Are you a BBQ lover who is always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors to tantalize your taste buds? If yes, then you might have heard of Memphis style BBQ. Memphis style BBQ is known for its unique blend of flavors and techniques that make it stand apart from other BBQ styles. In this ultimate guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about Memphis style BBQ.
What is Memphis Style BBQ?
Memphis style BBQ is characterized by its emphasis on pork and rubs, the use of tomato and vinegar-based sauces, and slow cooking techniques. The meat is usually cooked low and slow over wood-burning pit smokers. Memphis BBQ rub is a mixture of seasoning and spice that is rubbed on the meat before cooking. The rub is made up of a variety of ingredients, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.
Key Elements of Memphis Style BBQ
Memphis style BBQ is all about flavor and technique. Some of the essential elements of Memphis-style BBQ include:
– Ribs: Memphis ribs are usually pork spare ribs and are cooked low and slow with a dry rub seasoning.
– Pulled Pork: Another popular dish is pulled pork, which is shoulder meat cooked low and slow until it is so tender it can be pulled apart with your fingers.
– Dry Rubs: Memphis style BBQ is all about the dry rubs that are used to season the meat before cooking.
– Sauces: There are two types of BBQ sauces in Memphis: tomato and vinegar. The tomato-based sauce is sweet and tangy, while the vinegar-based sauce is tangy and spicy.
Preparing Memphis Style BBQ
The process of preparing Memphis style BBQ takes time and effort. Here are the steps involved:
1. Choose the best meat: Pork is the meat of choice for Memphis style BBQ. Choose fresh meat with lots of marbling to ensure moistness.
2. Apply the rub: The rub is a mix of spices and seasonings that are applied to the meat before cooking. Ensure that the rub covers the meat evenly.
3. Smoke the meat: The meat is cooked low and slow over a wood fire. The goal is to ensure the meat is smoky, tender, and juicy.
4. Sauce the meat: After the meat has been cooked, it is time to sauce it. Either the tomato or vinegar-based sauce is applied using a brush or mop.
FAQs About Memphis Style BBQ
Q. What type of wood is best to use for smoking Memphis BBQ?
A. Hickory is the most commonly used wood for smoking Memphis BBQ.
Q. Does Memphis style BBQ always use dry rubs?
A. Yes, dry rubs are an essential element of Memphis style BBQ.
Q. What is the difference between Memphis style BBQ and Kansas City style BBQ?
A. Memphis style BBQ is typically cooked low and slow with a dry rub seasoning and features pork as the main meat. Kansas City style BBQ uses a mix of meats, including beef and chicken.
The Bottom Line
Memphis style BBQ is a unique blend of flavors and techniques that are sure to impress any BBQ lover. From pork ribs to pulled pork, the dry rub seasoning and tomato or vinegar-based sauces create a flavor that is distinct and unforgettable. Now that you know everything about Memphis style BBQ, why not try it out for yourself?
