Smoked Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Smoked Beef Short Ribs

If you’re in the mood for some mouth-watering smoked beef short ribs, then you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend barbecue party. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make.

To get started, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. First, you’ll need a pellet smoker to get that perfect smoke flavor. You’ll also need a good set of BBQ tongs, a sharp knife, and a meat thermometer to ensure that the short ribs are cooked properly.

Don’t be intimidated by the equipment, though. This recipe is suitable for any level of home cook, and we’ll guide you through every step of the process. From preparing the meat to smoking and spritzing, you’ll be a backyard BBQ hero in no time.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, get ready to impress your guests with these delicious smoked beef short ribs. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be the talk of the town with this fantastic recipe.

Yones Bbq Rubs

Overview: Smoked Beef Short Ribs

Smoking beef short ribs on a pellet smoker is a delicious and flavorful way to cook this classic BBQ dish. Here are the most important details of the recipe, including the temperature, preparation, and cooking time, so that you can create a mouth-watering beef short ribs dish on your pellet smoker.

  • Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F using oak or cherry wood pellets.
  • Smoke beef short ribs bone side down for 3 hours without opening the lid.
  • Spritz the beef short ribs with beef stock every hour after the 3-hour mark.
  • Continue smoking until beef short ribs reach an internal temperature of 205°F, which could take 7-8 hours in total.
  • Rest the beef short ribs for 30 minutes under a foil tent before slicing and serving.

What Are Beef Short Ribs?

Beef short ribs are a popular cut of beef that comes from the lower portion of the rib cage, specifically from the area where the ribs meet the breastbone.

The meat is cut across the bone and includes layers of meat, fat, and connective tissue, making it a flavorful but tougher cut of meat.

Compared to other beef cuts like sirloin or ribeye, short ribs have a high level of marbling and connective tissue, which requires a longer cooking time to break down the collagen and tenderize the meat. When cooked right, the beef short ribs will be moist and juicy with a deep, rich flavor.

There are several ways to prepare beef short ribs, including smoking, braising, grilling, or roasting. However, smoking beef short ribs on a pellet smoker is a popular method that infuses the meat with a smoky flavor while keeping it tender and juicy.

With a little practice, you can master the art of smoking beef short ribs and create a delicious and impressive dish that will satisfy any meat lover’s cravings.

How to Make Smoked Beef Short Ribs

Preheat Pellet Smoker

Before starting the cooking process, make sure to preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F using oak or cherry wood pellets. These types of wood pellets are perfect for smoking beef short ribs as they give a great smoky flavor to the meat. It’s important to ensure that your pellet smoker is preheated to the correct temperature before you start cooking.

Prepare Short Ribs

To prepare the beef short ribs, trim off the fat cap and silver skin on the top side of the meat. This will help the dry rub penetrate the meat and will also help to prevent the meat from becoming too greasy. Make sure to use a sharp knife to do this, being careful not to cut too deep into the meat.

Season Beef Short Ribs

Slather brown mustard over short ribs then season with equal parts, salt, coarsely ground black pepper, and garlic powder. This will create a great flavor profile that complements the smoky taste of the beef short ribs. Make sure to coat the ribs evenly with the mustard and the dry rub.

Smoke Beef Short Ribs

Once your beef short ribs are fully prepared, you can place them on the pellet smoker meat side up. It’s important to ensure that the ribs are evenly spaced and not touching each other to allow for even cooking. Close the lid of the pellet smoker and let the beef short ribs smoke for 3 hours without opening the lid.

Spritz The Short Ribs

At the 3-hour mark, start spritzing the short ribs with beef stock every hour until the end of the cooking time. This will help to keep the beef short ribs moist and prevent them from drying out. You can use a spray bottle to spritz the beef stock over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.

Continue smoking and spritzing the beef short ribs until they reach an internal temperature of 205°F, which should take 7-8 hours total. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat frequently.

Rest & Serve

Once the beef short ribs are fully cooked, you need to remove them from the pellet smoker and let smoked beef short ribs rest for 30 minutes under a foil tent before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Slice between the bones and plate ribs with your favorite sides.

Tips For Making Smoked Beef Short Ribs

As a BBQ Hero, it’s important to know all the tricks of the trade when it comes to smoking beef short ribs on a pellet smoker. These tips can make all the difference in producing tender and flavorful meat.

Add Fresh Herbs

When smoking beef short ribs on a pellet smoker, seasoning is key. Adding fresh herbs to your seasoning mixture will enhance the flavors and elevate your smoked beef short ribs to the next level. We recommend trying thyme or rosemary for a unique and delicious flavor. These herbs not only add flavor but also have health benefits that make them a great addition to any BBQ recipe.

Cooking Time and Temperature

One of the biggest challenges when smoking beef short ribs is ensuring they are fully cooked at the right temperature and for the proper amount of time. Overcooked or undercooked meat can ruin your BBQ experience.

