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Rubs

🧂 Memphis Dry Rub

Memphis

Ingredients & ratio

Paprika3 parts
Salt2 parts
Black Pepper1.5 parts
Garlic Powder1 part
Onion Powder1 part
Celery Salt0.5 parts
Cayenne0.25 parts
Mustard Powder0.5 parts
Dried Thyme0.25 parts

Preparation

  1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Apply generously pressing into the ribs on all sides.
  3. Ideally apply the night before and rest uncovered in the fridge for 12h.
  4. Reserve a separate portion to dust directly on the plate at service — it's part of the Memphis ritual.

Notes

Apply generously and press into the meat. Reserve a portion to dust again at the table for authentic dry-rib service. The defining rub of Memphis style — sauce is optional, never required.

Best for

Pork Spare RibsPork St Louis RibsPork Baby Back RibsPork Shoulder Boston Butt

Wood pairings

🪵 hickory🪵 oak

Sources & methodology