Tender, caramelized meat that clings to the bone and requires just a gentle tug to pull it off makes for the perfect grilled spare rib. Mixing up an easy and flavorful dry rub for ribs makes them even more delicious.
Memphis Style Dry Ribs
Would you believe that a week ago I had never cooked bone-in ribs?
I assumed that they would be more difficult and complicated than the country style boneless ribs I’ve always purchased. I was wrong. These were so easy; I made them twice just to make sure it would work the same.
Technically, I made three batches, because I mistakenly thought that I could get away with using the crockpot. Let’s just say they were not the same. (In all fairness, the ribs that started in the crockpot were edible and the flavor was great, but the texture was off and there was just no comparison to the grill or oven versions.)
When I decided to tackle cooking ribs for the first time, I went straight to my personal grilling expert. Nibble Me This is my first stop for grilling advice. Chris first tempted me with the Grilled Smokey Chicken and Bacon Cheeseburger.
Next, he convinced me to grill our steaks using the reverse sear method. I’ve used that method repeatedly and never looked back. (There is nothing else like it, I promise!) And for further proof that his recipes have never let me down, his Po’dunk Sauce is the ultimate dipping sauce for any potatoes in your life!
The grilling method he showed me for these ribs creates perfectly cooked ribs each and every time. I was also thrilled to find out that I could make dry ribs in the oven with just as much success!
Dry Rub for Ribs
The spice blend on these ribs adds an out-of-this world flavor to the meat. Cumin, chile powder, smoked paprika and black pepper give each bite of these ribs a kick of heat. The brown sugar in the rub tempers that spice with molasses-y sweetness while a blend of dried herbs brings everything together.
This memphis style rub is by far one of my favorite dry rubs for ribs. The flavor is phenomenal and creates a crust on the outside of each rib that is simply to-die-for. I just know you’re going to love this dry rub as much as we did.
How to Cook Ribs in the Oven
As much as I love grilled Memphis Style Ribs, sometimes you don’t have access to a grill. Or it’s the middle of winter and no one wants to stand outside in the cold just to satisfy your craving for delicous ribs.
I was happy to find out that cooking ribs in the oven worked beautifully. First, you douse one side of the ribs in the dry rub. After baking them in the oven for 3 hours, you douse the ribs in a vinegar solution and rub them in even more of the seasoning.
We were all more than happy with how these oven baked Memphis Style Dry Ribs turned out! I’m so excited that whether I cook these ribs on the grill or in the oven, they come out incredible.
Dry Rub for Ribs in the Oven
You can use the same dry rub for ribs in the oven as you use for ribs made on the grill. Only instead of rubbing both sides of the ribs with the spices before cooking, you apply them to one side only.
After the ribs finish cooking, you apply the rest of the spice blend to the other side. This method of applying dry rub to ribs in the oven means the flavor is evenly distributed without burning or smoking any of the spices.
Best Sides to Serve with Ribs
My meat-loving crew would probably be happy with nothing but a giant plate of ribs for dinner, if I’m being honest. But for the rest of us, these ribs pair well with dozens of different side dishes.
Serve your Memphis style ribs with a big scoop of Classic Memphis-Style Coleslaw and Rudy’s Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn for a true feast. They also pair beautifully with this Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw and a bowl of Easy Macaroni and Cheese.
I can’t wait for you to try these Memphis Style Dry Ribs!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Wow, just wow. I am drooling! These look perfect and to think they come from the west! Bravo Mary – they are gorgeous. Love good BBQ and having lived most of my life in Tennessee, I say you have outdone yourself!
Erin says
My dad makes ribs all the time (especially during football season). I really want to try them in the oven sometime!
Anonymous says
I really appreciate this recipe, dipping in the vinegar and water is a technique I don't know – will try it this week.
Gary A Lazarus says
The best oven ribs I have ever had. sometimes simple is better. I have also combined with bbq sauce on lo broil 1/2 hour before done. Have done with my own rub without the vinegar & water. I’m thrilled by the “chewy, pull off the bone” texture. Thank you so much !
Pastor Mitt says
When I made this before it was too sweet & salty so will reduce the sugar & salt. Otherwise good flavor & very tender! Thanks!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the ribs, Pastor Mitt!
Dale Zinn says
Hi Mary, I’m Dale and have a quick question about your Memphis dry rub rib for the oven recipe. With the virus thing going on I’m really liking your recipes. Anyway, in one part you said to coat just one side with the rub and do the other side when done cooking. In another part it said to coat both sides before cooking. Which is the best way to go? I’m slow so bear with me. I do get that you do the vinegar/water then rub all at end. Just not sure about the beginning rub. Thanks
Mary Younkin says
Hi Dale, I’m thrilled to hear that you’re enjoying the recipes. You’ll want to coat both sides of the ribs with about 2/3 of the spice mixture prior to cooking. After cooking, you’ll dip them quickly in the vinegar water and then season the wet ribs with the remaining spice mixture.
Casey says
Thank you for the recipe it was wonderful. I had cooked ribs once before and I was unable to find the spice rub again. I searched high and low and found this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the recipe, Casey!
Nellie Morgan says
I just love the ribs I made them for my family they was a hit
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy you and your family enjoyed the ribs, Nellie.