Recipe

Smoked Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Morgan Porter

February 17, 2025
4 min read

My neighbor knocked on my door with a plate of smoked beef short ribs, and I swear, the smell alone could stop traffic. Each bite was a perfect mix of smoky flavor, tender meat, and that crispy bark we crave.

It wasn’t just food—it was a moment, the kind that makes you want to fire up the smoker and share it with everyone you know. If you’ve ever wondered why people obsess over BBQ recipes, this one is your answer. And guess what? It only takes 4 simple steps to make magic happen: season, smoke, wrap, and rest.

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Details

Servings

Prep time

15-20 minutes

Cooking time

3-4 hours

Calories

250

Smoking beef short ribs is like creating magic on a grill—tender, juicy, and flavorful. The secret? Low and slow cooking at 250ºF – 275ºF.over charcoal and wood, giving each bite that perfect smoky crust.

Fun fact: Smoking meat breaks down collagen into gelatin, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender. I call them ‘mini briskets’ because they’re just as rich and flavorful, but easier to handle.

And the fun doesn’t stop there—seasoning is where you can let your creativity shine. Season ribs with bold BBQ rubs (smoky paprika, spicy pepper blends). Use mustard as a binder.

Let sit for 1 hour or overnight. Smoke for 6 hours, wrap in foil, and rest. Customize spices for unique flavor. Perfect, flavorful ribs every time! Fire up the smoker and enjoy!

Equipments used so for

Here’s what you’ll need to make kimchi at home. Don’t worry—it’s all simple stuff you might already have in your kitchen.

Smoker (or grill with smoker attachment)
Aluminum foil or butcher paper (optional, for wrapping)
Tongs
Baking sheet or tray
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Basting brush (optional)
Spray bottle (optional, for spritzing)

Ingredients for Smoked Beef Short Ribs (4 Servings)

Lets get into its ingredients part, make sure the mentioned quantity is for 4 servings

Ingredients

2 ½ pounds (or six large) beef short ribs
4 tablespoons additional virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup apple cider vinegar
Combine in a food-safe spray bottle
1 cup apple juice
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons dry rub, or simple salt and pepper
4 tablespoons beef rub, (or equal parts salt and fresh ground pepper)
1 cup red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, something you would drink

Steps you need to follow

So wait is over, lets get into its step by step guide for getting perfect taste

Directions

Prep the Smoker and Ribs
Heat your smoker to 225°F using cherry wood for a sweet, smoky flavor. Trim excess fat and remove the membrane from the ribs, then coat them with olive oil and generously apply the beef rub on all sides.
Smoke the Ribs
Place the ribs on the smoker and cook for 3 hours until they develop a rich mahogany color and a firm crust. After the first hour, spritz them every 30 minutes with the apple cider vinegar and apple juice mixture to keep them moist and flavorful.
Wrap and Continue Cooking
Transfer the ribs to a baking dish, add the bath ingredients (red wine, beef broth, butter, dry rub, and Worcestershire sauce), and cover tightly with foil. Cook for another 2 hours until the meat is tender and infused with flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the ribs rest for 10–15 minutes to lock in the juices, then serve hot for a smoky, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Beef short ribs, cut from various sections of the cow, are meaty ribs with short bones, offering a balance between steak-like meatiness and the less meaty traditional ribs.

Smoked beef short ribs, with their rich, savory flavor, pair beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, or a vibrant coleslaw for a touch of freshness and crunch.

For a more creative twist, consider a sweet potato puree or a tangy chimichurri sauce.

Avoid under-seasoning the ribs; a generous rub is key. Overcooking is another common mistake; aim for an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C) for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

Using a reliable meat thermometer is essential for accurate temperature readings. A good balance of sweet, savory, and fresh elements will elevate your short rib meal.

Ingredients, Price, and Nutritional Value

The cost of this smoked short rib recipe will vary depending on the quality and location of your ingredients, but beef short ribs are typically the most expensive component.

Nutritionally, a 3-ounce serving of cooked beef short rib (braised) is approximately 250 calories, 18g fat, 0g carbs, and 20g protein.

The added ingredients will contribute minimally to the overall nutritional profile, with the exception of the braising liquid, which will add some calories and sodium.