Memphis Dry Rub
On May 19, 2022 (Updated June 14, 2022)
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My recipe for Memphis Dry Rub is the ultimate rub to provide a balance of sweet and salty flavors to your smoked meats. Nine herbs and spices come together to make for a rub that holds its own without overpowering that gorgeous smoky flavor of the meat.
Memphis Style Dry Rub
Memphis rubs are traditionally slightly sweet with a great savory and earthy flavor profile. Most have brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. From there, it is all up to individual taste. Every pit master in Memphis has their own take on the flavors and spices that make up their rubs. Mine leans into herbs and seasonings that contribute a balance to the sweet and saltiness.
Memphis dry rubs are very, very important because in Memphis, the rub often stands on its own. They serve their ribs wet (with sauce) or dry (no sauce). The dry ribs are dusted with another sprinkling of this awesome rub right before being served, so having a great rub is the most important thing.
For best results, use freshly ground black pepper and coarse kosher salt. I like to use Morton kosher salt in all my rubs. This salt is a flat, almost flaky salt with a great flavor.
Ingredients for Memphis Dry Rub
Here’s everything you’ll need to assemble to make this dry rub. Full ingredient amounts are available in the printable recipe card below.
- Smoked paprika
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Oregano
- Celery seed
- Mustard powder
Once you have all your ingredients, mix them in a bowl using a whisk or a fork to break up any clumps. You can store this dry rub in a sealed container for several weeks. I like to store my rubs in these glass spice bottles to keep my pantry organized.
The longer you store this rub, the more you lose the potency of the seasonings. While it can last quite long in your pantry, I highly recommend using it in less than 4 weeks for the best flavor.
Memphis Dry Rub on Ribs
When preparing your ribs, begin by slathering the ribs on all sides with vegetable oil. While I usually coat my ribs in mustard, these Memphis-style ribs are different and best with oil. Once the oil is on the ribs, season liberally with the Memphis dry rub. Use the palm of your hand to push the rub into the meat gently. Don’t “rub” the meat, or it will pull the seasoning off the meat and make it clump.
Once your ribs are cooked and off the smoker, give them another sprinkle of the dry rub to finish them off.
Other Dry Rub Recipes
Rubs help to bring out the best flavor of your grilled and smoked meats (and veggies!). Making them yourself ensures you get the best flavor without any additives or preservatives. Check out some of my most popular dry rub recipes below:
Memphis Dry Rub Recipe
Here’s hoping you loved this Memphis dry rub recipe. Making some epic BBQ should be easy, and Hey Grill Hey is here to help! Join my members-only group The Grill Squad today for access to my master classes, podcasts, and so much more. It’s an amazing community of grillers that will help support you and increase your confidence of all things BBQ.
Memphis Dry Rub
Video
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons smoked paprika
- 3 Tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
- Make the Memphis Dry Rub. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir well to combine. Use a fork or a whisk to break up any large clumps.
- Store in an airtight container. Store unused rub in an airtight container for several weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made baby back ribs with this rub in my convection steam oven and got rave reviews!
Smoked a turkey breast covered in mayonnaise, some black pepper and dusted with this rub. Everyone enjoyed it! Next level! A rub to keep in your rotation, complex flavours hitting all flavour notes
Using the indicated quantities from this recipe, approximately how much meat is this good for?I have this whipped up for some Mother’s Day ribs tomorrow!
I just came across your youtube today and have been hooked watching it all. Love the fact you give recipes foe your rubs. Thank you. GRILL ON
Susie, love your YouTube channel and cooking of course. I believe you will be helping me up my brisket game. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Do you put salt on the ribs before you put the rub on?
No, there’s plenty in the rub.
Hey susie u r the man.Well lady in this case great, great job with keeping us informed about better ways 2 make good bbque great que keep up the good work ur doing great job at this .And thank u so very ,very much.