This Memphis Dust Rub recipe incorporates all the key flavors of this distinct barbecue style. Memphis is known for all things pork, especially pulled pork and dry-rubbed ribs.

One of the standout characteristics of this Memphis rub is the perfect balance of earthy spices. While each Pitmaster has crafted their own “secret” recipe, two ingredients are used most: garlic powder and paprika. Our easy homemade Memphis Dust Rub includes these key items and so much more! If you’re looking for an easy-to-make, flavorful dry rub, then this recipe is your best bet. Most of these spices are already in your pantry, so it’s just a matter of grabbing a few bottles and getting to work. This recipe makes 1 1/4 cups of Memphis Dust.

Ingredients

• Paprika: Use regular paprika for this recipe. If you want to add a little smoke, combine 6 tablespoons of regular paprika with 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika.
• Dark brown sugar: Typically, Memphis rubs do not contain sugar, or a very minimal amount, You can omit the sugar all together. Keep in mind that this Memphis Dust Rub recipe contains 3 tablespoons of sugar (brown and white). If you choose to remove the sugar, this recipe will yield 1 cup + 1 tablespoon of rub rather than 1 1/4 cups.
• Kosher salt: Please see notes on salt below.
• White sugar: See note notes section in recipe.
• Onion powder
• Granulated garlic: We recommend using granulated garlic for rubs, but you can certainly substitute with garlic powder.
• Ground cumin
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper: Adjust to your liking.
• Celery Seeds: These seeds will lend an aromatic, astringent flavor to the dry rub. Celery seeds will not overpower the rub, but you can substitute them with dried dill or fennel seeds.
• Dried Oregano

Making the dry rub

• Mix Memphis dust rub ingredients in a bowl. Use a fork to combine the ingredients.
• Place the mixture into a spice grinder or a small food processor and pulse 5-7 times for a dust-like finish.
• Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the cupboard for up to 1 year after preparation. Check on it periodically for clumping.
• Double or triple this recipe and store it for later use. Discard any leftover rub that has come into contact with raw meat.
• NOTE ON SALT: If you like to prepare your rubs without salt, simply combine the other ingredients, and use. You can pre salt your meat 2-4 hours beforehand. Use 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of meat. Use 1/2 teaspoon if using table salt.

How to Use Memphis Dust Rub

• Use this homemade Memphis Dust Rub on all cuts of pork and poultry. For those exploring Memphis BBQ flavors for the first time, we recommend starting with a rack of spare ribs or a pork butt. 
• Use 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of meat. Which means that if you have a 6-pound pork roast, use 6 tablespoons or 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons. See note in “How to Make It” section about salt.
• Prep your roast as instructed. If cooking ribs, trim off any excess fat or stray bits of meat. Remove the membrane from the bone side. Blot meat dry with paper towels.
• Apply a light coating of yellow or Dijon mustard or a hot sauce binder to to the ribs. Don’t worry; the finished product will not taste like mustard or be too spicy.
• Let the Memphis dust rub rest on the meat for at least 15-20 minutes before placing it into your grill or smoker.

Tips:

• Use a tablespoon or two of this Memphis dust rub in your injection marinades and BBQ sauces.
• Make up a large batch, and take out only what you need. Store in glass jars for safe-keeping.
• Discard any leftover rub that has come into contact with raw meat.
• Serve your dry rub ribs or pulled pork with a side of Memphis Barbecue Sauce!

Print

Memphis Dust Rub

This amazing Memphis Dust Rub is great on all types of pork and poultry. Use this fabulous dry rub for all your grilled and smoked foods!

Course Rubs

Cuisine American BBQ

Keyword bbq rub, dry rub, Memphis dust, Memphis dust rub

Prep Time 8 minutes minutes

Total Time 8 minutes minutes

Servings 1.25 cups

Calories 26kcal

Author Derrick Riches

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt *see recipe notes
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds

Instructions

• *See note below on salt and sugar.

  Place all ingredients into a spice grinder or a small food processor if for a more refined rub. Pulse 5-7 times.

  Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the cupboard for up to 1 year after preparation. Check on it periodically for clumping.
• Double or triple the recipe to store for later use. Discard any rub that may have come into contact with raw meat.

Notes

• NOTE ON SALT: If you like to prepare your rubs without salt, simply combine the other ingredients, and use. You can pre salt your meat 2-4 hours beforehand. Use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of meat, or 1/2 teaspoon of table salt per pound.
• NOTE ON SUGAR: Traditionally, Memphis rubs do not include sugar. This recipe calls for 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar and 1 tablespoon white sugar. It’s a minimal amount, however, you can omit them completely from the recipe. If you choose to do so, the rub recipe will yield: 1 cup +1 tablespoon of rub, rather than 1 1/4 cups of rub. 

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 583mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 169IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

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