There’s nothing quite like the taste of perfectly grilled beef short ribs.
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice griller, mastering the art of BBQing beef short ribs is a must-have skill for any backyard cookout.
But with so many different techniques and recipes out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to BBQ beef short ribs on the grill.
From seasoning to cooking times, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create mouth-watering, fall-off-the-bone ribs that will have your guests begging for more.
So grab your tongs and let’s get started!
How To BBQ Beef Short Ribs On The Grill?
Step 1: Prep Your Ribs
Before you start grilling, it’s important to properly prep your beef short ribs. Rinse them with cool water and pat them dry. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat or loose pieces of meat. If there is a thick membrane on the underside of the ribs, use a butter knife and paper towel to remove it.
Once your ribs are prepped, apply a light coat of olive oil or hot sauce to help the dry rub stick. Sprinkle your favorite beef rub evenly to all sides of the ribs, and lightly pat it down to ensure it stays.
Step 2: Set Up Your Grill
For the best results, set up your grill for indirect heat. This means that you’ll only have coals on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. This will create an area for lower temperature, indirect cooking away from the coals.
Light your charcoal and let it burn until it’s covered with gray ash. Then, arrange the coals on one side of the grill and set the cooking grate in place. Cover the grill and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes.
Alternatively, if you’re using a gas grill, set half of the burners to the highest heat setting and preheat for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Grill Your Ribs
Once your grill is preheated, place your beef short ribs on the side of the grill without coals. Cook with indirect heat at 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 hours, or until an internal thermometer reads between 200-205 degrees Fahrenheit.
During this time, resist the urge to open the lid too often as this will cause heat loss and increase cooking time.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once your beef short ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Slice your ribs between each bone to create individual portions, and serve with your favorite sides. You can also drizzle some au jus over your beef or use it to season side dishes like mashed potatoes.
Choosing The Right Beef Short Ribs
When it comes to choosing the right beef short ribs for your BBQ, it’s important to understand the different types and cuts available. Short ribs are cut from the front lower section of the steer, from the 1st through 5th rib and the lower, ventral section from the 6th through 10th rib. However, there are several variations in where short ribs are cut from, each with their own name.
Chuck short ribs come from right under the chuck from the first to the fifth rib and can also go by the name Flanken Ribs. Other names which beef short ribs go by include braising ribs, crosscut ribs, English short ribs, and Korean short ribs. Short beef ribs are the most common cut that you will see at a big box store or grocery store, but they are not ideal for smoking and are better suited for braising.
Plate short ribs, untrimmed, consist of the rib and plate sections and will contain at least 2 but no more than 5 ribs. They are rather fatty but meaty and are also known as pony-bock ribs (British), costine de pancia (Italian), costillas cortas (Spanish), côtes de plat (French). Loaded beef ribs or short plate ribs are cut from the lower portion of the rib cage and often have a nice layer of fat-laced meat sitting on top. However, they can be difficult to find at standard grocery or big box stores and may require a visit to a local specialty butcher.
When choosing beef short ribs, keep in mind that the toughest cuts offer the best flavor. Short ribs are smaller in size than back ribs but have more rib meat and less fat. They are a very good choice for outdoor cooking as they are placed between brisket cut and flank steak cut which affects their flavor. Since the part of the cow where short ribs are placed is smaller, they are more expensive than back ribs. Ultimately, selecting the right cut of beef short rib will depend on your personal preferences and cooking method.
Preparing The Ribs For Grilling
Preparing your beef short ribs for grilling is a crucial step in achieving the perfect BBQ flavor. Start by inspecting your ribs and trimming any excess fat or loose pieces of meat. If there’s a thick membrane on the underside of the ribs, use a butter knife and paper towel to remove it.
Once your ribs are trimmed, apply a light coat of olive oil or hot sauce to help the dry rub stick. Sprinkle your favorite beef rub evenly to all sides of the ribs, and lightly pat it down to ensure it stays.
It’s important to note that you should avoid rubbing the spices too hard into the meat. This will prevent the spices from becoming too dark and spicy while grilling.
After you’ve applied your dry rub, let your beef short ribs sit for at least an hour before grilling. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
When it’s time to grill, set up your grill for indirect heat. This means that you’ll only have coals on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. This will create an area for lower temperature, indirect cooking away from the coals.
