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Perfect Memphis Dry Rub Ribs Recipe

Memphis dry rub ribs - featured image

A simple and authentic Memphis-style dry rub ribs recipe that delivers bold smoky flavor and tender, juicy meat with just 5 easy steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds pork spare ribs, trimmed of excess fat and silver skin removed
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground preferred
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ribs (10 minutes): Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs by sliding a butter knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the dry rub (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, kosher salt, and dried oregano. Mix until evenly blended.
  3. Apply the rub (5 minutes): Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it in with your hands. Wrap ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  4. Cook the ribs (2 to 2.5 hours): Preheat grill to 275°F or oven to 300°F. Cook ribs bone side down over indirect heat on grill or on a rack in the oven. Turn occasionally. Cook until meat is tender and pulls back from bones, about 190°F internal temperature.
  5. Rest and serve (10 minutes): Remove ribs, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice between bones and serve warm.

Notes

Remove silver skin for tender ribs. Pat ribs dry before applying rub. Cook low and slow over indirect heat. Spritz ribs with apple juice or water every 30 minutes to maintain moisture. Rest ribs for 10 minutes before serving. For oven-only method, wrap ribs tightly in foil and bake at 300°F for 2.5 to 3 hours, then broil briefly to crisp crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: Memphis dry rub ribs, BBQ ribs, smoky ribs, dry rub recipe, grilled ribs, oven ribs, pork spare ribs, easy ribs recipe