Recipe: Memphis Dry Ribs (grilled)

MEMPHIS DRY RIBS

4 pounds pork loin back ribs or meaty spareribs
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
3/4 teaspoon celery salt
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups wood chips (use hickory or oak chips for the best flavor)

Cut ribs into 4 portions. Place ribs in shallow dish.

In small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, celery salt, cumin and black pepper; rub evenly over meaty side of ribs. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours.

At least 1 hour before grilling, soak wood chips in enough water to cover. Drain before using.

In charcoal grill with a cover, place preheated coals around a drip pan for medium indirect heat. Add 1/2-inch hot water to drip pan.*

Sprinkle half of the drained wood chips over the coals. Place ribs, bone side down, on grill rack over drip pan. Cover and grill for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until ribs are tender. Add more preheated coals (use a hibachi or a metal chimney starter to preheat coals) and wood chips; turn ribs halfway through grilling.

*Note: For gas grills, preheat and then turn off any burners directly below where the food will go. The heat circulates inside the grill, so turning the food is not necessary.

Makes 4 servings
Source: National Pork Board