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Memphis−Style Barbecued Ribs
BarbecueDinnerHealthy Eating

Memphis−Style Barbecued Ribs

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (48 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Memphis−Style Barbecued Ribs offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 24g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 363 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Memphis−Style Barbecued Ribs offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Memphis−Style Barbecued Ribs to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Memphis−Style Barbecued Ribs, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 3 Pound Racks baby back ribs
  • 2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Teaspoon Coarse ground black pepper
  • Apple Juice for Basting
  • 1 Cup Red wine vinegar
  • 2 Cup Onion, chopped
  • 2 Garlic, cloves, minced
  • 1/4 Cup Mustard, yellow prepared
  • 1/2 Cup Brown sugar, packed
  • 2 Cup Ketchup
  • 2 Lemons, thinly sliced
  • 1 Teaspoon Louisiana hot sauce

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Trim as much fat as possible from ribs

Step 2: Technique & Execution

On bone side, work knife tip beneath membrane that covers bone until finger tips can be worked beneath rack membrane, loosening enough to get firm grip

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Then peel membrane off rack

Step 4: Technique & Execution

With paring knife, scrape any fat away from bone

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Sprinkle ribs on both sides with even, light coating of salt and pepper

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Place ribs, bone−side−down on grill

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories363 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein24gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates31gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat18gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Memphis−Style Barbecued Ribs

This chef-curated Memphis−Style Barbecued Ribs offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 48 votes
Memphis−Style Barbecued Ribs
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories18% DV
363 kcal
Protein48% DV
24g
Fat23% DV
18g
Carbs11% DV
31g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Trim as much fat as possible from ribs

2

Technique & Execution: On bone side, work knife tip beneath membrane that covers bone until finger tips can be worked beneath rack membrane, loosening enough to get firm grip

3

Technique & Execution: Then peel membrane off rack

4

Technique & Execution: With paring knife, scrape any fat away from bone

5

Technique & Execution: Sprinkle ribs on both sides with even, light coating of salt and pepper

6

Technique & Execution: Place ribs, bone−side−down on grill

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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