It’s crucial to monitor the internal temperature of the smoking beef ribs to ensure they reach a temperature of 205°F. Also, don’t rush the cooking process. Properly smoking beef short ribs can take up to 7-8 hours, but the time is well worth it in the end.

Refrigeration

Keeping your beef short ribs in the fridge is a common practice, but it’s essential to know the right duration to avoid spoiling the meat. After purchase, store the beef short ribs in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days to maintain their quality and freshness.

Best Beer To Serve With Smoked Beef Short Ribs

As a BBQ enthusiast and beer lover, I am happy to suggest the top 3 types of beer that pair well with this smoked beef short ribs recipe. Here they are:

Brown Ale

A rich, malty brown ale is the perfect match for the smoky flavors of beef short ribs. The toasty notes of the beer balance out the richness of the meat, while its moderate hop bitterness cuts through the fat. The nutty, caramel flavors of a brown ale complement the seasoning of the beef short ribs, making it a winning combination.

Porter

A full-bodied porter with a hint of chocolate or coffee is another excellent choice to pair with this dish. The roasty flavors of the beer complement the smokiness of the beef, while its low carbonation and smooth mouthfeel contrast nicely with the meat’s texture. A porter’s malty sweetness also balances out the saltiness of the beef, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

IPA

For those who prefer a hoppier beer, a citrusy or tropical IPA is a great option. The bright, hoppy notes of an IPA cut through the richness of the beef, while its fruitiness enhances the smoky flavors of the meat. An IPA also has a refreshing quality that pairs well with the beef short ribs’ hearty, meaty flavors.

Smoked Beef Short Ribs

Smoked Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Here is everything you need to know to make the perfect smoked beef short ribs on your pellet grill or charcoal smoker. The process will require some patience and time, but you will eventually love the results.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 45 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Your preference of smoker (I recommend a pellet smoker)
  • Commercial grade tinfoil
  • Wood Flavor: Cherry or Oak

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Beef short ribs (4-5 bones)
  • 2 tbsp Brown Mustard
  • 2 tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 2 tbsp Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 cup Beef Stock

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F and set it up for indirect cooking.
  • Mix the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce (optional), and smoked paprika together in a small bowl to create a dry rub.
  • Generously apply the dry rub to all sides of the beef short ribs.
  • Place the beef short ribs on the pellet smoker, bone side down.
  • Smoke the beef short ribs for 3 hours without opening the lid.
  • After 3 hours, spritz the ribs with apple juice or a 50/50 mixture of apple juice and apple cider vinegar every 45 minutes until the end of the cooking time.
  • Continue smoking the beef short ribs until they reach an internal temperature of 205°F, which should take 7-8 hours total.
  • Remove the beef short ribs from the pellet smoker and let the ribs sit for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Keyword Beef, ribs

Smoked Beef Short Ribs FAQs

How to Identify Beef Short Ribs?

Short ribs are tiny sections of cow’s ribs and usually have a length of three to six inches. They are typically sold in packs of 2-4 ribs, and they can be found at most butchers or grocery stores. When selecting short ribs, look for meat that is bright red and well-marbled with fat, which will keep the meat moist and tender during cooking. The ribs have a similarity to pork spare ribs and chuck ribs.

What Are the Nutrition Calories of Smoked Beef Short Ribs?

This smoked beef ribs recipe has a total of 301 kcal calories. The wholesome dish is rich in protein, fat, potassium, carbohydrates, and sodium. Plus, there’s some Vitamin C and Vitamin A in there as well.

How Much Do Beef Short Ribs Cost?

The price of short ribs depends on the type of beef, where you buy them from, and where you live. On average, though, plan to spend anywhere between $4 and $7 per pound at your local grocer.

Should You Cook Smoked Beef Short Ribs Bone Side Up or Down?

Ribs are gristly and tough, so they require slow cooking to become tender and soft. Always place the bone side always down over indirect heat. This step is imperative to avoid the meaty layer from overcooking during this long process.

How do you smoke beef short ribs on a pellet smoker?

Preheat the pellet smoker to 225°F, season the beef short ribs with brown mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then smoke for 3 hours without opening the lid. Then, spritz with beef stock every hour and continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 205°F (7-8 hours)

What’s the best temperature to smoke beef short ribs on a pellet smoker?

The best temperature to smoke beef short ribs on a pellet smoker is 225°F using oak or cherry wood pellets.

How do you know when beef short ribs are done smoking?

Beef short ribs are done smoking when the internal temperature reaches 205°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The meat thermometer should slide into the meat between each beef rib like softened butter.

What’s the best wood to use for smoking beef short ribs on a pellet smoker?

Oak or cherry wood pellets are the best wood to use for smoking beef short ribs on a pellet smoker.

What should I serve with smoked beef short ribs?

Smoked beef short ribs pair well with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, and mac and cheese.

Scroll to Top