Are you craving a mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone tender beef rib experience? Look no further! This easy recipe for beef ribs on a pellet grill delivers incredible flavor and juicy tenderness, perfect for a weekend feast or a special weeknight dinner. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe makes achieving restaurant-quality beef ribs surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious, healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ rub (recipe below, or store-bought)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Homemade BBQ Rub Recipe:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good bark. Generously apply the BBQ rub to all sides of the ribs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
Step 2: Prepare the Pellet Grill
Preheat your pellet grill to 225°F (107°C). Set it to smoke mode if your grill has that option. You want a low and slow cook for incredibly tender ribs.
Step 3: Smoking the Ribs
Place the ribs bone-side down on the grill grates. Close the lid and let them smoke for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-170°F (71-77°C).
Step 4: Wrap 'em Up
In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the ribs reach 160-170°F, carefully wrap them in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Pour the vinegar mixture over the ribs before sealing tightly. Return them to the grill and cook for another 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C). The wrapping process helps to tenderize the meat and add moisture.
Step 5: The Finishing Touch
Carefully remove the ribs from the foil. If desired, you can brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Return the ribs to the grill, unwrapped, for another 30 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and create a delicious crust. This step adds extra deliciousness, transforming your already amazing ribs.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful meat.
Tips for Perfect Beef Ribs:
- Choose quality ribs: The better the quality of the ribs, the better the outcome. Look for ribs with good marbling.
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Ensure there's enough space between the ribs for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is essential to ensure the ribs are cooked to the perfect internal temperature.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs and your specific grill.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper to the rub for extra heat.
- Sweet and smoky: Use a maple-bourbon BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Different wood: Experiment with different wood chips or pellets, such as hickory or mesquite, for unique smoky flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on rib size and sauce) Protein: Approximately 40-50g Fat: Approximately 25-35g Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-20g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Enjoy your incredibly delicious and perfectly tender beef ribs! They're a fantastic addition to any barbecue, party, or family gathering. Let us know how yours turn out in the comments below!