If you are craving a dish that combines smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, the Beef Short Rib Rub & Baked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe is going to become your next favorite. These ribs are coated in a perfectly balanced dry rub that enhances their natural beefy goodness and then baked low and slow in a tangy barbecue sauce until everything caramelizes into an irresistible, sticky glaze. This recipe is easy to master and delivers big bold flavors that feel like a warm hug at any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of small white round bowls and a rectangular white tray on a white marbled surface. The small bowls hold different ingredients: one with dark soy sauce, another with light brown sugar, one with thin red chili slices, a small bowl with black beans, another with bright red finely chopped chili, and two small bowls with powdered spices in orange and yellow colors. The white tray has six pieces of raw, marbled beef stacked neatly with deep red and white colors. The overall layout is clean and organized with a focus on the colorful ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Beef Short Rib Rub & Baked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe lies in a simple lineup of pantry staples that come together to create a flavor explosion. Each ingredient plays a vital role—whether it’s building the smoky sweetness, layering savory notes, or adding that perfect heat kick.

3 lb beef short ribs: Choose meaty ribs with a good fat-to-lean ratio to ensure rich juiciness.
2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the ribs beautifully.
1 tbsp smoked paprika: Brings a deep smoky flavor and vibrant color to the rub.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle earthy punch without overpowering.
1 tsp onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with a sweet and savory base note.
1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing every other flavor and tenderizing the meat.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity to the rub.
½ tsp cayenne (optional): For those who like a little spicy heat, this elevates the dish perfectly.
1 cup BBQ sauce: Tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky, this sauces the ribs in the final bake for that finger-licking finish.

How to Make Beef Short Rib Rub & Baked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature is key to breaking down the connective tissue in the ribs slowly and turning the meat tender and juicy, without drying it out.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Rub

Combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This dry rub is your flavor powerhouse, creating the base that coats the ribs and seeps into every bite.

Step 3: Season the Ribs

Pat your beef short ribs dry with paper towels to help the rub stick better. Then, generously coat the ribs with your dry rub, ensuring every surface is covered. This step locks in moisture and infuses layers of flavor.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Place the coated ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet. This lining makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Cover the ribs tightly with foil to trap heat and steam, which helps keep them moist throughout the slow cooking process.

Step 5: Slow Bake to Perfection

Bake the covered ribs for 2½ hours. This slow and low bake melts the fat and breaks down collagen, resulting in ribs that are super tender and full of flavor.

Step 6: Add BBQ Sauce and Caramelize

Remove the foil carefully, brush the ribs thoroughly with the BBQ sauce, and pop them back in the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes. This final step caramelizes the sauce, creating that signature sticky, flavorful crust that makes these ribs truly stand out.

How to Serve Beef Short Rib Rub & Baked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with seven pieces of dark brown, grilled meat with a shiny glaze, giving a slightly sticky and caramelized texture. The meat pieces are arranged closely together, each with some irregular shape and visible charred edges, sitting in a small amount of dark sauce pooled at the bottom of the dish. The white marbled surface beneath the dish contrasts with the rich, dark colors of the meat and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness balances richness beautifully, so consider garnishing your ribs with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dash of sliced green onions add texture and visual appeal that invite you to dig in.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables complement the robust flavors of these ribs perfectly. Cornbread or garlic bread also make wonderful additions to round out this hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, serve the ribs on a rustic wooden board accompanied by small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and pickles. You can also slice the ribs and pile them high on a toasted bun for a mouthwatering BBQ sandwich experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any ribs left over (which is always a good problem to have), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and delicious.

Freezing

These ribs freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the ribs with foil and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce helps maintain moisture and that glorious tender texture.

FAQs

Can I make the rub in advance?

Absolutely! Mixing the dry rub ahead of time saves prep steps, and storing it in an airtight container preserves its freshness and flavor for weeks.

Do I need to marinate the ribs overnight?

While it’s not required, marinating the ribs in the rub overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat even more, making the final dish extra delicious.

Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?

Yes! Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce—whether it’s tangy, sweet, spicy, or smoky—to suit your personal taste preferences.

Is it possible to cook the ribs on a grill instead?

Definitely! You can mimic the slow-bake method on a grill by setting up for indirect heat and cooking low and slow, finishing with a direct heat sear to caramelize the sauce.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are done when the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily. The low and slow cooking combined with the foil cover ensures perfect tenderness every time.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Short Rib Rub & Baked BBQ Short Ribs Recipe is a kitchen game changer for anyone who loves rich, smoky BBQ with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how simple ingredients and love come together to create something truly unforgettable.