Are you ready to elevate your barbecue game? This short rib smoker recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and incredible smoky flavor. Perfect for a weekend feast or a special occasion, these short ribs are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner smokers. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious, healthy meal that's also a fantastic quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Short Ribs:
- Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a good bark during smoking.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Generously season the short ribs with salt.
- Place the short ribs in a large zip-top bag or container and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step significantly enhances the flavor.
Smoking the Short Ribs:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use your favorite wood chips – hickory, pecan, or applewood work particularly well with beef.
- Place the marinated short ribs on the smoker grates, fat side up.
- Smoke for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200-205°F (93-96°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they're cooked through. The ribs should be fork-tender and easily pull apart.
- During the last hour of smoking, you can baste the ribs with the remaining marinade for extra flavor and moisture.
Resting and Serving:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the short ribs from the smoker and let them rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
- Slice the short ribs against the grain and serve immediately. They're delicious on their own, or you can serve them with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Tips for Perfect Smoked Short Ribs:
- Don't overcrowd the smoker: Ensure there's enough space between the ribs for even smoking.
- Maintain consistent temperature: Monitor the smoker temperature regularly and adjust as needed to maintain a steady 225°F (107°C).
- Use a meat thermometer: This is crucial for ensuring the ribs are cooked to the perfect internal temperature.
- Experiment with different woods: Different woods impart different flavors to the meat.
Variations:
- Spicy Short Ribs: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
- Sweet and Savory Short Ribs: Increase the brown sugar in the marinade for a sweeter profile.
- Herb-Infused Short Ribs: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the marinade for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the short ribs and the specific ingredients used. For a general idea, a serving may contain around 400-500 calories, 30-40g of fat, and 30-40g of protein.
This recipe is a testament to the power of slow cooking and the magic of smoky flavors. Enjoy your homemade, delicious short ribs! They're the perfect example of easy recipes done right, suitable for any skill level. These amazing short ribs are guaranteed to become a family favorite!