how long to bbq beef ribs

How Long Should You Barbecue Beef Ribs For Perfectly Tender Results?

Beef ribs are a quintessential BBQ food that can easily be the star of any cookout when done right. Getting beef ribs to reach the peak of tenderness while still maintaining moisture and flavor can require some finesse though. One of the most common questions backyard grill masters have is just how long it takes to achieve competition-worthy beef ribs off the grill. Let’s break down the ideal timing so your next beef ribs are a guaranteed hit.

Choosing Your Beef Ribs

You can’t perfectly time how long beef ribs need to cook without first selecting the right cut of ribs The most popular options for BBQ are beef back ribs and beef short ribs Back ribs are cut from the rib section and contain less fat and more meat than short ribs, Short ribs come from the plate section and contain more collagen and fat marbling, Short ribs are ideal if you want fall-off-the-bone tenderness, Back ribs will have a slightly firmer texture, Choose based on your texture preference,

Seasoning and Prep Work

Once you select your preferred rib cut, the next step is seasoning and prep. Prepare your BBQ rub, making sure to include salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other desired spices. Generously coat the ribs in the rub, pressing to adhere. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours. The rub will penetrate and tenderize while marinating. You can also spritz with apple juice or cider periodically during cooking to boost moisture.

Setting Up Your Grill

To properly BBQ beef ribs, you need indirect heat. With a charcoal grill, bank coals to one side With gas, turn off the heat on one side Place a drip pan with water below the ribs. The water helps regulate temperature and prevent drying out. Aim to grill around 250-275°F, adjusting vents as needed. Use an instant read thermometer to check.

Cook Time Basics

So what is the ideal cook time for beef ribs at 250°F? In general, plan on 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours depending on thickness. Place rib racks bone side down on the cooler side of the grill, flipping and rotating every 30 minutes. Time can vary based on your specific grill, so rely on temperature rather than just timing.

Doneness Cues

Ribs are ready when you can slide a fork in and out easily or twist a bone without resistance. Meat should shred, not seem raw. Use tongs to test doneness rather than cutting the ribs, which can lead to dryness.

An instant read thermometer should read 195-205°F when inserted into the thickest section. At this temp, collagen melts and the meat is fall-apart tender.

Adding Sauce

During the last 10-15 minutes of grilling, brush sauce on to lightly glaze. Take care not to burn the sugars. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting for juicy results.

Tips for Moisture

Slow cooking rib racks over several hours can lead to drying out. Use these tips to keep your barbecue beef ribs juicy:

• Spritz with apple juice while cooking
• Wrap in foil for a portion of time to steam
• Include a water pan
• Don’t repeatedly open the grill
• Let rest before cutting to redistribute juices

Signs of Overcooking

It can be tempting to grill ribs beyond the recommended time, but overcooking leads to a tough, chewy texture. Look for these signs you’ve gone too long:

• Meat pulling away from the bones
• Blackened areas
• Hard, dry sections of meat
• White fat versus translucent when properly cooked

Let Your Grill Be Your Guide

While general barbecue beef rib cook times can range from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, rib doneness ultimately comes down to temperature rather than timed to the minute. Rely on an instant read thermometer and doneness cues like clean bone twisting to determine when ribs are ready versus cooking by time alone. Your patience will be rewarded with juicy, tender ribs worth bragging about.