Memphis BBQ Rub — Everything you need to know
Smoked paprika, brown sugar and black pepper give our Memphis BBQ Rub its sweet, smoky flavour profile. The rub is inspired by the Memphis BBQ tradition and can be used with ribs, pulled pork, chicken, salmon and minced-meat dishes.
This guide covers uses, dosage examples, recipes and cooking tips. Our blend is our own interpretation, not a fixed formula for all Memphis barbecue. Please note: Memphis BBQ Rub contains mustard. Check the selected product variant and current label for the full ingredients and allergens.
Flavour profile
- Signature flavours: smoked paprika, brown sugar and black pepper. This is not a complete ingredient list.
- Character: sweet and smoky, with a warm pepper note.
- Heat: a mild flavour direction; how intense the spices taste depends on the amount used and the dish.
- Allergens: contains mustard. Always consult the current product information and packaging, including information about other allergens and possible cross-contact.
What can you use Memphis BBQ Rub for?
Memphis-style barbecue is associated with seasoned ribs, among other dishes. Dry ribs are one version; preparations with sauce also exist. Our rub’s sweet, smoky flavour works in a range of dishes:
- Ribs: cook indirectly and serve without sauce if you prefer.
- Pulled pork: for a sweet, smoky spice crust on cuts such as shoulder or neck.
- Chicken: thighs, wings or a whole chicken, using a cooking method suited to the chosen part.
- Salmon: a thin coating on the flesh side; avoid burning the spices and sugar.
- Meatballs and burgers: mix into the mince or distribute over the outside. Allow for other salty ingredients.
Ready to get started? Our rubs are blended to order.
View Memphis BBQ Rub · 3-Evening Pack — three bags of your choice
Recipes with Memphis BBQ Rub
Dosage
Follow the current product label and your recipe. The amount needed depends on surface area, weight, the salt content of other ingredients and personal taste. The figures below are starting examples from this guide, not mandatory dosages for every variant or cooking method.
- Ribs: adjust the amount to the weight and surface area; one fixed quantity per rack will not suit every size.
- Pulled pork: 55–65 grams per 1.5 kilograms of meat as a starting example, adjusted to the label and recipe.
- Chicken thighs: 60 grams per 1.5 kilograms of meat as a starting example; adjust this if your product or recipe specifies a different amount.
- Salmon: start with a thin, even coating on the flesh side.
There is no mandatory resting time of two hours, twenty minutes or overnight. If seasoning in advance, keep raw products covered and refrigerated and follow their storage and shelf-life instructions. Measure out a separate working portion of rub so the remaining supply does not come into contact with raw meat.
Technique & tips
A spice crust develops through several processes, including drying and browning. Sugar can contribute colour and flavour, but does not guarantee dark, crisp bark. Keep the heat controlled: sugar and spices can also burn.
Indirect cooking is a practical approach for low & slow ribs. A BBQ temperature of 110–120 °C is one possible setting, not a mandatory temperature for every method. Follow the approach in your recipe and assess doneness and the desired texture separately from the colour of the outside. Hickory or apple wood are possible flavour choices, not a requirement for Memphis-inspired cooking. Use a BBQ only in a suitable outdoor location and follow the appliance instructions.
- Measuring core temperature — complete guide
- Bark and the smoke ring: what are they and how do they form?
- What is the BBQ stall? Cause, duration and solutions
Curious about the origins of this style? Read the history, origins and traditions of Memphis BBQ Rub.
Order Memphis BBQ Rub
Check the selected product for the current pack size and price. The amount of meat you can season depends on the dosage; a fixed yield does not apply to every dish. The rub is blended to order. Shipping within the Netherlands is free; current shipping terms apply to other destinations.
View Memphis BBQ Rub · Starter Pack — three bags of your choice