American barbecue encompasses numerous methods, with the Memphis BBQ recipe standing out distinctly. This recipe traditionally uses pork, either dry-rubbed or marinated with a special sauce before, during, and after the smoking process. The end result is an irresistibly delicious taste in every bite.
Do you know what makes Memphis BBQ special? You guessed it right. It’s the table sauce. It contains flavors like paprika, garlic, and various herbs, such as oregano and thyme, grilled by mostly outdoor grilling equipment. Sweet ketchup thickens the sauce, and the touch of vinegar gives the sauce a good choice with your Memphis BBQ.
Cooking Memphis BBQ is best with indirect heating. You may place the ribs away from the heat source or control the fire on one side of the grill, cooking the ribs slowly on the opposite side.
Must-Try Memphis BBQ Recipe
Some Memphis BBQ restaurants offer sauces, which customers can choose as a special order or on the side. The sauce compliments the complexity of the Memphis BBQ, whether you like wet ribs or dry ribs. The flavor is a combination of herbs and spices, making it one of the best in the world. Thanks to KayB of Food 52 for inspiring this recipe!
Ingredients
The Memphis BBQ recipe shares common ingredients with other BBQ recipes, such as brown sugar, cayenne, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and garlic. These ingredients are quite popular and found in almost everyone’s BBQ recipe. However, most BBQ enthusiasts also incorporate dry mustard, celery seed or celery salt, rosemary or dried oregano, ginger, allspice, cumin, and white pepper into their recipes.
Numerous pit masters have spent years refining the precise blend of spices and their individual cooking methods. Their formula for the perfect Memphis BBQ lies in the sauce.
These are the ingredients required for a Memphis BBQ:
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 ½ tablespoons celery seed
- 1 ½ tablespoons dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- ½ cup neutral vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons black pepper
- 3 tablespoons cumin
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 3 tablespoons coriander
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- Half pork shoulder or Boston butt roast weighing between 5-6 pounds.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce, to taste
Slow cooking gives the best results for your Memphis BBQ, especially if you can patiently do it for 12 hours.
Instructions: Prepping the Meat and Sauce
Preparing Memphis BBQ ribs is simple. Follow these steps.
- Combine the spices. Reserve a basting sauce. Use the remaining mixture to marinate the meat.
- After the meat is completely coated, allow it to rest in the freezer overnight.
- The following day, let the meat thaw as you prepare the fire. Using a hardwood fire will enhance the flavor. If it’s not within reach, a gas or charcoal grill can be utilized. It’s ideally recommended to avoid using an oven for your Memphis BBQ.
- If possible, wrap the meat in foil along with the sauce to allow the meat to soak up the flavor.
Tips for Grilling a Memphis BBQ
- Indirect heating is ideal for cooking Memphis BBQ. This can be achieved by positioning the ribs away from the heat source or by managing the fire on one side of the grill, allowing the ribs to cook slowly on the other side.
- Slow cooking gives the best results for your Memphis BBQ, especially if you can patiently do it for 12 hours. Getting Memphis food right is cooking it with tons of flavor, and slow cooking is the best way to bring out this quality.
- Ensure that you brush your Memphis BBQ ribs with the homemade sauce. As they continue to cook, the ribs will soak up the sauce, leading to a more flavorful end product. After a while, check the bones for any wiggleness – this indicates that the meat can easily be pulled off. Once done, take the ribs off the grill and let them rest for 20 minutes under a foil tent.
- Prepare a meal of baked beans, corn on the cob, and coleslaw. Some might also enjoy ribs and bread, accompanied by a can of beer.
Some Memphis BBQ restaurants offer sauces, which customers can choose as a special order or on the side. The sauce compliments the complexity of the Memphis BBQ, whether you like wet ribs or dry ribs.
Key Takeaways
Preparing Memphis BBQ is a flavorful delight for the entire family. BBQ is a universal favorite, and this particular taste distinguishes itself from other global flavors. The ingredients are readily available, and the preparation is incredibly simple.
- Mix your basting sauce.
- Use hardwood for grilling.