Memphis, Tennessee, is a city renowned for its rich musical heritage, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering barbecue. When it comes to BBQ, Memphis has its own distinct style that sets it apart from other regional BBQ styles in the United States. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Memphis BBQ, exploring its history, characteristics, and must-try dishes.
A Brief History of Memphis BBQ
Memphis BBQ has its roots in the city’s early days as a major transportation hub. The city’s location on the Mississippi River made it an ideal place for traders and travelers to stop and refuel. As a result, Memphis became a melting pot of different cultures, with African, European, and Native American influences all contributing to the city’s unique culinary identity.
The Early Days of Memphis BBQ
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Memphis BBQ began to take shape. Pitmasters in the city started experimenting with different meats, sauces, and cooking techniques, drawing inspiration from their African American, European, and Native American heritage. One of the earliest recorded BBQ joints in Memphis was the Leonard’s Pit Barbecue, which opened its doors in 1922.
Characteristics of Memphis BBQ
So, what sets Memphis BBQ apart from other regional styles? Here are some key characteristics that define the city’s unique BBQ style:
Meats
Memphis BBQ is known for its focus on pork, particularly ribs and shoulders. You’ll also find beef, chicken, and sausage on the menu, but pork is the star of the show. The city’s pitmasters are famous for their slow-cooked ribs, which are tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Sauces
Memphis BBQ sauce is sweet, tangy, and tomato-based. It’s thinner and more vinegar-forward than Kansas City-style BBQ sauce, with a distinctive flavor that’s both sweet and smoky. You’ll often find BBQ joints serving their sauce on the side, allowing customers to add as much or as little as they like.
Cooking Techniques
Memphis pitmasters use a combination of charcoal and wood to cook their meats. The city’s BBQ joints are famous for their slow-cooked ribs, which are cooked low and slow over charcoal and wood. This technique gives the meat a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture that’s hard to resist.
Must-Try Dishes in Memphis
When visiting Memphis, there are several must-try dishes that showcase the city’s unique BBQ style. Here are a few recommendations:
Dry-Rubbed Ribs
Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs are a must-try when visiting the city. These ribs are rubbed with a blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes even sugar, before being slow-cooked over charcoal and wood. The result is a tender, flavorful rib that’s full of texture and flavor.
Wet Ribs
Wet ribs are another Memphis BBQ staple. These ribs are slathered in the city’s famous BBQ sauce, which adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the meat. Wet ribs are often served with a side of BBQ sauce, allowing customers to add even more flavor to their meal.
Pork Shoulder
Memphis-style pork shoulder is a slow-cooked masterpiece. The meat is cooked low and slow over charcoal and wood, resulting in a tender, juicy texture that’s full of flavor. Pork shoulder is often served with a side of BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and baked beans.
Top BBQ Joints in Memphis
Memphis is home to numerous BBQ joints, each with its own unique style and flavor. Here are a few top recommendations:
Central BBQ
Central BBQ is a Memphis institution, with two locations in the city. This BBQ joint is famous for its dry-rubbed ribs, which are cooked to perfection over charcoal and wood. Central BBQ also serves a mean pulled pork sandwich, with tender, juicy meat that’s full of flavor.
Cozy Corner
Cozy Corner is a Memphis BBQ staple, with a reputation for serving some of the city’s best ribs. This BBQ joint is known for its Cornish hens, which are slow-cooked over charcoal and wood. Cozy Corner also serves a mean BBQ sandwich, with tender, juicy meat that’s full of flavor.
Payne’s Bar-B-Q
Payne’s Bar-B-Q is a Memphis institution, with a reputation for serving some of the city’s best BBQ. This BBQ joint is known for its slow-cooked ribs, which are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Payne’s also serves a mean BBQ sandwich, with tender, juicy meat that’s full of flavor.
Conclusion
Memphis BBQ is a unique and delicious style that’s worth trying. With its focus on pork, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and slow-cooked meats, Memphis BBQ is a culinary experience that’s hard to forget. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or just visiting the city, Memphis has plenty of BBQ joints to choose from, each with its own unique style and flavor. So why not give Memphis BBQ a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
| BBQ Joint | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Central BBQ | 1474 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 | (901) 272-9377 |
| Cozy Corner | 1977 S Parkway E, Memphis, TN 38114 | (901) 527-9158 |
| Payne’s Bar-B-Q | 1762 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114 | (901) 272-1523 |
- Try the dry-rubbed ribs at Central BBQ for a truly authentic Memphis BBQ experience.
- Visit Cozy Corner for a delicious Cornish hen, slow-cooked to perfection over charcoal and wood.
