Get ready for some juicy Memphis-style pork ribs that will make your taste buds dance! These ribs are coated in a flavorful dry rub, which helps create a tasty crust while keeping them tender.
I love serving these with a side of coleslaw and cornbread for the ultimate meal. Trust me, your friends and family will keep coming back for seconds—just maybe keep a napkin handy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: Use baby back ribs or spare ribs for this recipe. If you want a leaner option, baby back ribs are great, but spare ribs are meatier and offer more flavor.
Paprika: Regular or smoked paprika works here. I prefer smoked for that extra depth. If unavailable, try using chili powder or a bit of cayenne for warmth!
Brown Sugar: To cut down on sugar, you can try coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute like stevia. Regular white sugar is also okay but may lack the caramel notes.
BBQ Sauce: Store-bought Memphis-style sauce is convenient, but homemade is fun! Use ketchup, vinegar, and spices to whip up your own quickly, adjusting for sweetness and tang to suit your taste.
How Do I Remove the Membrane from Ribs?
Removing the membrane from the back of the ribs is important for tenderness and flavor. It can be tricky, so here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start at one end of the ribs, where you can lift the membrane with a knife or spoon.
- Once lifted, grab it with a paper towel for a better grip.
- Slowly peel it away from the meat; it should come off in one piece.
If any bits remain, just trim them away. This makes a big difference in how juicy and tasty your ribs will be!
How Can I Ensure My Ribs Are Tender?
Low and slow cooking is the key to tender ribs. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Keep cooking temperatures around 275-300°F (135-150°C) for optimal tenderness.
- Wrap ribs in foil halfway through the cooking process to lock in moisture.
- Let the ribs rest after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute.
Following these steps will lead to mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone ribs that everyone will love!
Easy Memphis-Style Pork Side Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 racks pork side ribs (about 4 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup Memphis-style BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for prep and 2.5 to 3 hours for cooking, depending on your method. It’s best to plan for a few hours of low and slow cooking, ensuring those ribs come out tender and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill or Oven:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat (around 300°F/150°C). If you’re opting for the oven, preheat it to 275°F (135°C). This temperature is crucial for that tender result!
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Take your time with the ribs and gently remove the thin membrane from the backside. This step is important because it helps the meat absorb all the flavors and makes the ribs more tender. You can use a knife or a paper towel to grip it better for easier removal.
3. Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This spicy mixture will give your ribs a great flavor!
4. Coat the Ribs:
Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs. Be sure to press the rub into the meat so every bite is packed with flavor.
5. Cooking the Ribs:
For the grill, place the ribs bone-side down over indirect heat. Cover the grill and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours. If using the oven, lay the ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for approximately 3 hours. This low and slow method is key to achieving tender, juicy ribs!
6. Add BBQ Sauce:
With 30 minutes left to go, brush a generous amount of Memphis-style BBQ sauce over the ribs. This will help create a delicious, caramelized glaze as it cooks. Keep it uncovered for this step!
7. Rest the Ribs:
Once the cooking time is up, take the ribs off of the grill or out of the oven. Let them rest for about 10 minutes. This waiting time lets the juices redistribute, making the ribs even more flavorful.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice between the bones to serve. Enjoy your hot, juicy ribs with extra BBQ sauce on the side and classic southern sides like coleslaw or baked beans!
Dig in, and enjoy these Memphis-style pork ribs that are sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
FAQs About Easy Memphis-Style Pork Side Ribs
Can I Use Different Types of Ribs?
Absolutely! You can use baby back ribs or spare ribs; both work well in this recipe. Baby back ribs are leaner, while spare ribs are meatier and can offer more flavor.
How Can I Enhance the Flavor of the Ribs?
If you want to enhance the flavor, try marinating the ribs in BBQ sauce overnight before applying the dry rub. You can also experiment with different spices in the rub, like smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) until warmed through, or heat gently in the microwave.
How Can I Know When the Ribs Are Done?
The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) for the best tenderness. The meat should also be visibly shrinking back from the ends of the bones.
