Memphis-Style Smoky BBQ Ribs
Indulge in these award-winning BBQ ribs inspired by the legendary Hogaholics, perfect for any backyard gathering or family dinner. Each bite delivers a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor that captures the essence of classic Memphis-style BBQ. The ribs are slow-cooked to perfection and generously basted with a rich sauce, making them juicy and tender. This recipe creates a feast that will have everyone at the table licking their fingers and asking for more. Serve these ribs with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.
4
Servings
900
Calories
35
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Rib Racks
2 (cleaned and skinned)
Lemon Peel
1 tablespoon (finely grated)
Garlic Powder
1 tablespoon (ready to use)
Onion Powder
1 tablespoon (ready to use)
Chili Powder
1 tablespoon (ready to use)
Paprika
1 tablespoon (ready to use)
MSG
1 tablespoon (optional)
Black Pepper
1/2 tablespoon (freshly ground)
Cayenne Pepper
1/2 tablespoon (ready to use)
White Pepper
1/2 tablespoon (freshly ground)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (ready to use)
Salt
2 tablespoons (ready to use)
Vinegar
1 quart (ready to use)
Water
1 pint (ready to use)
Chili Peppers
2 ounces (chopped)
Prepared Mustard
1 cup (ready to use)
Brown Sugar
1 1/4 cups (packed)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Root Beer
6 ounces (ready to use)
Dark Soy Sauce
10 ounces (ready to use)
Tomato Juice
46 ounces (ready to use)
Worcestershire Sauce
10 ounces (ready to use)
Ketchup
24 ounces (ready to use)
Apple Cider Vinegar
2 cups (ready to use)
Brown Sugar
2 cups (packed)
Lemons
2 (juiced)
Red Pepper Flakes
2 teaspoons (ready to use)
Black Pepper
2 teaspoons (freshly ground)
Dry Mustard
2 teaspoons (ready to use)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (ready to use)
Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (ready to use)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Allspice
1 teaspoon (ground)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
Instructions
1
Prepare the dry rub by mixing together the lemon peel, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, MSG (if using), black pepper, cayenne pepper, white pepper, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Rub this mixture generously on both sides of the cleaned rib racks, ensuring an even coating.
2
For the basting sauce, combine vinegar, water, and chopped chili peppers in a saucepan over low heat. Cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add sugar, melted butter, and root beer to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a slow boil for an additional 30 minutes. Keep warm while grilling.
3
Prepare the wet sauce by mixing all remaining ingredients in a separate saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 1 hour, then set aside and let it cool for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavors.
4
Set up your grill for indirect cooking and preheat to a low temperature. Place the ribs bone side down on the grill, away from the direct heat. Cook the ribs slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours without turning them, allowing the dry rub to create a flavorful crust.
5
After 1.5 to 2 hours, begin basting the ribs with the basting sauce every 45 minutes to an hour. Continue to cook the ribs for a total of 3.5 to 4.5 hours, maintaining low heat for the best results.
6
Once cooked, serve the ribs hot with the wet sauce on the side, allowing guests to add their desired amount or baste the ribs during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
40
Fat
65
Carbs
70
Protein
37.5
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Memphis-Style Smoky BBQ Ribs?
These are award-winning pork ribs inspired by the legendary Hogaholics, known for their smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile characteristic of Memphis BBQ.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two racks of pork ribs, cleaned and skinned.
How many servings does this rib recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What ingredients are in the Memphis-style dry rub?
The dry rub consists of lemon peel, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, MSG, black pepper, cayenne pepper, white pepper, sugar, and salt.
Is MSG required for the dry rub?
No, the MSG in the dry rub mixture is listed as optional.
How should the ribs be prepared before applying the rub?
The pork rib racks should be cleaned and skinned before the dry rub is generously applied to both sides.
What is in the basting sauce for these ribs?
The basting sauce includes vinegar, water, chopped chili peppers, sugar, melted butter, and root beer.
How long does the basting sauce need to cook?
The vinegar, water, and chili peppers cook for 1 hour, followed by another 30 minutes of boiling once sugar, butter, and root beer are added.
What makes the wet sauce flavor so complex?
The wet sauce combines tomato juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, and a variety of spices like ginger, allspice, and red pepper flakes.
How long should the wet sauce be simmered?
The wet sauce should be simmered over low heat for 1 hour.
Does the wet sauce need to rest after cooking?
Yes, it should be set aside to cool for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to enhance.
What is the recommended grilling method?
Set up your grill for indirect cooking and preheat it to a low temperature.
How should the ribs be placed on the grill?
Place the ribs bone side down on the grill, away from the direct heat source.
How long is the initial cooking phase before basting?
Cook the ribs slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours without turning them before you start basting.
How often should you baste the ribs?
Once the initial cooking period is over, baste the ribs every 45 minutes to an hour.
What is the total cooking time for the ribs?
The total cooking time ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 hours on low heat.
When should the wet sauce be applied to the ribs?
You can baste the ribs with the wet sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking or serve it on the side.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 900 calories.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There are 70 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of these ribs?
This recipe contains 40 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 65 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the sugar content per serving?
Each serving contains 37.5 grams of sugar.
Does this recipe use any special liquids for flavor?
Yes, it uses root beer in the basting sauce and dark soy sauce and tomato juice in the wet sauce.
What spices provide the heat in this recipe?
Heat is provided by chili powder, cayenne pepper, white pepper, chopped chili peppers, and red pepper flakes.
What citrus elements are used?
The recipe uses finely grated lemon peel in the rub and fresh lemon juice in the wet sauce.
What herbs are included in the wet sauce?
The wet sauce is seasoned with dried oregano and dried basil.
Can I use ginger in this recipe?
Yes, the wet sauce includes 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.
Is there mustard in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses both prepared mustard (1 cup) and dry mustard (2 teaspoons).
How much brown sugar is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar for the basting stage and another 2 cups for the wet sauce.
What kind of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe uses standard vinegar for the basting liquid and apple cider vinegar for the wet sauce.