Smoked Beef Short Ribs

Mastering the art of smoked beef short ribs can be such a rewarding experience. Making this dish is a breeze with the right preparation and cooking techniques.

Once you’ve honed your smoking skills, you can have fun creating delicious side dishes to accompany the main course. After going bite for bite with the tender meat, you can dig into some comforting mac and cheese, creamy potato salad or smoky collard greens to complete the meal. Hungry yet?

Smoked Beef Short Ribs Ingredients

Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home

• Beef short ribs: When it comes to beef short ribs, we opt for bone-in varieties for their superior flavor compared to boneless options—smoking this cut of meat results in exceptional tenderness, making it effortless to carve and enjoy.
• Mustard: We use yellow mustard on the beef short ribs for a few reasons: it aids in tenderizing the meat, acts as a binder for the seasonings, and contributes to developing a tangy barbecue crust.
• Salt: This recipe uses kosher salt for its larger flakes, making it easier to distribute across the meat’s surface and season it. The bigger crystals also contribute to tenderizing and browning the beef short ribs.
• Garlic powder: We use garlic powder to quickly infuse savory and slightly smoky flavors into the beef short ribs.

Directions

Step 1: Season the beef short ribs

Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home

To infuse flavor into the beef short ribs, start by generously applying yellow mustard using a brush. Next, combine salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create a seasoning blend, then evenly rub it all over the meat.

Editor’s Tip: Allow your beef short rib to reach room temperature before smoking to prevent moisture loss, for the tastiest results .

Step 2: Smoke the beef short ribs

Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home

Preheat the smoker to 225°F. Toss in wood chips or pellets to the smoker according to the manufacturer’s directions. Place the beef short ribs into the smoker—bone-side down—and cook for three hours.

Next, remove the ribs from the smoker and wrap them in butcher’s paper. Return the meat to the smoker bone-side down. Smoke until the meat reaches 200° to 205° or until it is fork-tender about two to three hours. Remove the meat from the smoker and serve.

Editor’s Tip: Allow the short rib to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying. This period allows the internal temperature to continue to rise and ensures that the juices are evenly distributed throughout the meat, resulting in a more delicious experience.

Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home

Smoked Beef Short Ribs Recipe Variations

• Switch up the seasonings: When prepping this smoked beef short rib recipe, enhance the seasonings to elevate the taste of the meat. To introduce a smoky essence, consider mixing chipotle into the rub. Sprinkle some lemon pepper for an added tang. If you desire more heat, try including cayenne.
• Marinate the short rib: Try marinating the beef short ribs with the mustard and seasonings for a longer duration. Prepare the recipe in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours (or overnight) before smoking to result in a more flavorful outcome.
• Use flavored wood chips: Many flavored wood chips are available. Try hickory, oak, cherry or apple to help infuse delicious notes into the smoked beef short rib.

How to Store Smoked Beef Short Ribs

After smoking beef short ribs, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can keep them for up to three to four days.

Can you make smoked beef short ribs ahead of time?

Hosting a gathering and want to save time? Prepare this beef short rib recipe a few days ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat and enjoy a stress-free dinner with your guests.

How do you reheat smoked beef short ribs?

Reheat your leftovers in the oven or microwave. Ensure they reach at least 165°, then they’re okay to eat.

Can you freeze smoked beef short ribs?

If you have tons of leftovers, consider freezing your beef short ribs so they don’t go to waste. You can store them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again defrost and reheat as desired.

How long do smoked beef short ribs last?

Stored in an airtight container, smoked beef short ribs can last for three to four days in the refrigerator or up to two months in the freezer.

Smoked Beef Short Ribs Tips

Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home

Can you use boneless short ribs in this recipe?

We recommend using bone-in short ribs as the bone contributes to richer and more robust flavors in this dish. It also helps maintain even cooking so you can end up with those deliciously tender bites.

Should I use a water pan while smoking the beef short ribs?

If you have access to a water pan, we recommend using it. Placing one in your smoker can help enhance the moisture of the beef short rib and create an optimal cooking environment.

What can I serve with smoked beef short rib?

Serve this ultra-tender smoked beef short rib recipe with comforting sides like creamy risotto, garlicky spinach or mashed sweet potato.