Close-up shot of delicious coffee-rubbed BBQ beef short ribs on a wooden board

Barbecue

coffee rub bbq beef short ribs

By Bartholomew

Published: 27 Feb 2025

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Let's be honest, sometimes you just crave something incredibly rich, decadent, and satisfying. Enter: these coffee-rubbed BBQ beef short ribs. I stumbled upon this recipe years ago at a barbecue competition – I never looked back! It's become a staple for family gatherings and weekend cookouts. What makes them unique? It's the unexpected depth of flavor, where the smooth notes of coffee perfectly complement the smoky BBQ sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
A person enjoying a plate of coffee-rubbed BBQ beef short ribs
These aren't your grandma's short ribs (sorry, Grandma!). We're talking fall-off-the-bone tender, intensely flavored, and wonderfully juicy meat. The coffee rub adds a subtle hint of bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. The preparation is surprisingly straightforward, even for a beginner. It's the perfect dish to impress your guests, or simply treat yourself to a delicious meal after a tough week. So, grab your aprons, people; let's get cooking!
Close-up of the coffee rub ingredients

Required Equipments

  • Large Oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Small saucepan
  • Spatula

Coffee-Rub-BBQ-Beef-Short-Ribs

Experience the unexpected deliciousness of coffee-rubbed BBQ beef short ribs! This recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tender meat with a unique blend of coffee, smoky BBQ, and savory spices.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 180 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, we need to make the coffee rub. In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup of freshly ground coffee beans, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.
  2. Next, pat your beef short ribs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for a good sear. Don't skip it!
  3. Now, generously rub the coffee mixture all over the short ribs, ensuring every surface is well-coated. Mmm, that aroma!
  4. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Meanwhile, heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  5. Once hot, carefully add the short ribs to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it. Sear the ribs for about 3-4 minutes per side, until a nice brown crust forms.
  6. After searing, add about 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce to the skillet. I like a smoky one, but feel free to use your personal preference.
  7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  8. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and let the short ribs braise in the oven for approximately 3-3.5 hours. You want them fork tender, folks!
  9. Check the internal temperature of the short ribs with a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 195-200°F (90-93°C). If they aren't quite there yet, continue braising for another 30 minutes, checking regularly.
  10. Once the short ribs are cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
  11. Carefully remove the short ribs from the skillet and slice them against the grain. This makes them incredibly tender and easy to chew!
  12. Serve them immediately, drizzled with extra BBQ sauce. You can pair it with some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Whatever sounds yummy to you!

📝 Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, use a wood-smoked BBQ sauce.
  • Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Don't be afraid to experiment!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 600kcal

Protein: 40g

Fat: 40g

Carbohydrates: 40g

Fiber: 5g

Calcium: 80mg

Frequently Asked Questions

"The best things in life are unexpected. Just like the amazing flavor of coffee-rubbed BBQ short ribs!"

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