Cooking beef short ribs on a smoker can be a delicious and rewarding experience, but it's important to pay attention to the preparation before cooking. In this blog post, we'll be discussing some tips on how to prepare and cook beef short ribs on a smoker for the best possible results. From trimming the ribs to selecting the right rub, we've got you covered.
Proper preparation is key:
Before you start cooking, take the time to properly trim the beef short ribs. Remove the hard layer of fat and the silver skin from the top, and remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help ensure that the meat is cooked evenly and that the flavor is infused throughout.
Use a sharp knife:
When trimming the beef short ribs, it's important to use a sharp knife. A sharp knife will make it easier to remove the fat and the silver skin, and will help you avoid any divots in the meat. Tramontina make a great Low n Slow BBQ Knife Set.
Cut Against the Grain:
When removing the excess fat and silver skin, it's important to cut against the grain of the meat. This will help to prevent divots in the meat and will improve the texture of the finished product.
Use a good rub:
A good rub can make all the difference when it comes to the flavor of your beef short ribs. In the video, we used Meat Church's Holy Cow rub, which has a gritty texture that gives great bark every time. Experiment with different rubs to find the one that you like best.
Be patient and get them to 203-210f and probe!
There's a couple of key temperatures when cooking beef short ribs. You'll want to cook them low and slow at around 225-250°F, aiming for a final temperature of around 203°F in order to achieve that perfect tenderness. Bit the best way to tell...if they probe like butter then you're good to go!
Bonus Tip - Don't be afraid to experiment:
Cooking beef short ribs is not an exact science, so don't be afraid to experiment with different different rubs, cooking times, and temperatures (225f - 300f) to find the perfect recipe for your taste buds.
By following these tips, you'll be able to achieve mouthwatering beef short ribs that are packed with flavor and perfect bark. Remember to remove the excess fat and silver skin, trim the ribs, trimming against the grain, apply a good rub and cook low and slow on a smoker.
For more details on these tips, watch our full video on How to Smoke Beef Ribs on YouTube: