How Long to Smoke Beef Short Ribs Per Pound?

Are you new to smoking beef short ribs and wondering how long it will take to smoke them to perfection? If so, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how long to smoke beef short ribs per pound, along with some tips and tricks to help you achieve mouthwatering results.

What Are Beef Short Ribs?

Before we dive into the smoking process, let’s first talk about what beef short ribs are. 

Beef short ribs come from the lower chest area of the cow and contain layers of meat and fat, which make them ideal for slow cooking methods such as smoking.

How Long to Smoke Beef Short Ribs per Pound?

The length of time it takes to smoke beef short ribs per pound depends on a few factors, such as the temperature of your smoker, the thickness of the meat, and your desired level of doneness. 

As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to smoke beef short ribs for approximately 5–6 hours per pound at a temperature of 225°F to 250°F.

However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and the actual time may vary depending on the factors mentioned above. 

We recommend using a meat thermometer to check the temperature inside the meat to make sure your beef short ribs are cooked just right.

Tips for Smoking Beef Short Ribs

1. Choose the right wood: The type of wood you use can affect the flavor of your beef short ribs. We recommend using oak, hickory, or mesquite wood for a bold, smoky flavor.
2. Season your beef short ribs: Before smoking your beef short ribs, be sure to season them with your favorite dry rub or marinade. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat.
3. Wrap your beef short ribs: After a few hours of smoking, you may want to wrap your beef short ribs in foil or butcher paper. This will help to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out.
4. Let them rest: After you have finished smoking your beef short ribs, be sure to let them rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meat.

How to Know When Your Beef Short Ribs Are Done

As we already said, the best way to make sure your beef short ribs are cooked just right is to use a meat thermometer. 

For medium-rare beef short ribs, the internal temperature should be between 130°F and 135°F, while medium beef short ribs should have an internal temperature of 140°F to 145°F.

Conclusion

Smoking beef short ribs can be a rewarding and delicious experience, but it does require a bit of patience and practice. 

By using the tips and guidelines in this article, you can make sure your beef short ribs are cooked to perfection and full of flavor.

Remember, the key to smoking beef short ribs is to take your time, monitor the temperature, and experiment with different seasonings and smoking woods until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. 

So fire up that smoker and get ready to impress your friends and family with mouthwatering beef short ribs that are sure to be a hit!