The Ultimate Short Ribs Recipe: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection

Beef Short Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection

Why Short Ribs are a Favourite

Short ribs are one of the most flavourful and tender cuts of beef, making them a top choice for BBQ enthusiasts and home cooks alike. With the right cooking method, these ribs become fall-off-the-bone delicious, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• A rack of the best short ribs you can afford
• 100-150g Bull Dust or Blackout rub

Step-by-Step Short Rib Recipe

1. Prepare the Short Ribs

Start by removing the fat layer and silver skin from the top of the short rib. For easier serving, you can also remove the membrane and fat from the underside. This makes it simpler to remove the bones after cooking.

2. Season the Short Ribs

Generously apply the rub to the top of the meat. Let the rub work its way into the meat for about 2 hours. Place the ribs back in the fridge during this time. This step is crucial for achieving the rich, smoky flavour that makes short ribs so irresistible.

3. Set Up Your Smoker or Oven

Preheat your smoker or oven to 250-275°F (120-135°C). Arrange for indirect heat. When it comes to smoking wood, we recommend using apple wood, but you can choose whatever you prefer.

4. Cook the Short Ribs

Place the short ribs into the smoker or oven with the meat side facing up. Let them cook for 3 hours without interruption. This slow cooking method allows the meat to tenderise and absorb the smoky flavour.

5. Spritz and Check the Ribs

After 3 hours, check the ribs and spritz if needed. Continue spritzing every hour. By the 5-hour mark, you should notice a nice dark bark forming on the meat. This is a sign that the ribs are nearing perfection.

6. Check for Tenderness

Using a skewer, probe the meat to check for tenderness. If the bark is becoming too crispy, you can wrap the ribs in thick foil to prevent further crisping. Continue cooking until the skewer slides in and out of the meat with no resistance. The internal temperature should be between 200°F-215°F (95-100°C).

7. Slice and Serve

Once the ribs are perfectly tender, slice and serve. These short ribs are delicious on their own or with your favourite sides.

Tips for the Perfect Short Ribs

• Season the Short Ribs: For added flavour, season with salt and pepper before applying the rub.
• Braising Liquid: If you prefer a braised beef short rib, cook in the oven with a red wine or beef stock braising liquid.
• Slow Cooking: For a different approach, try using a slow cooker or pressure cooker to cook the short ribs. This method also results in tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
• BBQ Sauce: Brush with your favourite BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking for a sticky, flavourful finish.

Final Thoughts

Short ribs are a versatile and mouthwatering cut of beef. Whether you're using a smoker, oven, or even a slow cooker, these tips and techniques will help you create the ultimate fall-off-the-bone short ribs. Perfect for any gathering, these ribs are sure to impress.