Sticky BBQ Slow-Roasted Beef Short Ribs

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 3.5 – 4 hours

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

The Ribs:

  • 1.5 kg (approx. 3.3 lbs) Bone-in beef short ribs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

The Dry Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

The BBQ Glaze:

  • 1 cup Your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Season the Ribs:

  • ​Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
  • ​Pat the ribs completely dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil.
  • ​Mix the “Dry Rub” ingredients in a small bowl. Generously coat all sides of the ribs with the rub, pressing it into the meat.

2. The Slow Roast:

  • ​Place the ribs in a deep baking pan or aluminum foil trays (like in the photo).
  • ​Cover the pan tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil. It must be airtight to trap the steam and make the meat tender.
  • ​Bake in the center of the oven for 3 to 3.5 hours. The ribs are ready when the meat is very tender and has started to pull away from the bone.

3. The Glazing (The “Sticky” Part):

  • ​Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F).
  • ​Carefully remove the foil (watch out for hot steam). Drain away any excess fat from the bottom of the tray.
  • ​In a bowl, whisk the “BBQ Glaze” ingredients together.
  • ​Use a brush to generously coat the top and sides of each rib with the sauce.

4. The Final Char:

  • ​Return the ribs to the oven, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes.
  • ​Every 5 minutes, brush on another layer of sauce. This creates that thick, dark, caramelized crust seen in your image.
  • ​For an extra charred look, you can turn on the broiler (grill) for the last 2 minutes, but watch them closely so they don’t burn!

5. Rest and Serve:

  • ​Let the ribs rest in the tray for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the glaze to set.

Pro Tips

  • The “Bark”: If you want a deeper flavor, sear the ribs in a hot pan with a little oil for 2 minutes per side before putting them in the oven.
  • Liquid Smoke: If you aren’t using a grill, add a drop of “liquid smoke” to your BBQ glaze for an authentic outdoor BBQ taste.
  • Serving: These are best served with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob.

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