these tender, flavorful ribs smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce! This classic Southern recipe is perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork spare ribs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread garlic butter mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
5. Bake for 2 hours or until tender and caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Memphis Ribs with Bourbon Glaze
Get ready to fall in love with these fall-off-the-bone tender Memphis ribs slathered in a rich bourbon glaze. This recipe combines the classic dry-rubbed pork ribs with a sweet and tangy sauce that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef back ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Apply the dry rub evenly to both sides of the ribs.
4. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
5. While ribs are baking, combine bourbon, ketchup, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.
7. Remove ribs from oven and brush with bourbon glaze during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Sweet and Smoky Memphis Ribs
Sweet and Smoky Memphis Ribs: A Twist on a Classic Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the tender, sweet, and smoky flavors of these mouthwatering Memphis ribs. This recipe is a slight departure from traditional methods, but still honors the rich history of Southern-style barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple work well)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and apply the dry rub evenly.
4. Place ribs in smoker and cook for 4 hours.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush with apple cider vinegar and barbecue sauce.
6. Remove from heat and drizzle with honey.
7. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes
Memphis Ribs with Peach BBQ Sauce
Experience the sweet and tangy flavors of Memphis-style ribs paired with a unique peach BBQ sauce that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1/4 cup peach BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Remove membrane from the back of the ribs.
3. In a small bowl, mix together peach BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Apply the mixture evenly to both racks of ribs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, bone-side down.
6. Bake for 2 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Memphis-Style Ribs with Dry Spice Rub
Experience the rich flavors of Memphis-style ribs without the need for a slow cooker or liquid marinade. This recipe relies on a dry spice rub to bring out the bold, tangy flavors of these tender and juicy pork ribs.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds total)
– 1/2 cup dry spice rub (see below for ingredients)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Dry Spice Rub:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 tablespoons ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and smoked paprika.
3. Remove membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. Pat dry with paper towels.
4. Apply the spice rub evenly to both racks of ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Place ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone-side down.
6. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Smoked Memphis Ribs with Cherry Cola Glaze
Experience the sweet and tangy flavors of the South with this mouthwatering recipe that combines tender smoked ribs with a sticky cherry cola glaze. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or a dinner party, these fall-off-the-bone ribs are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (4 pounds)
– 1 cup cherry cola
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cherry cola, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and place in smoker for 4-5 hours or until tender.
4. Brush glaze onto ribs during last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (smoking) + 30 minutes (glazing)
Summary
Get ready for some serious Southern comfort food with these 18 spicy Memphis rib recipes! From classic dry rubs to sweet and tangy glazes, these mouthwatering recipes will transport your taste buds to the birthplace of BBQ. Try the Classic Memphis Dry Rub Ribs or Slow-Smoked Memphis-Style Ribs for a traditional fix. Or, kick things up with Spicy Memphis BBQ Ribs with Molasses Glaze or Smoky Apple Cider Memphis Ribs. Whatever your flavor profile, there’s something on this list to satisfy your rib cravings!