Tennessee is a southern state known for its distinctive styles of barbecue. Memphis and Nashville are two Tennessee cities with their own unique takes on barbecue. Across the state, smoked pork shoulder and ribs are staple meats, while regional barbecue sauces range from tangy to sweet. Keep reading to learn more about what types of barbecue Tennessee is known for.
Memphis Barbecue
Memphis barbecue is one of the most famous regional styles in Tennessee. It originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the city had a large population of African Americans. The style is characterized by its use of pork ribs and pulled pork shoulder smoked over hickory wood. Below are some key features of Memphis barbecue:
- Pork shoulder and ribs are the predominant meats
- Often rubbed with a spice blend before smoking
- Smoked using hickory wood in enclosed pits
- Served drizzled with a sweet, tangy tomato-and-vinegar based barbecue sauce
Two of the most iconic Memphis barbecue joints are the Rendezvous and Corky’s. The Rendezvous has been serving ribs since the 1940s while Corky’s opened in 1984 and has since expanded to numerous locations.
Memphis Barbecue Sauces
Memphis is known for its sweet, tangy tomato-and-vinegar based sauces. Common ingredients include tomatoes, vinegar, brown sugar or molasses, onion, garlic, and spices. The sauces strike a balance between sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Some popular Memphis sauce brands are Corky’s, Rendevous, and Central BBQ.
Nashville Barbecue
Meanwhile, Nashville has developed its own unique barbecue style. Nashville barbecue emerged in the early 20th century and was likely influenced by nearby Memphis. However, Nashville barbecue has differentiated itself with the following qualities:
- Use of pork shoulder as the main meat
- Shoulders smoked over hickory and oak
- Slathered with a spicy, tomato-based “mop” sauce while smoking
- Served with coleslaw and pickle slices as sides
- Tangy dipping sauces on the side
Two of the most famous Nashville barbecue restaurants are Peg Leg Porker and Martin’s. Nashville’s sauces also tend to be spicier with more black pepper and cayenne kick.
Nashville Barbecue Sauces
Nashville barbecue sauces have some similarities to Memphis but tend to be spicier. They use tomato as a base but add more black pepper and spices like cayenne. The sauces bring sweet, heat, and tanginess. Popular brands include Edley’s, Jack’s, and Hog Heaven.
Regional Barbecue Styles
Beyond the big cities, there are also some unique regional barbecue styles across Tennessee:
- West Tennessee – Similar to Memphis but with more tomato in the sauces.
- Middle Tennessee – Mix of Memphis and Nashville styles. Sauces have a balance of sweet and heat.
- East Tennessee – Uses thinner, vinegar-based sauces mixed with spices and black pepper.
Common Meats & Cuts
While styles vary, pork, especially shoulder and ribs, is the dominant meat for Tennessee barbecue. Common cuts and meats include:
| Meat | Cuts |
|---|---|
| Pork | Shoulder, Ribs, Chops |
| Beef Brisket | Brisket Flat, Brisket Point |
| Chicken | Quarters, Half Chicken, Wings |
Pork shoulders are smoked whole then pulled or chopped. Ribs are prepared either dry or wet. Brisket is sliced while chicken can be served chopped or pulled.
Popular Side Dishes
Barbecue plates and sandwiches in Tennessee are typically served with traditional southern side dishes like:
- Baked Beans
- Coleslaw
- Potato Salad
- Collard Greens
- Cornbread
- Mac and Cheese
- Fried Okra
Pickles, onions, and white bread also often accompany barbecue orders. Side dishes provide balance to the smoked meats with their creaminess, tanginess, or sweetness.
Signature Tennessee Barbecue Dishes
Some standout barbecue dishes synonymous with Tennessee include:
Memphis Dry Rub Ribs – Pork ribs seasoned with a Memphis dry rub then smoked over hickory ’til tender. Often served dry or with sauce on the side.
Pulled Pork Sandwich – Smoked pulled pork shoulder piled high on a bun and topped with coleslaw. Variations include sauce or vinegar slaw.
Nashville Hot Chicken – Fried chicken seasoned with spicy hot oil and cayenne pepper. Served atop white bread with pickle chips.
Pork and Greens – Smoked pulled pork paired with collard or turnip greens stewed with smoked ham hocks or turkey wings.
Popular Barbecue Events
Barbecue has become ingrained in Tennessee’s culture. Some annual barbecue events draw competitors and fans from across the country. These include:
- Memphis in May – Month long, Memphis barbecue festival culminating in a World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
- Nashville’s Music City BBQ Festival – Annual festival with live music, vendors, and barbecue tastings.
- National Cornbread Festival – South Pittsburg festival with barbecue cooking contests.
Classic Tennessee Barbecue Joints
Some legendary barbecue restaurants to visit in Tennessee include:
- Rendezvous (Memphis) – Serves famous dry ribs since 1948
- Payne’s (Memphis) – Historic Memphis joint known for pulled pork
- Cozy Corner (Memphis) – Specializing in Cornish game hens and ribs since 1977
- Central BBQ (Memphis) – Popular chain for ribs, pork, sausage
- Peg Leg Porker (Nashville) – Acclaimed for smoked chicken and ribs
- Edley’s (Nashville) – Local favorite for brisket, pulled pork
- Martin’s (Nashville) – Long-running joint known for whole hog barbecue
How to Make Tennessee-Style Pulled Pork
You can make authentic Tennessee-style pulled pork at home with these steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in pork shoulder/butt (5-8 lbs)
- Dry rub (brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, etc)
- Barbecue sauce or finishing sauce
Directions:
- Trim excess fat from pork shoulder.
- Apply generous coating of dry rub on all sides.
- Smoke at 225-250°F for 1 hour per pound, 10-12 hours.
- Spritz with apple juice or water every hour after the first 3 hours.
- Pull pork when internal temp reaches 195-205°F.
- Let rest 30 minutes then pull/shred meat.
- Toss with barbecue sauce and serve.
For authentic Tennessee style, use a Memphis or Nashville style dry rub and sauce. Hickory or oak wood gives the best smokey flavor.
Where to Buy Tennessee Barbecue Sauces
To bring home that Tennessee barbecue taste, pick up bottles of authentic sauces:
- In Memphis – Corky’s, Central BBQ, Rendezvous
- In Nashville – Edley’s, Jack’s Bar-B-Que, Peg Leg Porker
- Online – MemphisBBQCo.com, NashvilleBBQCo.com, TennesseeBBQSauce.com
Many grocery stores and speciality shops in Tennessee also carry local barbecue sauces. Look for the big regional brands or smaller batch sauces made nearby.
Conclusion
In summary, Tennessee is known for unique regional barbecue styles, especially in Memphis and Nashville. Across the state, pitmasters smoke pork shoulders and ribs using hickory or oak wood. Tangy, spicy tomato-based sauces balance the smoky, fatty pork. While cooking methods vary, the focus stays on bringing out the best in Tennessee’s plentiful pork with spice rubs and slow smoking. Barbecue has become ingrained into the state’s culture and identity. Visitors can experience authentic Tennessee barbecue at long-running joints or annual festivals. With some key techniques and ingredients, anyone can even recreate Tennessee-style barbecue at home no matter where they live.