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    Home » Main Dishes

    Published: Aug 26, 2021 · Modified: Oct 6, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Smoked beef short ribs is a simple recipe that results in the most flavorful and juicy meat.  Smoking short ribs so they cook low and slow is the key to having the beef shred and be fork-tender. When using English-cut short ribs and a wonderful combination of seasonings for a rub you cannot go wrong with this recipe. The seasoned outer crust is crunchy and caramelized yet the inside is smokey and delicate all for a perfect savory bite.  

    The best way to make short ribs in my mind is in the smoker.  The low and slow method of smoking meat breaks down the meat and renders the fat for the most delicate fall-off-the-bone short ribs you will have ever had.  If you love beef smoked baby back ribs or juicy pot roast, this is a must-try cookout recipe for you. 

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs PN1 5 ribs piled on a plate topped with parsley leaves and parsley and a bottle of beer also on the table

    This recipe contains affiliate links where qualifying purchases and subscriptions will generate income for The Short Order Cook LLC.

    Steps & Timing When Making Beef Short Ribs on the Smoker

    To smoke beef short ribs, it is important to be mindful of the process and the timing it needs. If you want to eat at a specific time, you need to walk the steps back in time to ensure they are done when and ready to eat at your designated dinner time.  For how long to prep and cook smoked beef short ribs these are the steps: 

    • PREP SMOKER & BRING SHORT RIBS TO ROOM TEMPERATURE - 1 HOUR
    • ADD SEASONING /RUB TO THE SHORT RIBS - 5 MINUTES
    • COOK SHORT RIBS ON THE GRATE OF THE SMOKER - 2 HOURS
    • PREP THE PAN FOR RIBS AND TOP WITH FOIL - 5 MINUTES
    • COOK SHORT RIBS IN THE COVERED PAN IN THE SMOKER - 2 HOURS
    • REMOVE RIBS FROM SMOKER & LET RIBS REST - 20 MINUTES

    The whole process takes about 5 hours from start to finish.  So for example, if you want to eat dinner at 5 pm then you need to start your charcoal smoker at noon.  The ribs will go on the grate at 1 pm and cook for 2 hours. You will then prep a pan and get them in there so they cook covered for 2 more hours.  Then they will come out of the smoker and rest a bit and should be ready around 5 pm.  

    How to Prep a Smoker to Make Beef Short Ribs

    It depends on what type of smoker you have on how to prep it. We have a Weber and we use charcoal and mesquite or hickory wood chips.  We start the coals about an hour before we want to get the short ribs smoking.  This gives the charcoal time to light and then be added to more coals on the bottom of the smoker with the wood chips. 

    Typically within an hour, the smoker is registering at between 200-250°.  To smoke beef ribs, you want to hold your smoker at a steady temperature between 225-250° is ideal. 

    If you have a pellet smoker, prep that as you typically would in advance.  Then pick up on the step where you will want to get the seasoned short ribs on the grates to being smoking.  This smoked beef short ribs recipe works great in a Traeger, Kamado, Big Green Egg, Weber, and any charcoal or pellet smoker.

    For more information on different types of smokers check out this article on Pellet Smoker vs Charcoal Smoker. 

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs getting the smoker ready

    HOW TO MAKE SMOKED BEEF SHORT RIBS

    Once you have the smoker going, be mindful of the timing which I shared above.  As it warms up, also bring your beef short ribs to room temperature.  You do not want to be putting cold meat in a hot smoker.  Smoking beef ribs like in this recipe,  at the right temperature with the right seasoning rub, will become your new favorite smoked meat. 

    Ingredients for Beef Short Ribs on the Smoker

    This recipe only requires a few ingredients.  The most important thing is to make sure you have good quality beef short ribs. If you are lucky enough to find that at Costco or your local butcher shop, grab some to make this recipe.   I also subscribe to ButcherBox and smoke pork ribs from them all the time.

    For this short rib recipe, I am using what is called English cut.  Using something else like a thin-cut flanken short rib will not work for this recipe. To find out more about other cuts, check out Beef Ribs - The Different Cuts.

