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Traeger Beef Ribs

Are you looking for a mouthwatering rib recipe to treat your family and friends? Look no further than this amazing Traeger Beef Ribs recipe! This delicious dish is sure to please even the toughest critics and will have everyone coming back for seconds. 

This delicious and easy-to-follow recipe will give you succulent beef ribs that are cooked to perfection and infused with smoky, wood-fired flavor. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or an aspiring grill master, this Traeger beef rib recipe is guaranteed to please.

Traeger beef ribs

How to make smoked beef ribs on a Traeger grill

  • Preheat Traeger smoker to 250°F and add your favorite wood.
  • While preheating, combine rub seasoning and generously coat the ribs with the rub mixture.
  • Place the ribs in the smoker with the fat side up. Smoke the ribs for about 8-10 hours depending on the size of the ribs. 
  • Beef ribs should come out with a dark brown crust and amazingly tender on the inside.

Beef back ribs vs short ribs. What is the difference?

Beef back ribs are cut from the cow’s rib cage, right behind the shoulder blade. They are long with a thin layer of fat and meat, and have a lot of bone. The meat is very tender and flavorful, making them a great choice for barbecuing.

Short ribs, on the other hand, are cut from the brisket and are thicker and shorter than beef back ribs. These ribs have more fat and connective tissue, making them tougher than beef back ribs. The added fat makes them more flavorful and great for braising.

Ultimately, the choice between beef back ribs or short ribs comes down to personal preference. Both are delicious options with different textures and flavors. 

Rubs to use

From traditional southern-style rubs to unique and flavorful combinations, there are plenty of rubs you can use when smoking beef ribs. To get started, try a classic combination of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For a sweeter taste, you can add some brown sugar or honey.

If you want to experiment with international flavors, use a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and cilantro for a Mexican-style rub. If you’re looking for something spicy, consider adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

You can also combine classic BBQ flavors such as mustard powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika for a delicious and smoky flavor. With the right rub, you can create amazing beef ribs with amazing flavor and for this recipe we will be using a simple rub but will turn out amazing!

beef ribs on Traeger

What type of wood to use

You can use any type of hardwood, such as oak, hickory, or mesquite, but each one has different flavor profiles. Oak is the most popular wood for smoking beef ribs because it produces a mild flavor that won’t overpower the natural flavor of the beef.

Hickory is a good choice if you’re looking for a stronger, smokier flavor. Mesquite is a great option if you prefer a sweeter, more intense smoky flavor.

How long does it take to smoke beef ribs

Generally, for a rack of beef ribs, you should plan for at least 8 hours in the smoker. To ensure the ribs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For the best results, you want to aim for an internal temperature of 200°F.

Additionally, it is important to remember that the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and size of the ribs. For thicker ribs, you may need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time. 

What to side dish to serve

When it comes to serving smoked beef ribs, the options are truly endless. To pair with your smoked beef ribs, you can consider a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, cornbread, coleslaw, creamed spinach, baked beans, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh garden salad.

Additionally, although not necessary, you could top off your smoked beef ribs with an accompanying sauce like BBQ, honey garlic, or teriyaki. When it comes to making the perfect plate of smoked beef ribs, the key is to choose accompaniments that will balance out the flavors and textures of the meat. 

Traeger beef ribs recipe

What to do with leftover

When you’ve cooked too much, what should you do with the leftover ribs? Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to repurpose them! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Make a delicious barbecue sandwich by adding your favorite sauce and some coleslaw to the ribs and piling them onto a bun. Or try chopping up the ribs and adding them to a salad for a smoky twist. You can also make rib tacos by adding a spicy rub, grilling them until they’re crispy, and serving them in soft tortillas with all your favorite toppings.

Finally, you can even turn the ribs into a stew or chili by combining them with beans, tomatoes, and your favorite spices. With all these ideas, you’ll never be stuck with leftover smoked beef ribs again.

Traeger Beef Ribs

This delicious Traeger beef rib recipe is sure to make your taste buds sing! Follow our simple instructions for a perfectly smoked, tender, and juicy rib feast.

Course Main Course
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours

Ingredients

  • 1 rack Beef Ribs
  • 4 tbsp Coarse Salt
  • 3 tbsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine coarse salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  2. Generously seasoned the beef ribs on all sides.

  3. Preheat smoker to 250°F and add your favorite wood chips.

  4. Place ribs in the smoker with the fat side up and let it cook for 8-10 hours depending on the size of the ribs. The ribs are done when internal temperature reaches 200°F.

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