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Flavorful Smoked Beef Short Ribs Recipe with Easy Coffee Rub Tutorial

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This smoked beef short ribs recipe features a bold coffee rub and slow smoking method that delivers tender, juicy ribs with a smoky, slightly bitter coffee-infused crust. Perfect for backyard cookouts or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs (well-marbled)
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee (freshly ground or instant)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Optional for serving: fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Optional for serving: your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Trim the ribs by removing the silver skin from the back using a sharp knife. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Generously coat all sides of the ribs with the coffee rub. Press rub in with fingers. Let ribs rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  4. Preheat smoker or grill for indirect heat at 225°F (107°C). Add preferred wood chips such as hickory or oak.
  5. Place ribs bone-side down on smoker grate. Smoke low and slow for 3 to 4 hours until internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C).
  6. Wrap ribs tightly in aluminum foil and let rest for at least 30 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. Slice ribs between bones and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve with BBQ sauce if preferred.

Notes

Keep a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar or water to spritz ribs every hour during smoking to maintain moisture. Tent ribs with foil if rub darkens too quickly. Let ribs rest after smoking to lock in juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect tenderness at 190°F internal temperature. If no smoker is available, slow roast in oven at 275°F for 3 hours and broil briefly to crisp edges.

Nutrition

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

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