    You will also want to have a zesty seasoning that includes plenty of salt for the short ribs. A rub that is salty, a bit sweet, and has a ton of flavor is the best when smoking beef short ribs.  I like a lot of Kinder's brand seasonings, so for this recipe, I use a combination of the Butcher's All-Purpose seasoning and the Buttery Steakhouse rub. This has some sugar in it but if you want a keto, sugar-free, or low-carb rub for your smoked short ribs, you can make your own homemade rub blend or buy another brand.  In a pinch, I have also used just salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, mince dried onion which is a great keto rub for short ribs. 

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs applying the rub to the meat

    HOW LONG TO SMOKE BEEF SHORT RIBS 

    There are two stages when smoking beef short ribs. They need to be cooked both directly on the grill racks and also in what is called a "Texas Crutch".  Both of these stages when you smoke any sort of ribs are important. It ensures your smoked ribs are both smokey with an outer crust but also tender and juicy.  This is key so you do not dry out your meat and instead, you get the perfect short rib and internal temperature when cooking. 

     

    Smoking Step 1: Cooking Directly on the Grate of the Smoker

    Once the smoker is at the ideal cooking temperature, between 225-250°, the short ribs are ready to go on.   This is the first step in the cooking process. Place them on the grill on the highest rack from the coals if you are using the Weber style that we use.  Also note, it takes the same about of time to smoke ribs as it does a whole chicken.  So why not cook both since you have the coals going, this is what we do often.   

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs placed in the smoker

    Close the lid and let it go for about 2 hours.  Check the temperature periodically to be sure you are holding steady in that 225-250° cooking temperature range.   Adjust the heat up or cool it down as needed. 

    Some people like to spritz the ribs every 30 minutes with apple juice or apple cider vinegar.  We actually like a good bark/crust on our ribs and find that the spritzing adds too much moisture on the surface for our preference but please do whatever you like best. 

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs cooked on the grate in the smoker

    Smoking Step 2: The Crutch Method

    After two hours of direct cooking in the smoker, it is time for the second step when smoking beef short ribs.  This step is what is referred to as a "crutch or Texas Crutch".   There are two reasons to do this, one is to ensure the meat temperature is still rising and does not plateau.  Typically smoking meat will have a low and slow rise but it can also stop and for a short or long time, the meat does not continue to rise in temperature.  Wrapping it up helps the short ribs not stall but to continue cooking evenly.  This is especially true for large cuts of meats like when smoking brisket or pork butts for pulled pork.   

    In additional wrapping, the ribs' juices remain inside and keeps the meat moist so it does not dry out.  To a foil pan that will fit all your beef short ribs, add a tablespoon of butter for every 2 ribs you are making.  Then add in a single layer add the short ribs.  Make sure there is space between them so they have room to cook. 

     Do not add any liquid to the pan, you do not want to braise them and make them too moist, which will take away from the lovely bark you have already got on them.  Finally, wrap the top with foil and place the pan in the smoker.  

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs ribs in the foil tray with butter

    How To Tell When Beef Short Ribs are Done Smoking 

    After about another 2 hours, the beef short ribs should be about ready.  You can tell smoked beef short ribs are ready when the internal temperature reaches 205°, and somewhere between 200-210.  For bigger or smaller-sized ribs, it could take up to 3 hours of cooking at the crutch stage and that is ok.   Use a quick read thermometer and check for doneness at 200-210°.  

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs wrapped with foil in a tray on the smoker

    Let the Meat Rest

    Once the short ribs come out of the smoker, let them rest. I like to vent the foil a little bit to let the steam out and to get that crust redeveloped a bit.  They will stay warm in the foil tray while you prep the last few things you are making to eat with them.   

    The pan will have juices and melted butter in it. The beef ribs will have a dark seasoned crust on them. Inside the short rib will be a bit pink from the smoking process, plus flaky and tender. If you cannot wait, you can grab a fork and sneak a bite - admittedly, you know I do this! Someone has to make sure the short ribs are perfectly smoked and delicious. 

