How To Grill Beef Short Ribs
Learn how to grill beef short ribs that are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor — an easy, foolproof recipe perfect for beginners and BBQ lovers!
Get ready to sink your teeth into juicy, flavorful ribs with this ultimate guide on how to grill ribs like a pro. Learn the best tips and tricks!
These delicious beef ribs are grilled until bone tender and make an incredible meal for a special occasion. The best part about this simple recipe is that it requires very little effort to prepare.
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Because of its simplicity, this short ribs recipe is also ideal for those of you who are making ribs for the first time. You will be amazed at how easy this is!
Give these Korean short ribs and Hawaiian short ribs a try too!
What are Beef Short Ribs?
Short ribs are a cut of meat taken from the rib area of beef cattle. They can be cut in a cross section in short portions of various thickness.
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Supplies
- Traeger 780 Pro Smoker Grill – This is our Traeger model, and it’s the perfect size for families who like to entertain! Be sure to check out all of our must-have Traeger products.
- Meat thermometer – We love this wireless Meater Plus thermometer. It connects to an app that tells you exactly when your meat is done!
- BBQ tongs – These are my favorite tongs for grasping grilled meat.
- Basting brush – This one is great for coating each rib in BBQ sauce.
- Paper towel – A must for cleanup!
- Aluminum foil – Used to wrap and transport the ribs.
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
How to Grill Short Ribs
Ingredients
- Beef short ribs (about 1 lb), raw and defrosted – A rich, meaty cut that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when grilled properly.
- Marinade of choice* – Infuses the ribs with deep flavor and helps tenderize the meat before grilling.
- Barbecue sauce of choice** – Adds that classic sweet, smoky finish and sticky glaze we all love on grilled ribs.
*We love to use this homemade rib marinade recipe — it makes the most amazing ribs! You’ll need soy sauce, white wine vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper.
**This is the best homemade BBQ sauce recipe to use!
Instructions
1. Place ribs in a casserole dish and cover with marinade.
2. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but I recommend leaving them overnight for best results.
3. Preheat the grill to 400 degrees F.
4. Drain the marinade from the ribs.
5. Transfer ribs onto the grill grate, leaving room for heat circulation, and baste with barbecue sauce (optional).
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, for a total cook time of 6-8 minutes.
Rib Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Ensure your meat is thoroughly cooked with the use of a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the ribs should reach 190 degrees F.
- Cover leftover ribs in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to store in the fridge for a few days.
- Try our smoked ribs on a Traeger pellet grill and coat the ribs with our favorite dry rub.
- Using a sharp knife is very important when working in the kitchen. Not only is a blunt knife more difficult to use, but it can also be more dangerous.
- Though we love using our Traeger to make these short ribs, they can also be made using a gas grill, charcoal grill, in the oven, or in a slow cooker.
- The key to really tender meat is cooking it low and slow. The long cook time allows the connective tissue in tough cuts of meat to break down. Marinating your meat also helps this process along.
- This recipe can be made with pork ribs, spare ribs, and flanken-style ribs too. Whatever cut of meat you are using, be sure the internal temperature reaches the recommended temperature for food safety.
We are always playing around with ingredients and recipes! Here are a few of the things that I like to have on hand for experimenting on the grill.
Substitute Ingredients
- Beef stock
- Tomato paste
- Hot sauce
- Red wine vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Olive oil
- Liquid smoke
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt
Create a complete meal for the family with a few of these delicious side dishes!
What to Serve With Grilled Ribs
- Mashed potatoes
- Potato salad
- White, brown, or cauliflower rice
- Ramen noodles
- Grilled or roasted root vegetables
- Steamed broccoli or carrots
- Green salad
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you grill beef short ribs?
Beef short ribs cook quickly over high heat — typically about 3–4 minutes per side. For ultra-tender results, many experts recommend cooking low and slow first, then finishing on high heat.
What temperature should beef short ribs be cooked to?
For fall-off-the-bone tenderness, aim for an internal temperature of around 190–205°F. This allows the connective tissue to fully break down.
Should you marinate short ribs before grilling?
Yes! Marinating for at least 4 hours (or overnight) helps tenderize the meat and adds incredible flavor, especially for quick grilling methods.
Can you grill short ribs without a smoker?
Absolutely. A gas or charcoal grill works perfectly — just control the heat and avoid flare-ups for the best results.
Why are my beef short ribs tough?
Tough ribs usually mean they weren’t cooked long enough. Short ribs need time (or proper marinating) to break down connective tissue and become tender.
This grilling method for making ribs is so quick and easy! You are going to love the results.
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How to Grill Short Ribs
Ingredients
- 12 short ribs about 1 lb, raw and defrosted
- 2 cups marinade of choice*
- ½ cup barbecue sauce of choice**
Instructions
- Place ribs in a casserole dish and cover with marinade.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but I recommend leaving them overnight for best results.
- Preheat the grill to 400 degrees F.
- Drain the marinade from the ribs.
- Transfer ribs onto the grill grate, leaving room for heat circulation, and baste with barbecue sauce (optional).
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, for a total cook time of 6-8 minutes.
Notes
- *We love to use this homemade rib marinade recipe — it makes the most amazing ribs! You’ll need soy sauce, white wine vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- **This is the best homemade BBQ sauce recipe to use!
- Ensure your meat is thoroughly cooked with the use of a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the ribs should reach 190 degrees F.
- Cover leftover ribs in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to store in the fridge for a few days.
- Try our smoked ribs on a Traeger pellet grill and coat the ribs with our favorite dry rub.
- Using a sharp knife is very important when working in the kitchen. Not only is a blunt knife more difficult to use, but it can also be more dangerous.
- Though we love using our Traeger to make these short ribs, they can also be made using a gas grill, charcoal grill, in the oven, or in a slow cooker.
- The key to really tender meat is cooking it low and slow. The long cook time allows the connective tissue in tough cuts of meat to break down. Marinating your meat also helps this process along.
- This recipe can be made with pork ribs, spare ribs, and flanken-style ribs too. Whatever cut of meat you are using, be sure the internal temperature reaches the recommended temperature for food safety.
Nutrition
Hello! Your homemade rib marinade recipe links to a dry rub recipe. What is the marinade recipe? Thanks!
Fixed! Thanks for catching that!