When smoking beef short ribs, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to select the right cut of meat. Look for ribs that are between 1 and 1-1/2 inches thick. Then, you will need to decide how long to smoke them. Typically, smoked beef short ribs require a minimum of four hours of cooking time. However, if you want them to be extra tender and juicy, you may want to smoke them for six or eight hours. So, if you’re looking how long to smoke beef short ribs, smoking them is definitely the way to go!
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Smoked Beef Short Ribs
- 2 What are short ribs?
- 3 The different ways to smoke beef short ribs
- 4 How long to smoke beef short ribs for the best results
- 5 Tips For Smoking Beef Short Ribs
- 6 Types Of Short Ribs
- 7 What types of wood work best with beef short ribs
- 8 Recipes that use smoked beef short ribs as an ingredient
- 9 Conclusion: Smoked Short Ribs Recipes
- 10 FAQs: How Long to Smoke Beef Short Ribs
- 10.1 How long does beef short ribs take to smoke?
- 10.2 Do beef short ribs stall when smoking?
- 10.3 What temp should beef short ribs be cooked to?
- 10.4 Why are my smoked beef short ribs tough?
- 10.5 Can you overcook smoked beef short ribs?
- 10.6 Does smoked beef Short rib get more tender the longer it cooks?
- 10.7 Should smoked short ribs be submerged?
- 10.8 How long does it take to smoke beef short ribs at 225?
- 10.9 Do you wrap beef short ribs when smoking?
- 10.10 How long does it take to smoke beef ribs at 250?
- 10.11 Can i smoke beef ribs at 250?
Best Smoked Beef Short Ribs

Recipe
Ingredients:
-4 beef short ribs (about 1-1/2 inches thick)
-2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ rub
-1 bottle of beer (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the beef short ribs with the BBQ rub, massaging it into the meat.
3. Place the ribs in the smoker and cook for 4-8 hours, or until they are nice and tender.
4. Optional: During the last hour of cooking, place a foil-wrapped bottle of beer in the smoker to give the ribs an extra boost of flavor.
5. Remove the ribs from the smoker and allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What are short ribs?

Short ribs are a type of beef cut that comes from the brisket, chuck or plate primal cuts of cattle. They are well-marbled with fat and connective tissue, which makes them ideal for slow cooking methods like smoking. When smoked properly, short ribs can be incredibly tender and juicy, with a rich flavor that is perfect for any BBQ lover.
The different ways to smoke beef short ribs
include using a charcoal grill, electric smoker, or pellet smoker. Whichever method you choose, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process. Additionally, proper seasoning and marinating prior to smoking will enhance the flavor of the meat.
When ready to serve, beef short ribs can be sliced thinly against the grain or pulled apart into chunks. Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce or enjoy the natural smoky flavor on its own. Smoked beef short ribs make a delicious and satisfying main dish for any barbecue or family gathering. Have fun experimenting with different marinades, rubs, and smoking times to find your perfect smoked beef short rib recipe. Happy grilling!
How long to smoke beef short ribs for the best results
It is important to plan for at least four hours of cooking time, but smoking them for six or eight hours will result in extra tender and juicy meat. When selecting the cut of meat, look for ribs that are 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick. Different methods such as using a charcoal grill, electric smoker, or pellet smoker can all be used, as long as a consistent temperature is maintained throughout the smoking process. Proper seasoning and marinating before cooking will also enhance the flavor of the meat. Serve smoked beef short ribs sliced thinly against the grain or pulled apart into chunks, with or without barbecue sauce. Experiment with marinades, rubs, and smoking times to find your perfect smoked beef short rib recipe. Enjoy!
Tips For Smoking Beef Short Ribs
-Select ribs that are 1-1/2 inches thick for the best results.
-Smoke the ribs for a minimum of four hours, or until they are nice and tender.
-If you want extra flavor, place a foil-wrapped bottle of beer in the smoker during the last hour of cooking.
-Allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will help them retain their juices.
– Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce and sides. Enjoy!
Smoked Short Ribs Temperature Chart
Once your smoked beef short ribs are cooked, it is important to let them rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into them. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making them even more tender and juicy. To ensure that your ribs are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here is a helpful temperature chart for smoked beef short ribs:
Rare: 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit
Medium Rare: 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit
Medium: 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit
Well Done: 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit
Types Of Short Ribs

Short Ribs Cuts
There are three main types of short ribs:
– chuck short ribs, which come from the chuck primal cut and are the most tender
– brisket short ribs, which come from the brisket primal cut and have more fat and connective tissue
– plate short ribs, which come from the plate primal cut and are the least tender.
Best Beef Short Ribs Recipes
-Smoked Beef Short Ribs with BBQ Rub
-Smoked Beef Short Ribs with Beer
-Smoked Beef Short Ribs with Coffee BBQ Rub
-Smoked Beef Short Ribs with Honey Sriracha BBQ Sauce
-Smoked Beef Short Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub
What types of wood work best with beef short ribs
Some good options for smoking beef short ribs include hickory, mesquite, and oak. Each type of wood will impart a slightly different flavor to the meat, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite. Avoid using evergreen woods like pine or cedar as they can give the meat a bitter taste. Happy grilling!
Recipes that use smoked beef short ribs as an ingredient
-Smoked beef short rib tacos with slaw and avocado
-Smoked beef short rib mac and cheese
-Smoked beef short rib grilled cheese sandwich
-Smoked beef short rib pho
-Smoked beef short rib pizza with barbecue sauce and red onion. Enjoy the smoky flavor in a variety of dishes!
Conclusion: Smoked Short Ribs Recipes
FAQs: How Long to Smoke Beef Short Ribs
How long does beef short ribs take to smoke?
The best time to cook your beef short ribs is when they are at their juciest, most tender state. It will take about 7-8 hours for the meat on these babies to fullycook so don’t rush it! Make sure you check over them from occasionally during this process and if anything doesn’t look quite right or feel too soft then back off a little bit more with that smoking fork of yours until everything feels just right again – because isn’t cooking supposed
Do beef short ribs stall when smoking?
It is possible for beef short ribs to stall during the smoking process, where the internal temperature of the meat plateaus for a longer period of time before continuing to rise. This can happen due to factors such as the fat content in the meat and how hot your smoker is.
What temp should beef short ribs be cooked to?
Beef short ribs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 203 °F for optimum tenderness and to ensure that any potential bacteria has been killed. It is important to use a meat thermometer during the cooking process to properly gauge the temperature.
Why are my smoked beef short ribs tough?
There can be a few reasons why your smoked beef short ribs may have turned out tough. It could be due to not cooking them for long enough or at a high enough temperature, not allowing the meat to rest before slicing or serving, or slicing them against the grain instead of with it.
Can you overcook smoked beef short ribs?
Yes, it is possible to overcook smoked beef short ribs, resulting in dry and tough meat. It is important to follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for the best results, and using a meat thermometer can also help to ensure that the ribs are cooked properly. It is also crucial to allow the meat to rest before serving so that the juices can redistribute.
Does smoked beef Short rib get more tender the longer it cooks?
This really depends on the individual cut of meat and how it is cooked. In some cases, cooking for a longer period of time at a lower temperature can result in more tender meat. However, it is also possible to overcook the ribs and have them become dry and tough. Finding the right balance of cooking time and temperature will yield the best results.
Should smoked short ribs be submerged?
No, smoked short ribs should not be submerged in liquid during the cooking process. This can result in a loss of flavor and potentially even make the meat tough. If you want to add additional moisture, try adding some liquid to the smoker or spritzing the meat with a mixture of water and your favorite BBQ sauce.
How long does it take to smoke beef short ribs at 225?
How long does to cook beef short rib? One of the most interesting cuts from a steer, these are also among some hardest and most expensive roasts you can buy. The best way is with an instant-read thermometer like Thermoworks’ MK4 which will let both professionals, as well as home cooks, know when they’re ready for dinner! Plan on 6 hours total time at 225°F (max) if your goal was tenderness without getting chewier than desired–or shorter via lower heat settings depending upon what kind cuisine style fits into better suits preference here..
Read >> How long does it take to smoke beef ribs
Do you wrap beef short ribs when smoking?
If you want to cook your beef ribs the right way, just keep them simple. Make sure they are cooked through and no longer jiggly before removing from heat or oven!
How long does it take to smoke beef ribs at 250?
When cooking with a smoker, it’s important to remember that the temperature needs time and patience. Full tenderness will typically require six or eight hours at around 225 degrees Fahrenheit (orazor 250), but some slabs may take longer than this; don’t worry if they do!
Can i smoke beef ribs at 250?
When smoking beef back ribs, I like to use a pecan or oak wood because it produces more flavor than other woods. You should keep an eye on them and spray with apple juice when they look dry 3 hours into the cooking process so that you don’t ruin your dish due lack of moisture!
Echo Reed is the owner and head chef of darkhorse restaurant. She has been working in the culinary world for over a decade, and opened her own establishment in 2018. Echo is known for her unique style and approach to cooking, which has won her critical acclaim from food critics and diners alike.