Grilled Memphis-Style Dry Rub Pork Ribs
Slow-grilled pork ribs coated in a smoky and sweet Memphis-style dry rub, perfect for a flavorful BBQ dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 250 minutes pairs racks (about 3 lbs each) pork ribs, brown sugar, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 racks (about 3 lbs each) pork ribs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp mustard powder to create the dry rub.
- Step 2: Remove the silver skin membrane from the back of 2 racks of pork ribs (about 3 lbs each) for better flavor absorption.
- Step 3: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 4: Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 5: Preheat your grill to indirect heat at 275°F. Place the ribs bone side down on the cool side of the grill.
- Step 6: Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup water in a spray bottle. Every 30 minutes, spray the ribs lightly to keep them moist.
- Step 7: Grill the ribs for 3 to 3.5 hours, maintaining temperature and spraying as needed, until the meat is tender and pulls back from the bones.
- Step 8: Remove ribs from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones to serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Memphis-Style Dry Rub Pork Ribs take to make?
Total time is about 250 minutes (40 min prep + 210 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Memphis-Style Dry Rub Pork Ribs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown sugar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Memphis-Style Dry Rub Pork Ribs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Memphis-Style Dry Rub Pork Ribs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Memphis-Style Dry Rub Pork Ribs?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