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs ready in the tray and fork tender

    What to Serve With Beef Short Ribs

    To complete your meal, here are some great side dish recipes to serve with smoked beef short ribs: 

    Asian Avocado Peanut Coleslaw
    If you want an easy peanutty coleslaw recipe, this Asian avocado peanut coleslaw is the best. This chopped slaw recipe is bursting with fresh vegetables that are dressed in a homemade Asian-inspired dressing that is salty, sweet, and spicy. This slaw is vegan and gluten-free and sure to be one that everyone loves.
    Check out this recipe
    Asian Avocado Peanut Coleslaw featured closeup bowl and parsley but no serving utensils recipe card
    Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
    Homemade deep-fried sweet potato fries are a quick and easy family favorite recipe. This fantastic method to deep fry & season them makes the best appetizer or side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries featured overhead of plate of fries and dipping sauce
    French Potato Salad
    Tender potatoes in a Champagne dijon vinaigrette with fresh herbs is bright, tangy, and crowd-pleasing.
    Check out this recipe
    bowl with french potato salad topped with fresh herbs
    Instant Pot Ranch Salt Potatoes
    Tender bite-sized potatoes are tossed with butter and ranch seasoning for a family favorite. These salt-crusted electric pressure cooker potatoes are easy and the best side dish recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Ranch Salt Potatoes
    Macaroni and Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Bacon
    Creamy macaroni and cheese with caramelized onions are made even more amazing with crispy bacon. The best homemade recipe for elevated mac and cheese that adults and kids will love.
    Check out this recipe
    casserole dish with baked 3 cheese mac and cheese topped with bacon
    Keto Cornbread Chaffles
    Cornbread chaffles made with almond flour are the best Mini Dash keto waffle recipe. A savory low-carb & gluten-free side for chili, soup, or salad.
    Check out this recipe
    Keto Cornbread Chaffles featured 3 fanned chaffles on the left and right is a partial bowl of chili w parsley
    Broccoli Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing (no mayo)
    This healthy broccoli salad with carrots, raisins, apples, and cheese is amazing. The creamy greek yogurt dressing is low-fat and made without mayo. It is tangy, crisp, fresh, and sweet in every bite. It holds up great for potlucks and barbecues. It is even great as a leftover, unlike other salads.
     
    Check out this recipe
    Broccoli Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing (no mayo) overhead featured
    Smoked Beef Short Ribs ready to eat on a plate

    How to Store and Reheat Smoked Beef Short Ribs

    If you have any leftovers, you can store short ribs in an air-tight container in your refrigerator for 3 days or the freezer for up to a month.  If you freeze cooked short ribs, place them in the refrigerator for about 48-hours to defrost. To reheat, you can microwave for a few minutes or place them in a 400° oven to warm them.

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs PIN2
    Smoked Beef Short Ribs PINREDO

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

     

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs featured portrait plate of ribs in the center and parsley and napkin utensils in the top left

    Smoked Beef Short Ribs

    Angela
    The best way to make short ribs in my mind is in the smoker.  The low and slow method of smoking meat breaks down the meat and renders the fat for the most delicate fall-off-the-bone short ribs you will have ever had. 
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 hr
    Cook Time 4 hrs
    Total Time 5 hrs
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6

    Equipment

    • Smoker with charcoal & wood chips
    • foil pan & aluminum foil

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ½ lbs Beef Short Ribs about 6-7 large
    • ¼ C each - Kinder's Butcher's All Purpose Seasoning & Kinder's Buttery Steakhouse Rub OR ½ C total of your favorite rub/seasoning blend
    • 3 TB salted butter

    Instructions
     

    • Start your charcoal. Heat up the coals until they are heated through and glowing red and white. Then add more coals and the wood the wood chips of choice to the smoker (or prep your pellet smoker as normal to get to this temperature) This process for us takes typically about 45-60 minutes.
    • While the coals are heating up, let your short ribs come to room temperature.
    • Once the smoker is holding a temperature between 225-205°, combine your seasonings for the rub. LIberally add the rub to all sides and surfaces of the short ribs. You will want a thick layer as shown above.
    • Place the short ribs on the grate of your smoker and close the lid. Maintain the smoker at a constant temperature between 225-250°. Smoke the short ribs for 2 hours during this step.
    • After 2 hours, gather your foil pan and foil to prepare for the "crutch" step. In the foil pan add the butter in cut into small pieces. Add the short ribs to the pan in a single layer with space between each one. Top with foil and seal. Place this back in the smoker to continue cooking for roughly another 2 hours.
    • Around 4 hours of total cooking time, check the internal temperature of the meat. The short ribs should be around 200 - 210° when they are done. They will flake apart easily with a fork. If the temperature is still below that or the meat is still tough and not coming apart, they still need more time. 2-3 hours for the "crutch" stage for 4-5 total hours cooking is typical for English Cut Short Ribs.
    • Once the internal temperature is around 205°, take them out of the smoker. Vent the foil and let them rest in the pan with the juices and with the foil still partially in place so they stay warm.
    • Let rest about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
    • Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to a month.