What is Memphis-style BBQ?
Memphis-style BBQ is a unique and flavorful style of barbecue that originated in Memphis, Tennessee. It is characterized by its sweet and tangy flavors, which are achieved through the use of a variety of spices, sauces, and cooking techniques. Memphis-style BBQ is known for its slow-cooked meats, which are typically cooked over charcoal or wood, giving them a rich and smoky flavor.
One of the defining features of Memphis-style BBQ is its use of a sweet tomato-based sauce, which is applied to the meat during the last stages of cooking. This sauce is made with a combination of ingredients, including ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, and is designed to add a sweet and tangy flavor to the meat. Memphis-style BBQ is also known for its use of dry rubs, which are applied to the meat before cooking to add flavor and texture.
What types of meat are typically used in Memphis-style BBQ?
Memphis-style BBQ typically features a variety of meats, including pork, beef, and chicken. Pork is perhaps the most popular meat used in Memphis-style BBQ, and is often served in the form of ribs, shoulders, or whole hogs. Beef is also commonly used, and is often served in the form of brisket or burgers. Chicken is also a popular choice, and is often served in the form of thighs or legs.
In addition to these meats, Memphis-style BBQ may also feature other types of meat, such as sausage or lamb. The type of meat used will often depend on the specific BBQ joint or recipe, as well as personal preference. Regardless of the type of meat used, it is typically slow-cooked over low heat to achieve a tender and flavorful texture.
What is the difference between Memphis-style BBQ and other styles of BBQ?
Memphis-style BBQ is distinct from other styles of BBQ in several ways. One of the main differences is the use of a sweet tomato-based sauce, which is not typically used in other styles of BBQ. Memphis-style BBQ is also known for its use of dry rubs, which are applied to the meat before cooking to add flavor and texture.
Another difference between Memphis-style BBQ and other styles of BBQ is the type of wood used for smoking. Memphis-style BBQ typically uses charcoal or wood, such as hickory or oak, to add a rich and smoky flavor to the meat. This is in contrast to other styles of BBQ, which may use different types of wood or cooking methods. Overall, the combination of sweet sauce, dry rubs, and slow-cooked meats makes Memphis-style BBQ unique and flavorful.
What are some popular BBQ joints in Memphis?
Memphis is home to a number of popular BBQ joints, each with its own unique style and flavor. Some of the most well-known BBQ joints in Memphis include Central BBQ, Corky’s BBQ, and Cozy Corner. These joints have been featured on food TV shows and have received rave reviews from BBQ enthusiasts.
In addition to these popular joints, Memphis is also home to a number of smaller, family-owned BBQ restaurants that are worth trying. These restaurants often offer a more authentic and traditional BBQ experience, and may feature unique menu items and flavors. Regardless of which BBQ joint you choose, you’re sure to find delicious and flavorful BBQ in Memphis.
Can I make Memphis-style BBQ at home?
Yes, you can make Memphis-style BBQ at home with a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking equipment. To get started, you’ll need a grill or smoker, as well as some basic BBQ supplies, such as a dry rub and a sweet tomato-based sauce. You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores or online.
To make Memphis-style BBQ at home, simply apply a dry rub to your meat of choice, and then slow-cook it over low heat using a grill or smoker. During the last stages of cooking, brush the meat with a sweet tomato-based sauce to add flavor and moisture. You can also experiment with different types of wood and cooking techniques to achieve a more authentic Memphis-style BBQ flavor.
What are some popular sides and desserts to serve with Memphis-style BBQ?
Memphis-style BBQ is often served with a variety of sides and desserts, including coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. These sides are designed to complement the rich and smoky flavor of the BBQ, and add some texture and variety to the meal.
In addition to these classic sides, Memphis-style BBQ may also be served with other desserts, such as banana pudding or peach cobbler. These desserts are sweet and comforting, and provide a nice contrast to the savory flavor of the BBQ. Regardless of which sides and desserts you choose, they’re sure to add some flavor and fun to your Memphis-style BBQ meal.
Are there any BBQ festivals or events in Memphis?
Yes, Memphis hosts a number of BBQ festivals and events throughout the year, including the Memphis in May BBQ Festival and the Memphis BBQ Festival. These events feature live music, BBQ vendors, and cooking competitions, and are a great way to experience the city’s BBQ culture.
In addition to these festivals, Memphis also hosts a number of smaller BBQ events and cook-offs, which are worth checking out if you’re a BBQ enthusiast. These events often feature local BBQ joints and pitmasters, and offer a unique and authentic BBQ experience. Regardless of which event you attend, you’re sure to find delicious BBQ and a fun atmosphere in Memphis.