Memphis BBQ Rub — Everything you need to know

Smoked paprika, brown sugar, and black pepper — the three pillars of the Memphis BBQ tradition. Sweet, smoky, and versatile. The Memphis BBQ Rub is the most accessible rub in our range and simultaneously the most versatile: it works on spareribs, pulled pork, chicken, salmon, and meatballs. The safe choice — but certainly not boring.

Flavor Profile

  • Base: Smoked paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder
  • Character: Sweet, smoky, classic American
  • Heat: ★☆☆☆☆ — mild, suitable for the whole family
  • Allergens: None — free from all 14 EU allergens

What do you use Memphis BBQ Rub for?

Memphis is the BBQ capital of the US — known for its dry-rubbed spareribs without sauce. The combination of smoked paprika and brown sugar creates a deep, caramel-like bark that is perfect for low & slow cooking. The black pepper adds subtle sharpness without overpowering.

  • 🥩 Spareribs — the classic Memphis application. Low & slow, without sauce.
  • 🐷 Pulled pork — sweet and smoky bark on pork shoulder.
  • 🍗 Chicken — thighs, wings or a whole chicken — always good.
  • 🐟 Salmon — the smoked paprika and sugar caramelize beautifully on the skin.
  • 🍔 Meatballs & burgers — mix into the ground meat or sprinkle on top.

🔥 Ready to start? Freshly mixed after your order — not off the shelf.

→ Order Memphis BBQ Rub — €9.95   → 3-Evening Pack — 3 rubs of your choice

Recipes with Memphis BBQ Rub

→ View all BBQ recipes from The Rub Kitchen

Dosage

  • Spareribs: 60–70g per rack, rest for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight)
  • Pulled pork (pork shoulder): 55–65g per 1.5 kg of meat
  • Chicken thighs: 60g per 1.5 kg of meat
  • Salmon: sprinkle generously on the skin side, let sit for 20 minutes

Technique & tips

Memphis-style BBQ is dry — no sauce during cooking. The brown sugar in the rub provides caramelization and a dark, crispy bark. Use hickory or apple wood for the authentic Memphis smoke flavor. Always cook spareribs over indirect heat at 110–120°C.

Order Memphis BBQ Rub

100g per bag — enough for ±2.5 kg of meat. Freshly mixed in small batches. Free shipping in the Netherlands.

→ Order Memphis BBQ Rub — €9.95 | Starter Pack — 3 rubs for €26.95

Learn more about BBQ herbs & spices?

→ BBQ spices — which ones to use and why?
→ Why making your own BBQ spices is harder than you think
→ Which smoking wood do you use? Hickory, apple, cherry, and mesquite explained