Memphis Rib Mop – Derrick Riches

Discover the ultimate Pitmaster’s secret to tender, juicy, southern-style BBQ ribs! This Memphis Rib Mop is the key ingredient you need to take your grilling skills to the next level!

Ramp up your BBQ game with this flavorful Memphis rib mop! While Memphis-style ribs are not usually prepared with a sauce, a good rib mop will add a delicious layer of flavor, moisture, and tenderness. The secret is a simple blend of vinegar, sauce, and seasonings. And, the best part is that there is no cooking involved. You simple shake the ingredients in a clean container, and use!

What is the difference between a mop and a spritz?

A rib mop and BBQ spritz serve similar purposes. Both are thin liquids applied to meats in the smoker to enhance flavor and prevent drying. A rib mop is traditionally applied with a mop brush. While some Pitmasters favor this method, others do not. Those opposed to using a mop brush often worry about washing away the deep, flavorful bark on the meat and prefer to use a spritz instead. The key to using a mop is to blot the mixture onto the ribs gently. You can also place the mixture into a clean spray bottle and use it as a spritz.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup warm water (not boiled water, tap warm)
• 1/4 cup Memphis Style Rib Rub (or bottled Memphis Rub)
• 1/4 cup Memphis BBQ Sauce (or bottled Memphis BBQ sauce)
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Recipe Tips

• Bottled rub and sauce: If you have a favorite bottle of Memphis-inspired rub or sauce, feel free to use it. Otherwise, our recipes will provide you with a rub, a mop, and a serving sauce!
• Double it: Recipe makes enough for 2 racks on ribs. Double this mop sauce recipe if you are cooking more than 3 racks.

Making and Using a Memphis Rib Mop

• Make the mop: Place all rib mop ingredients into a large mason jar. Secure the lid and shake until the ingredients have combined. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the rub to dissolve. Shake it once more before using it.
• Mop brush method: Apply the mixture directly to the pork ribs using a mop brush, as per tradition. 
• Spray bottle method: Pour the Memphis rib mop into a clean, food-safe spray bottle and spritz it on the ribs halfway through the cooking process.
• Repeat the process 3-4 times before the ribs are fully cooked.
• Make ahead: Store the rib mop in an airtight container and refrigerate for 7 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.

More BBQ ribs!

• Place all the ingredients into a large mason jar or lidded container. Secure lid and shake until ingredients are well combined.  Let mixture sit for 10 minutes, and shake once more before using.

• To apply. Place the mixture into a clean kitchen safe bottle and spritz onto ribs halfway through cooking process. Repeat process a 3-4 times before they are fully cooked. You can also apply this mixture with a mop brush.

• If making ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 376mg | Potassium: 253mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1045IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 214mg | Iron: 7mg