It all starts with the Signature Spice Fusion Memphis dry rub. This Rub is our take on a Dry
Rub derived from the 1920’s Beale Street Nightclubs where Memphis Style BBQ and Blues
Legends were born. The Slightly Sweet, Savory and Earthy profile creates a well-rounded
balance of flavors.
This style of Rib doesn’t get wrapped, so keeping it moist is crucial. Don’t worry, we have an
easy to make Memphis Spritz for that.
How to Cook Memphis Style Dry Rub Ribs:
1. Preheat your Smoker or Grill. These ribs are smoked at a higher temperature of 275
degrees F using hickory wood.
2. Prepare your ribs. I always remove the membrane on the back of the ribs so the rub will
stick better and penetrate the meat, then trim off any loose pieces of ribs or thick pieces
of fat. Using your Signature Memphis Style Rub, season your ribs liberally on both sides
by pressing (not actually rubbing) the seasoning onto the ribs. I typically figure on using
about 2 Tbsp of rub per rack. If you have the time, let the seasoned ribs rest in the
refrigerator for a few hours to absorb the flavors of the rub. Bring the ribs to room
temperature about 30 minutes before you’re ready to cook.
3. Smoke your ribs. Get your ribs on the Smoker or Grill (bone side down) and close the
lid. Don’t peek or lift the lid at all for the first hour.
4. Begin spritzing. Combine the apple cider vinegar and apple juice in a spritzing bottle.
Spritz the ribs every 30 minutes after the first hour.
5. Spritz and smoke. Keep your temperature at 275 degrees F and the spritz hitting the
ribs every 30 minutes until those ribs are tender. At the 4-hour mark, start checking the
ribs for tenderness. It normally takes 4-5 hours total cooking time for Memphis Style
Ribs. You’ll see that the meat has pulled away exposing the ends of the bones.
Lift the ribs up and gently tug on the bones. When you feel the ribs start to tear or give a
little, they’re done. Look for an internal temperature of around 200 Degrees F with your
Meat Thermometer (Temps can be tricky to read on ribs, don’t hit any bones!)
6. Season the ribs again. Once your ribs are ready, take them off the Smoker or Grill and
place them on a cutting board. Let them rest for about 15 minutes. Season the ribs with
another dusting of your Signature Memphis dry rub seasoning before slicing and
serving.
– Memphis Spritz is simply 1 part Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 part Apple Juice (1/2
Cup each).