    Notes

    This information is based on a 5oz serving of meat before cooked - 
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 6
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 264
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 21.7g 28%
    Saturated Fat 9.1g 46%
    Cholesterol 63mg 21%
    Sodium 724mg 31%
    Total Carbohydrate 1.2g 0%
    Dietary Fiber 0.1g 0%
    Total Sugars 0.8g  
    Protein 16g  
    Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
    Calcium 3mg 0%
    Iron 2mg 9%
    Potassium 0mg 0%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Keyword American, barbecue, bbq, beef, cookout, fall, game day, gluten-free, grain-free, grill, keto, low carb, meat, smoked, summer, tailgate, Weber

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Andrea Metlika says

      September 03, 2021 at 8:29 am

      5 stars
      Wow! Just amazing flavor in these short ribs. I love that they come out so beautifully fork tender. Yum!

      Reply
    2. Beth says

      September 03, 2021 at 8:37 am

      5 stars
      Hubby made these for me because he knows I love short ribs and they were fabulous. Thanks for the great recipe!

      Reply
    3. Kristen Wood says

      September 03, 2021 at 9:05 am

      5 stars
      My family loved these!

      Reply
    4. Natalie says

      September 03, 2021 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      Oh yum, looks delicious. I just forwarded this to my husband. He will definitely make this for us.

      Reply
    5. Soniya says

      September 03, 2021 at 12:04 pm

      Oh my goodness! The ribs looks so delicious and tempting! Can't wait to make it tomorrow.

      Reply
    6. Dave says

      November 06, 2021 at 4:06 pm

      5 stars
      Best short ribs ever. I followed this to the letter and just finished eating them. It was the first time smoking short ribs and using this seasoning and I am sold. I think this is better than our local bbq joint and that is no joke. What else can I use this seasoning on? Pork butt or burgers?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        November 06, 2021 at 4:10 pm

        Oh no, do not put the local bbq joint out of business just yet!? Haha but I am so glad you had success and love smoking short ribs. It is a labor of love but they are pretty incredible. The seasonings are some of my favorite too and we have used it on pulled pork, rubbed all over the pork butt (actually blog post coming soon for that!). Burgers sound great too but have not tried it yet. I think steak or any pork it would be great on - enjoy.

        Reply
    7. PJ says

      December 31, 2021 at 7:06 pm

      5 stars
      Great tip and information. It was my first time using my smoker to make short ribs and it was easier than I thought. Mine took about an hour longer than the recipe but they were huge from a local butcher. Great recipe.

      Reply
    8. Gwynn says

      June 07, 2022 at 10:24 am

      5 stars
      Short ribs are my favorite and this recipe is so delicious. I will be making this recipe over and over again for sure!

      Reply
    9. Mirlene says

      June 07, 2022 at 10:26 am

      5 stars
      The ribs were so juicy and flavorful! My family requested for me to make again and surely I will!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 07, 2022 at 11:06 am

        I love hearing this. Thank you for sharing.

        Reply
    10. Sisley White - Sew White says

      June 07, 2022 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      You really can't beat this recipe for tasty short ribs. Perfect for a BBQ picnic.

      Reply
    11. GUNJAN says

      June 07, 2022 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      This is amazing and so well explained recipe. Totally making this over the weekend.

      Reply
    12. Sara Welch says

      June 07, 2022 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it was a hit all around the table! So bold and hearty; easily, a new favorite dinner recipe!

      Reply

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