Craving a truly unforgettable meal that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these melt-in-your-mouth grilled beef short ribs. This recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tenderness and rich, savory flavor, perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Forget complicated techniques – this is homemade cooking at its finest, resulting in a delicious dish that will impress even the most discerning palates. Get ready to elevate your grilling game!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
Prepare the Short Ribs:
- Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Generously rub the spice mixture all over the short ribs, ensuring they are fully coated.
Grilling the Short Ribs:
- Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (approximately 275-300°F). For gas grills, preheat for 10-15 minutes; charcoal grills will take a bit longer.
- Place the short ribs bone-side down on the grill grates.
- Grill for 2-3 hours, maintaining a medium-low heat. You want slow cooking for maximum tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (see below).
- After 2 hours, carefully pour the beef broth around the short ribs on the grill. This adds moisture and flavor.
- Continue grilling for another hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 200-205°F for fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Remember to baste with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep the ribs moist.
Rest and Serve:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the short ribs from the grill and let them rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful short rib.
- Slice the short ribs against the bone and serve immediately. They are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Grilled Short Ribs:
- Low and Slow: The key to incredibly tender short ribs is low and slow grilling. Don't rush the process.
- Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the short ribs reach the desired internal temperature. This is the best way to guarantee perfect doneness.
- Don't Overcrowd the Grill: Give the short ribs enough space on the grill to cook evenly.
- Baste Regularly: Basting with the beef broth keeps the short ribs moist and flavorful.
Variations:
- BBQ Sauce: For added flavor, brush your short ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of grilling.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the grill with the short ribs for an aromatic touch.
- Wine Reduction: Replace some of the beef broth with red wine for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 Protein: Approximately 40-50g Fat: Approximately 25-35g
These delicious grilled beef short ribs are a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. They're a perfect option for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and impressing your guests. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe!