Texas-Style Beef Ribs are a quintessential barbecue favorite, known for their rich, smoky flavor and tender, juicy meat. These ribs are seasoned with a simple yet flavorful dry rub that enhances the natural taste of the beef, allowing it to shine. Slow-cooked over indirect heat, these ribs develop a beautiful bark on the outside while remaining succulent on the inside. This recipe captures the essence of Texas barbecue, where the focus is on quality beef, smoke, and simplicity. Perfect for a backyard cookout or a special gathering, these beef ribs are sure to satisfy any barbecue enthusiast.
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Wood chips for smoking (oak or hickory recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Pat the beef ribs dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the ribs to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Make the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, and thyme. Generously coat the ribs with the dry rub, ensuring all sides are covered. Let the ribs rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Smoker: Prepare your smoker or grill for indirect cooking at 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips for smoking to impart a rich, smoky flavor to the ribs.
- Smoke the Ribs: Place the seasoned ribs on the smoker or grill, bone side down. Close the lid and smoke the ribs for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C) and the meat is tender. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain a consistent temperature and smoke.
- Rest the Ribs: Once cooked, remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in more tender and flavorful meat.
- Serve: Slice the ribs between the bones and serve them hot. Enjoy with your favorite barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans.
Texas-Style Beef Ribs are a delicious representation of classic Texas barbecue, offering bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for any barbecue lover, these ribs are a must-try for anyone who appreciates good, hearty smoked meat.
