A Memphis joint’s defining flavor comes in large part from their spice rub, which starts with salt, black pepper, and brown sugar, and then adds other herbs and spices that denote a particular pitmaster’s house formula.
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What Is Memphis Barbecue?
The gorgeous state of Tennessee is known for several attractions: the Great Smoky Mountains, the Nashville music scene, and most importantly, Memphis barbecue.
But, what is Memphis barbecue exactly? How is it different from just plain old barbecue? We’re so glad you asked.
Memphis is one of the few Southern cities that can truly claim its own unique and widely recognized barbecue style. They have been famous for their ribs since the early 1920s, when John Mills, a barbecue legend, wooed visiting celebrities (like Bing Crosby) with his famous pit-cooked slabs.
When it comes to Memphis barbecue, it absolutely must be of the pork variety, whether its pork ribs, pork shoulder, or the whole hog itself. The other factor that makes it Memphis: the dry rub. Traditionally, Memphis barbecue is rubbed-down before cooking with a dry rub made with a variety of spices, herbs, and sugar.
Photo by Z Grills Australia on Unsplash
10 Places to Eat in Memphis, Tennessee
FAQ
What flavor is Memphis?
What does Memphis sauce taste like?
What does Memphis sweet taste like?
What makes Memphis style BBQ different?
What does Memphis BBQ taste like?
Like other barbecue capitals of the Southeast, Memphis barbecue is all about pork, specifically pork ribs and shoulders. A Memphis joint’s defining flavor comes in large part from their spice rub, which starts with salt, black pepper, and brown sugar, and then adds other herbs and spices that denote a particular pitmaster’s house formula.
What is Memphis sauce?
Thinner than sweet Texas and Kansas City sauces but more fleshed out than spare Carolina vinegar sauces, Memphis sauce is the kind of versatile player you could see slathering on anything from ribs to chicken to burgers. Just don’t call those burgers barbecue to anyone from Memphis.
What makes Memphis-style barbecue so special?
Memphis-style barbecue’s deep-rooted history and uniquely sweet and spicy blend of flavors make it one of the world’s best cuisines. Discover just what makes it so special. North American barbecue boasts four main regional styles: Texas, Carolina, Kansas City, and Memphis Style.
What is a Memphis style BBQ made of?
It is composed of salt, brown sugar, white sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, ginger powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and rosemary powder. Hickory Smoke – Memphis style BBQ relies on the smoke from hickory wood to cook and flavor the meat.