Pixicook
LoginGet Started
    HomeRecipesBarbecueSmokey Memphis-Style Spareribs
    recipe image

    Smokey Memphis-Style Spareribs

    clock-icon255 minutes
    author-image
    Author
    Pixicook editorial team

    A classic Memphis-style spareribs recipe, featuring a flavorful dry rub and a smoky finish.

    Ingredients for Smokey Memphis-Style Spareribs

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
    USchevron
    serves
    5 peoplechevron
    serves
    5 peoplechevron

    St. Louis–style Spareribs, trimmed

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Paprika

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Light brown sugar, packed

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Salt

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chili Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Pepper

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Onion Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cayenne Pepper

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dried Thyme

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Apple Juice

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cider Vinegar

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Wood Chips, soaked in water for 15 minutes and drained

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Smokey Memphis-Style Spareribs

    1. Make the dry rub

    In a bowl, combine the paprika, light brown sugar, salt, chili powder, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well blended.

    2. Apply the dry rub

    Apply the dry rub evenly over both sides of the racks of spareribs. Be generous and make sure the rub covers every part of the meat.

    3. Prepare the grill for indirect heat

    Prepare your grill for indirect heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, empty the lit coals onto a bed of unlit coals. For a gas grill, turn on one side and leave the other side off. Aim for a grill temperature of 250-275°F.

    4. Add the wood chips

    Add the soaked wood chips to your grill. On a gas grill, place the chips in a smoker box. For a charcoal grill, scatter them directly on the coals.

    5. Cook the ribs

    Place the ribs on the grill, away from the direct heat, and cover the grill. Maintain this setup and occasionally mop the ribs with a mixture of apple juice and cider vinegar.

    6. Transfer to oven

    After about 1.5 hours, transfer the ribs to a preheated oven to continue cooking. Cook the ribs until they are tender, which should take a few more hours in the oven.

    7. Rest and serve

    Once the ribs are done, let them rest for a few minutes before cutting. Serve your Smokey Memphis-Style Spareribs with your favorite sides.

    Variations

    Kansas City-Style Ribs

    Use a similar rub but add more brown sugar for sweetness. Finish the ribs with a thicker, sweeter, and more ketchup-based barbecue sauce.

    Asian-Style Ribs

    Marinate the ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder before slow-cooking. Finish with a glaze made from hoisin sauce and honey.

    Carolina-Style Ribs

    Focus on a vinegar-based mop sauce or finishing glaze, which is tangier and spicier, and forego the tomato-based sauce entirely.

    Coffee-Infused Rub

    Add finely ground coffee to your dry rub mixture. The coffee will give the ribs a rich, earthy flavor that complements the smokiness of the meat.

    Spicy Chipotle

    Add in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your barbecue sauce for a smoky and spicy kick.


    Comments (0)

    Add your comment...

    Explore More Barbecue recipes

    Explore More Collections

    Chicken Katsu with Shredded Cabbage and Scallions

    Chicken Fried

    Oven-Baked Crispy Bacon & Sunny-Side Up Eggs

    High Protein Breakfast

    Crispy Herb-Crusted Dijon Chicken

    Baked Chicken

    Dashi with Cod and Clams

    Mushroom Soup