How to Prepare Short Ribs on the Grill: A Flavorful Guide for Tender Results

How to prepare short ribs on the grill: grilled short ribs plated with roasted vegetables and fresh parsley.

Introduction

Why Grilled Short Ribs Are the Ultimate BBQ Dish

Few dishes capture the essence of a summer barbecue better than grilled short ribs. If you’ve been wondering how to prepare short ribs on the grill for a smoky, tender, and flavorful meal, this guide has you covered. Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal, or smoker, short ribs absorb the smoky goodness of an open flame like no other cut.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn everything from selecting the right cut to mastering marinades and grilling techniques to create perfect short ribs every time.

About Short Ribs

What Are Short Ribs?

Short ribs are a flavorful cut of beef taken from the lower part of the cow’s ribcage. Unlike traditional ribs, short ribs are meatier and have a richer marbling, making them ideal for grilling. If you’re exploring how to prepare short ribs on the grill, it’s important to choose the right style:

  1. English-Cut: Large, thick pieces of meat attached to a short section of rib bone. This cut is great for slow cooking, smoking, or grilling over indirect heat.
  2. Flanken-Cut: Thin strips of meat with small pieces of bone running through the center, commonly used in Korean BBQ recipes. These cook faster and caramelize beautifully, making them a great choice for direct grilling.

Short ribs are prized for their robust beefy flavor and versatility. Whether you’re grilling, braising, or slow-cooking, this cut delivers exceptional results. For those learning how to prepare short ribs on the grill, both English-cut and flanken-cut ribs can work wonderfully, depending on your cooking method and preference.

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