
What Are Beef Back Ribs?
In my post about Smoked Beef Chuck Ribs, I broke down the differences between Beef Back Ribs, Beef Chuck Ribs, and Beef Plate Ribs. In a perfect world, I’d eat Beef Plate Ribs every day. I’d also be wealthy enough to purchase beef plate ribs every day…By the way, another reason I like beef ribs, and any type of rib for that matter, is because they are great for a tailgate party. I’m super competitive, and love playing tailgating games! Some of my favorite tailgating games are cornhole, and ladder toss. When I was younger I might have included beer pong in this list, but I’m a “responsible” adult now.One of the reasons that I really like beef back ribs is the price! Beef Back Ribs don’t typically have a lot of meat on them, and you can get them for a steal at the grocery store.
How to Prepare Beef Back Ribs
Preparing this smoked beef back ribs recipe is really easy.
Applying the Rub to Beef Back Ribs
Once you’ve applied the binding agent generously apply your rub. Be sure to get the rub on both sides of the rack. Most of the meat on beef back ribs is between the bones. Make sure those parts of the rack are thoroughly covered by the rub.
How To Cook Beef Back Ribs on a Smoker
Cooking beef back ribs on a smoker is easy, as long as you have a good meat thermometer. There are two options I recommend; if you cook a lot of food, or you just want the best, the Thermapen MK4 is the way to go. If you just want a thermometer that does what it’s supposed to and is easy to use, the Thermopop is the one you need. I smoke beef back ribs at 225 degrees. It should take about 6 hours in total to cook the ribs, but checking the temp of the meat is crucial as you get close to the end of the cook.

Smoked Beef Back Ribs Recipe
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
6 hours
Additional Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
6 hours 40 minutes
Looking for the best beef back ribs recipe? Want to know how to cook beef back ribs? This recipe has you covered.
Ingredients
- 1 rack Beef Back Ribs, silver skin removed
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp coffee beans
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Add all of the dry ingredients to a coffee grinder and grind on the fine grind setting
- Mix the result with a spoon and set aside - this is your rub
- Remove the silver skin from the beef back ribs. If it's stubborn, use the back end of a knife and some paper towels to get started
- Rub the entire surface of the ribs with olive oil
- Generously apply the rub, being sure to get both the top and bottom side of the rack
- Place in smoker and smoke at 225 degrees
- The ribs can be pulled from the smoker when the internal temp of the meat in the thickest part is 200 degrees
- Let the meat rest wrapped in foil and in a cooler for 30 minutes and then enjoy!