BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Tangy Sauce

BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Tangy Sauce are the ultimate comfort-food indulgence, combining fall-off-the-bone tender beef with a bold, smoky-sweet barbecue glaze. Short ribs are naturally rich and flavorful, and when slow-cooked and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce, they become irresistibly juicy and deeply satisfying. This recipe brings together classic barbecue flavors—smoky, sweet, savory, and slightly acidic—creating a perfectly balanced dish that feels both rustic and special.

I love this recipe because it transforms a tough cut of meat into something incredibly tender and luxurious. The tangy sauce cuts through the richness of the beef, making every bite memorable. Whether for a weekend family dinner, a backyard-style feast, or a cozy gathering, these BBQ short ribs are always a crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers bold barbecue flavor with minimal fuss. The slow cooking process does all the hard work, allowing the meat to soak up the tangy sauce and become meltingly tender. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect when you want a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because BBQ beef short ribs are one of the most flavorful ways to enjoy beef. The combination of rich meat and tangy sauce creates depth and balance that’s hard to beat. If you enjoy barbecue or slow-cooked comfort food, this recipe is an absolute essential.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 650 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American BBQ

Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef short ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tangy BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Cooking Directions

The short ribs are seasoned, slow-roasted until tender, and basted with a homemade tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 2: Season the Ribs
Pat short ribs dry and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.

Step 3: Sear the Ribs
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne if using.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cook
Pour the sauce over the ribs, turning them to coat evenly. Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid and transfer to the oven.

Step 6: Slow Cook
Bake for 2½ to 3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and pulling away from the bone.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish
Uncover the ribs and brush with additional sauce. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes.

Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve BBQ Beef Short Ribs hot with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. Drizzle extra tangy sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Sear ribs well for deeper flavor
• Cook low and slow for the most tender meat
• Cover tightly to retain moisture
• Let ribs rest before serving for juicier results
• Use a meat thermometer if unsure; ribs are done around 200°F (93°C) internal temperature

Variations

Slow Cooker BBQ Short Ribs
Cook ribs on low for 7–8 hours, then broil briefly to caramelize the sauce.

Spicy BBQ Short Ribs
Add hot sauce or extra cayenne to the BBQ sauce.

Honey BBQ Ribs
Replace brown sugar with honey for a sweeter glaze.

Smoky BBQ Ribs
Add liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika for deeper smokiness.

Asian-Inspired Short Ribs
Add soy sauce, ginger, and hoisin sauce for an Asian-style twist.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze cooked ribs with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe pan or Dutch oven
• Aluminum foil or tight-fitting lid
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula

Conclusion

BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Tangy Sauce are a rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful dish that showcases the magic of slow cooking. With tender, juicy beef and a perfectly balanced tangy barbecue glaze, this recipe is ideal for cozy dinners, special occasions, or anytime you crave bold barbecue flavor. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, these short ribs are truly a must-try for meat lovers.

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BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Tangy Sauce

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 180 mins Total Time 3 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 650 calories per serving

Description

BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Tangy Sauce are the ultimate comfort-food indulgence, combining fall-off-the-bone tender beef with a bold, smoky-sweet barbecue glaze. Short ribs are naturally rich and flavorful, and when slow-cooked and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce, they become irresistibly juicy and deeply satisfying. This recipe brings together classic barbecue flavors—smoky, sweet, savory, and slightly acidic—creating a perfectly balanced dish that feels both rustic and special.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 3 lbs beef short ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tangy BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the Ribs : Pat short ribs dry and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
3. Sear the Ribs : Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Prepare the Sauce : In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne if using.
5. Add Sauce and Cook : Pour the sauce over the ribs, turning them to coat evenly. Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid and transfer to the oven.
6. Slow Cook : Bake for 2½ to 3 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and pulling away from the bone.
7. Glaze and Finish : Uncover the ribs and brush with additional sauce. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes.
8. Rest and Serve : Remove from oven and let ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Keywords: BBQ Beef Short Ribs with Tangy Sauce