Smoked Beef Short Ribs Recipe
Smoked beef short ribs are the epitome of comfort food – they’re tender, juicy, and bursting with rich, smoky flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a cozy, indulgent meal, this smoked beef short ribs recipe is sure to impress.
Slow-smoked to perfection, these short ribs develop a delectable caramelized crust on the outside while remaining incredibly tender and succulent on the inside.
The secret lies in the careful balance of spices, the low-and-slow cooking method, and the patience to let the flavors meld together into a symphony of taste.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Smoked beef short ribs are not only incredibly delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can serve them as the centerpiece of a hearty meal, or use them as the star ingredient in tacos, sandwiches, or even as a topping for loaded baked potatoes. The rich, beefy flavor pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides, from creamy mashed potatoes to tangy coleslaw.
What’s more, this recipe is surprisingly accessible, with most of the ingredients being pantry or freezer staples. And the best part? These smoked short ribs can be prepared in advance, making them the perfect dish for entertaining or meal prepping. Just reheat and serve, and your guests will be wowed by the mouthwatering results.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Smoked Beef Short Ribs ❓
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth or stock
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
The beauty of this smoked beef short ribs recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder creates the Tex-Mex-inspired flavor profile that has made smoked rib recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Smoked Beef Short Ribs Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the short ribs, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
• Step 3: Place the seasoned short ribs on the smoker grate, making sure they are not touching each other. Close the lid and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (91-96°C).
• Step 4: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, combine the beef broth and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and use it to baste the short ribs every 10 minutes, helping to create a beautiful, caramelized crust.
• Step 5: Once the short ribs have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.
• Step 6: Serve the smoked beef short ribs immediately, or refrigerate for later use.
Enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 3-4 hours
• Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
Compared to traditional braised beef short ribs, which can take up to 2-3 hours to prepare, this smoked beef short ribs recipe saves you over 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar, if not better, flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 833mg
These smoked beef short ribs provide approximately 80% of your daily protein requirements and 35% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the brown sugar from the seasoning blend and use a sugar-free barbecue sauce or glaze instead.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Skip the butter or cream-based side dishes and opt for roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad.
• Added protein: Serve the smoked short ribs over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to boost the protein content of the meal.
• Boost vegetables: Roast or grill some seasonal vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, to serve alongside the short ribs.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the smoked beef short ribs.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh, tangy coleslaw or a crisp green salad for a complete meal
• Complement with a hearty tomato-based soup or a glass of bold red wine
• For a barbecue-inspired feast, serve alongside grilled corn on the cob and baked beans
• Create an impressive charcuterie platter with the smoked short ribs, artisanal cheeses, and crostini
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Rushing the cooking process: Resist the temptation to crank up the heat – the low-and-slow method is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
• Skipping the resting period: Allowing the short ribs to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
• Forgetting to baste: Basting the ribs with the beef broth and vinegar mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking creates a beautiful, caramelized crust.
• Not seasoning properly: The seasoning blend is key to unlocking the rich, smoky flavors, so be sure to coat the ribs generously.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These smoked beef short ribs retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Rub the raw short ribs with the seasoning blend, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before smoking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked short ribs to cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the short ribs in a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth or water, and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (177°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the smoked short ribs ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can fully cook the short ribs, let them cool, then refrigerate or freeze them for later use. When ready to serve, simply reheat the ribs in the oven or on the grill until warmed through.
Can I substitute the beef short ribs with another cut of beef?
While beef short ribs are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can also use beef chuck ribs or even beef brisket. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the overall flavor and technique will remain the same.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, with a few simple modifications, this smoked beef short ribs recipe can be easily adapted for a low-carb or keto diet. Simply omit the brown sugar from the seasoning blend and use a sugar-free barbecue sauce or glaze instead. You can also serve the ribs with low-carb sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
What should I do if the short ribs are not tender after smoking?
If the short ribs are not as tender as you’d like after the initial smoking time, don’t worry! Simply wrap them in foil or butcher paper and continue cooking in the smoker or oven until they reach the desired level of tenderness, typically 195-205°F (91-96°C) internal temperature.
Can I add any additional flavors or seasonings to the recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of this smoked beef short ribs recipe is its versatility. You can experiment with different spice blends, such as Cajun seasoning or Mexican-inspired flavors, or try incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also baste the ribs with a variety of sauces or glazes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
These smoked beef short ribs represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as the centerpiece of a backyard barbecue or as a cozy, comforting family meal, they’re sure to impress with their tender, juicy texture and irresistible smoky-sweet flavor profile.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this smoked beef short ribs recipe demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the smoking process.
So fire up your smoker, gather your friends and family, and get ready to savor the ultimate in smoked meat perfection.
Print
Smoked Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
• 3-4 pounds beef short ribs
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth or stock
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a charcoal or gas grill with a smoker box or foil packet filled with wood chips.
• Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the short ribs, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
• Step 3: Place the seasoned short ribs on the smoker grate, making sure they are not touching each other. Close the lid and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (91-96°C).
• Step 4: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, combine the beef broth and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and use it to baste the short ribs every 10 minutes, helping to create a beautiful, caramelized crust.
• Step 5: Once the short ribs have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.
• Step 6: Serve the smoked beef short ribs immediately, or refrigerate for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 495
- Sodium: 833mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
Keywords: Smoked Beef Short Ribs Recipe
