Ingredients
Ingredients:
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4–5 lbs beef short ribs (plate cut, well-marbled)
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2 tbsp olive oil or mustard (binder)
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3 tbsp kosher salt
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2 tbsp black pepper
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2 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp onion powder
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp cayenne pepper (or ancho for milder heat)
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2 tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
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Apple cider vinegar (for spritzing)
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(Optional) 1 cup beef broth (for Texas crutch)
Instructions
1. Trim & Prep:
Trim silver skin and excess fat, leaving ¼” fat cap. Remove the membrane from the bone side.
2. Apply Binder & Rub:
Coat ribs with olive oil or mustard. Mix and apply rub evenly on all sides.
3. Rest Ribs (Optional):
For deeper flavor, refrigerate seasoned ribs overnight.
4. Preheat Smoker:
Heat smoker to 250°F. Use oak, hickory, or mesquite wood.
5. Smoke (First Phase):
Place ribs bone side down. Smoke for 3 hours without opening.
6. Spritz & Wrap:
After 3 hours, spritz with apple cider vinegar every 45 min. At 165–170°F internal temp, wrap in butcher paper with beef broth (optional).
7. Finish Cooking:
Continue until internal temp reaches 200–205°F. Probe should slide in easily like butter. Look for ¼–½” pullback from bones.
8. Rest Ribs:
Wrap and rest for 30–45 min in a cooler or towel. This helps retain moisture and improves tenderness.
9. Slice & Serve:
Slice between the bones and serve with sides like slaw, beans, or grilled corn.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20