Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Spiced Dry Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pork ribs coated in a flavorful dry rub and finished with a sticky, sweet Memphis-style barbecue glaze. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 210 minutes pairs tablespoons brown sugar, tablespoons paprika, tablespoon salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 195 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F and line a baking sheet with foil. In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder to make the dry rub. Remove the silver skin from 2 racks of pork baby back ribs and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides.
  2. Step 2: Place ribs on the foil-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 3 hours until tender.
  3. Step 3: While ribs bake, whisk together 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thick and sticky, then remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Remove ribs from oven, discard top foil, and brush the ribs generously with the prepared barbecue glaze. Broil ribs on high for 3-5 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  5. Step 5: Let ribs rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving warm with extra glaze on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Spiced Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (15 min prep + 195 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 Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Spiced Dry Rub?

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 tablespoons brown sugar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Spiced Dry Rub?

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 Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Spiced Dry Rub 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 Memphis-Style Sticky Ribs with Spiced Dry Rub?

American bbq & smoked 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.

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