West Country PGI Grass Fed Beef Shortribs

Smoking grass-fed short ribs can lead to a delicious and tender meal with a rich, smoky flavor. Here’s a general guide to help you smoke your grass-fed short ribs to perfection:

Ingredients:

• Grass-fed short ribs
• Your choice of dry rub (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, etc.)
• Wood chips or chunks (hickory, oak, or mesquite are great choices)

Equipment:

• Smoker
• Meat thermometer

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the short ribs from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before smoking to let them come to room temperature. This helps with even cooking.
2. Apply the Dry Rub: Coat the ribs evenly on all sides with your choice of dry rub. For best results, do this a few hours ahead of time or even overnight to let the flavors penetrate the meat.

Smoking:

1. Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This is the ideal temperature for slow smoking, which will ensure the ribs are tender and flavorful.
2. Add Wood Chips: Add your choice of wood chips to the smoker. Soaking them in water for about 30 minutes before smoking can help produce more smoke and prevent them from burning too quickly.
3. Smoke the Ribs: Place the ribs in the smoker, meat side up. Close the lid and let them smoke, maintaining a steady temperature of 225°F. Avoid opening the smoker frequently to check on the ribs, as this can cause significant heat loss.
4. Check for Doneness: Grass-fed short ribs typically take between 6 to 8 hours to smoke properly, but the exact time can vary depending on their size and thickness. The key to perfect short ribs is their internal temperature, which should reach about 203°F (95°C) for the collagen and fats to properly break down, making the meat tender and juicy.
5. Rest the Ribs: Once the ribs reach the desired internal temperature, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and tender.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your smoked grass-fed short ribs with sides of your choice, such as coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
• Consider serving the ribs with a BBQ sauce on the side, but given the rich flavor of grass-fed beef, you might find that they’re delicious on their own.

Remember, the key to great smoked short ribs is patience and maintaining a consistent temperature in your smoker. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!