Get ready to satisfy your taste buds and impress your friends and family with a mouthwatering grilled beef short ribs recipe that is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue. These tender and juicy ribs are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky and succulent dish that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to deliver delicious results. So fire up the grill and get ready to indulge in a delectable feast of grilled beef short ribs.
Ingredients
Beef short ribs
To make mouthwatering grilled beef short ribs, you will need high-quality beef short ribs. Look for ribs with a good amount of marbling, as this will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
Marinade ingredients
For the marinade, you will need the following:
- Soy sauce: Provides a savory and salty flavor to the ribs.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste to the marinade.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic: Gives a delicious aroma and enhances the overall taste.
- Onion: Adds a subtle hint of sweetness and depth to the marinade.
- Black pepper: Provides a mild heat and enhances the flavors of the meat.
- Sesame oil: Adds a distinctive nutty flavor to the marinade.
Additional ingredients
To garnish and serve with the grilled beef short ribs, you can use the following:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Lemon wedges: Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the meat adds a bright, tangy flavor.
- Various dipping sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or chimichurri sauce to add extra flavor and depth to each bite.
Preparation
Preparing the marinade
- In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup minced onion, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
- Stir the ingredients until the brown sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well combined.
Marinating the beef short ribs
- Place the beef short ribs in a shallow dish or resealable bag.
- Pour the marinade over the ribs, making sure they are well coated.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Preparing the grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- If using a charcoal grill, ensure that the coals are evenly distributed and glowing red before placing the ribs on the grill.
- If using a gas grill, preheat it for about 10-15 minutes with the lid closed to ensure even heat distribution.
Grilling
Grilling the beef short ribs
- Remove the beef short ribs from the marinade, shaking off any excess.
- Place the ribs on the preheated grill, bone side down.
- Close the lid and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until a nice sear develops.
- Make sure to rotate the ribs occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Basting the ribs
- While grilling, brush the ribs with some of the marinade or a desired glaze to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Baste the ribs every few minutes, making sure to turn them over each time to coat both sides evenly.
Achieving the desired doneness
- Grill the beef short ribs for about 10-15 minutes in total, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- For medium-rare ribs, aim for an internal temperature of around 145°F (63°C).
- For medium to medium-well ribs, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or above.
Serving
Resting the beef short ribs
- Once the beef short ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes.
- This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful final dish.
Slicing and plating
- After resting, carefully slice the beef short ribs, taking care to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Arrange the sliced ribs on a platter or individual plates, ready to be served.
Garnishing and sides
- Sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro over the sliced ribs to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the grilled beef short ribs with lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the meat if desired.
- Accompany the ribs with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavors. Barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, chimichurri sauce, or even a simple homemade aioli can all complement the smoky and savory taste of the ribs.
- Consider serving the grilled beef short ribs alongside grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations
Choosing the right cut of beef
- Opt for beef short ribs with a good amount of marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Marinating overnight for enhanced flavor
- If time allows, marinate the beef short ribs overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Adding a smoky flavor with wood chips
- Soak wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, then place them in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil. Poke holes in the foil to allow the smoke to escape. Place the smoke packet directly on the grill to add a delicious smoky flavor to the ribs.
Experimenting with different marinade flavors
- While the provided marinade is delicious, feel free to experiment with other flavor combinations. Try adding ingredients like ginger, orange zest, or chili flakes to customize the marinade to your preference.
Serving with a variety of dipping sauces
- Offer an array of dipping sauces to provide different flavor profiles. From tangy barbecue sauce to zesty chimichurri, let your guests customize their rib experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-marinating the beef
- While marinating the beef is important for flavor, avoid marinating the ribs for too long, as this can result in a mushy texture.
Not preheating the grill
- Make sure to preheat your grill before adding the beef short ribs. This helps to ensure even cooking and those desirable grill marks.
Grilling at too high or low temperatures
- Cooking the ribs at too high of a temperature can result in charring, while cooking at too low of a temperature can lead to tough and dry meat. Aim for medium-high heat for the perfect balance.
Not resting the meat before slicing
- Resting the beef short ribs after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful final dish. Avoid cutting into the meat immediately to preserve its tenderness.
Skipping the basting step
- Basting the ribs throughout the grilling process helps to keep them moist and adds layers of flavor. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
FAQs
How long does it take to grill beef short ribs?
- The grilling time for beef short ribs can vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and the desired level of doneness. On average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to grill beef short ribs to medium-rare or medium-well.
Can I use boneless beef short ribs?
- Yes, boneless beef short ribs can be used for this recipe. However, keep in mind that bone-in ribs tend to have more flavor and tenderness.
Can I use a gas grill instead of charcoal?
- Absolutely! A gas grill works just as well for grilling beef short ribs. Make sure to preheat the grill and adjust the heat accordingly based on the recipe instructions.
What can I serve with grilled beef short ribs?
- Grilled beef short ribs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative and choose sides that complement your meal.
Conclusion
Grilled beef short ribs are a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions. By following this recipe and taking into account the tips and variations provided, you can elevate your grilling game and impress your family and friends with tender, juicy, and mouthwatering beef short ribs. Remember to choose high-quality beef short ribs, prepare a flavorful marinade, and properly grill the ribs to achieve your desired level of doneness. Serve with various garnishes, dipping sauces, and sides to create a memorable and satisfying dining experience. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and savor the incredible taste of grilled beef short ribs!