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Flavorful Smoked Beef Short Ribs Recipe with Easy Coffee BBQ Rub

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This recipe features tender smoked beef short ribs coated with a bold coffee BBQ rub that balances sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors for a memorable backyard meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds beef short ribs, bone-in, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons ground coffee, finely ground (dark roast recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under and pulling it off. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground coffee, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well.
  3. Lightly brush the ribs with olive oil to help the rub stick. Generously coat the ribs with the coffee BBQ rub on all sides, massaging it into the meat. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Preheat the smoker to a steady 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips such as hickory or oak.
  5. Place ribs bone-side down on the smoker rack. Smoke for 4 to 5 hours, maintaining steady temperature and adding wood chips as needed. Avoid opening the smoker too often.
  6. After 4 hours, check ribs for tenderness and ensure internal temperature reaches about 195°F (90°C).
  7. Remove ribs from smoker and wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Let rest for at least 30 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Slice between the bones and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Remove the membrane for better rub penetration and tenderness. Use a probe meat thermometer for accurate temperature without opening the smoker frequently. Keep coffee grounds medium-fine to avoid bitterness. Optionally mop ribs with apple cider vinegar or apple juice every hour after the first two hours to keep moist and add tang. Resting the ribs wrapped in foil for at least 30 minutes is essential for juicy meat. If smoker temperature fluctuates, use a water pan to stabilize heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked beef short ribs, coffee BBQ rub, smoked ribs, BBQ recipe, beef ribs, backyard grilling, coffee rub, slow smoked ribs

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/flavorful-smoked-beef-short-ribs-recipe-with-easy-coffee-bbq-rub/