Memphis-Style Hickory-Smoked Beef and Pork Ribs Recipe

Folks, you haven't had barbecue until you have had The Neelys' Memphis Style barbecue. The Neelys have their own show on the Food Network.

Of course, barbecue is just done better in the South.

Now, you Northeners, I know you do barbecue a little different, but have an open mind and give this a try.

Memphis-Style Hickory-Smoked Beef and Pork Ribs Recipe

Neely's Dry Rub:

* 1 1/2 cups paprika
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 3 3/4 tablespoons onion powder
* 2 (about 4 pounds each) slabs beef spareribs
* 2 (about 3 pounds each) slabs pork spareribs
* 2 cups Neely's BBQ Dry Rub
* Neely's BBQ Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

For the rub:

Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until combined. Keep in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

For the ribs:

Rinse and dry ribs. Place on a clean cutting board and pull off the membrane, the thin fatty skin that lines the underside of the ribs. Trim the ribs of excess fat and meat. Liberally season both sides of the ribs with 1/4 to 1/2 cup Neely's BBQ Rub. Wrap ribs and refrigerate for at least 8 hours so flavors can permeate.

Preheat grill to 250 degrees F. using hickory and charcoal.

Use indirect heat and cook with the cover down.

Place ribs, meatier side down, on the grill away from the coals. Cook beef 2 hours, adding more coals as needed. Turn and cook for 45 minutes more, or until the ribs "bend" and the meat easily separates from the bone using a fork. Cook the pork ribs 3 hours. Turn and cook another hour, or until ribs bend. Remove from grill.

For dry ribs: Sprinkle extra Neely's BBQ seasoning over ribs, cut bones and serve.

For wet ribs: Coat ribs with Neely's BBQ sauce, cut and serve.

Neely's BBQ Sauce:

* 2 cups ketchup
* 1 cup water
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
* 5 tablespoons sugar
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
* 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
* 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cooked uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.