Once your grill is preheated, place your beef short ribs on the side of the grill without coals. Cook with indirect heat at 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 hours, or until an internal thermometer reads between 200-205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remember to resist the urge to open the lid too often as this will cause heat loss and increase cooking time. Once your beef short ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to prepare and grill beef short ribs that are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Seasoning Your Beef Short Ribs
One of the most important steps in preparing beef short ribs for the grill is seasoning them properly. There are a variety of seasoning blends you can use depending on your personal taste preferences, but some popular options include a blend of coarse salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika or a Tuscan-style seasoning blend made from dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, and basil.
To apply the seasoning, start by rinsing your beef short ribs with cool water and patting them dry. Then, lightly coat them with olive oil or hot sauce to help the dry rub stick. Sprinkle your chosen seasoning blend evenly over all sides of the ribs and pat it down lightly to make sure it sticks.
Once your ribs are seasoned, you’re ready to move on to grilling. Remember to set up your grill for indirect heat and cook your beef short ribs low and slow for maximum tenderness and flavor. With a little bit of patience and some well-seasoned ribs, you’re sure to impress your guests with a delicious BBQ feast.
Preheating And Setting Up Your Grill
Before you start grilling your beef short ribs, it’s crucial to preheat your grill properly to ensure that your meat cooks evenly and safely. The first step is to light your grill with the lid open. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until they’re covered with a thin coat of gray ash. For gas grills, preheat to high (at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10-15 minutes.
For the best results, set up your grill for indirect heat. This means that you’ll only have coals on one side of the grill or half of the burners on for gas grills, leaving the other side empty. This creates an area for lower temperature, indirect cooking away from the heat source.
Once your grill is preheated and set up for indirect heat, place your beef short ribs on the side of the grill without coals. Cook with indirect heat at 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 hours or until an internal thermometer reads between 200-205 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to resist the urge to open the lid too often as this will cause heat loss and increase cooking time. Once your beef short ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Grilling Your Beef Short Ribs
Grilling your beef short ribs is a great way to enjoy this delicious cut of meat. Here are some detailed steps to follow for a successful BBQ:
Step 1: Prep Your Ribs
Properly prepping your beef short ribs is crucial for a great grilling experience. Rinse them with cool water and pat them dry. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat or loose pieces of meat. If there is a thick membrane on the underside of the ribs, use a butter knife and paper towel to remove it.
Once your ribs are prepped, apply a light coat of olive oil or hot sauce to help the dry rub stick. Sprinkle your favorite beef rub evenly to all sides of the ribs, and lightly pat it down to ensure it stays.
Step 2: Set Up Your Grill
For the best results, set up your grill for indirect heat. This means that you’ll only have coals on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. This will create an area for lower temperature, indirect cooking away from the coals.
Light your charcoal and let it burn until it’s covered with gray ash. Then, arrange the coals on one side of the grill and set the cooking grate in place. Cover the grill and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes.
Alternatively, if you’re using a gas grill, set half of the burners to the highest heat setting and preheat for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Grill Your Ribs
Once your grill is preheated, place your beef short ribs on the side of the grill without coals. Cook with indirect heat at 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 hours, or until an internal thermometer reads between 200-205 degrees Fahrenheit.
During this time, resist the urge to open the lid too often as this will cause heat loss and increase cooking time.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once your beef short ribs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Slice your ribs between each bone to create individual portions, and serve with your favorite sides. You can also drizzle some au jus over your beef or use it to season side dishes like mashed potatoes.
By following these steps, you can be sure that your beef short ribs will turn out juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Enjoy!
Checking For Doneness And Resting Your Ribs
Checking for doneness is crucial to ensure that your beef short ribs are cooked to perfection. The easiest and most accurate way to test the doneness of your ribs is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer between the two ribs in the center of the rack. Once the ribs have reached a temperature reading of 200-205°F (93-96°C), they’re ready to come off the grill and begin the resting process.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can approximate doneness with a toothpick. Place a toothpick between the two ribs in the center of the rack. If you can freely move the toothpick in and out, your ribs are done. If you meet any resistance with the toothpick, they still need more time.
Once your beef short ribs are done, it’s important to let them rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Resist the urge to cut into them right away, as this will cause all of the juices to escape, leaving you with dry and tough meat.
After resting, slice your beef short ribs between each bone to create individual portions. Serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy!
