Mouthwatering Oven-Smoked Beef Dino Ribs Recipe

The Delicious Flavor of Beef Dino Ribs

Beef dino ribs, also known as beef back ribs or beef brisket ribs, come from the upper rib section near the spine of the cow. These meaty ribs are called "dino ribs" because they are so big and look like dinosaur bones. When cooked right, dino ribs have a rich beefy flavor and succulent meat that falls right off the bone.

Where to Buy Beef Dino Ribs

If you want to cook up some beefy dino ribs at home, the first step is finding out where to buy them. Here are some of the best places to purchase quality beef back ribs:

• Butcher shops or meat markets - Many local butchers and meat shops will stock or can specially order beef back ribs for you.
• Costco or Sam's Club - Bulk shopping stores often sell packs of beef dino ribs at reasonable prices.
• Online meat delivery services - Several delivery services like Rastelli's, Porter Road, and Snake River Farms ship high-quality beef ribs nationwide.
• Direct from ranches or farms - Some cattle ranches sell portions of steers directly to consumers including flavorful beef ribs.

Choosing the Best Dino Ribs

When browsing beef ribs for purchase, keep an eye out for a few things to ensure you pick quality pieces of meat:

• Marbling - Good marbling means extra flavor and moisture. Look for white streaks of fat throughout the red meat.
• Meat color - The ribs should have a bright red color indicative of freshness.
• Expiration date - Only buy beef within the proper sell-by timeframe for safety.
• Size - For the best, meatiest cuts choose racks of ribs approximately 4 pounds or more in size.

How to Cook Tasty Beef Dino Ribs

Once you have gorgeous beef dino rib racks ready for cooking, here is a simple process to make them mouthwateringly delicious at home:

Ingredients

• Beef back ribs or dino ribs (1 rack)
• BBQ rub
• BBQ sauce
• Wood chips or chunks (for smoking)

Directions

1. Prepare the ribs by removing the thin membrane from the back of the rack.
2. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with a flavorful dry rub.
3. Allow ribs to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes post-rub to absorb flavors.
4. Set up barbecue grill or smoker for low, indirect cooking at 225-250°F using chosen wood for extra smoke.
5. Place ribs meaty-side up on the cool side of the grill if using offset heat.
6. Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the ribs, being careful not to touch the bone.
7. Smoke the beef ribs for approximately 5-6 hours until internal temp reaches 195-205°F.
8. During the last 30 minutes, brush ribs with BBQ sauce to coat.
9. Remove ribs from smoker once fully cooked and probe tender. Cover with foil and let rest 15-30 minutes.
10. Cut ribs apart and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips

Here are some helpful pointers for cooking flawless beef dino ribs at home:

• Use a water pan in the smoker for extra moisture.
• Spritz ribs occasionally with apple juice or broth to prevent drying.
• Add sauce too early or the sugars can burn.
• If grill cooking instead of smoking, use indirect heat and close lid.
• Check tenderness early and often until meat pulls back from the bone.

Different Methods to Cook Beef Ribs

While smoking and barbecuing are likely the most popular preparation methods, dino beef ribs can be cooked several delicious ways. Get creative with various styles!

Smoking

Smoking ribs using woods like hickory, oak, apple, or cherry over low indirect heat is hands-down the best way to highlight the rich meaty flavor and make them tender. Maintain your smoker temp at a consistent 225-275°F and let the smoke work its magic!

Grilling

You can absolutely throw beef ribs directly on a hot grill, but be mindful of temperature control. Sear them first over high direct heat to get color on the outside. Then move them to indirect low heat on the grill around 250-300°F to cook through until tender.

Baking

For oven baking, first coat ribs in your favorite rub and brown them for 10 minutes in a hot skillet to develop a nice crust. Place ribs meat-side down on a rack over a baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 300-325°F for approximately 3-4 hours until deliciously tender.

Braising

Braise beef dino ribs low and slow in flavorful liquid like beef broth, wine, or barbecue sauce. Brown them first in a pan, then let them simmer in the liquid in a 300°F oven or on the stovetop for 2-3 hours until fall-off-the-bone tender.

Instant Pot

Yes, you can even cook beef back ribs in the trendy Instant Pot! Add 1 cup broth, rub the ribs, and pressure cook on high for 1 hour. Then let the pressure release naturally for juicy ribs in a fraction of regular cook time.

Serving Ideas for Beef Dinosaur Ribs

These big, beefy ribs pair nicely with all different types of flavors. Get creative with recipes and sauces!

Sides

First, what are you serving alongside these mouthwatering ribs? Classic barbecue pairings are always a safe bet:

• Baked beans
• Potato salad
• Cole slaw
• Cornbread
• Corn on the cob
• Mac and cheese

Sauces and Rubs

The sauce and dry rub combo is key to flavorful ribs. Sweet, spicy, herby - take your pick!

• Classic BBQ sauce
• Spicy buffalo style
• Korean BBQ marinade
• Coffee chili dry rub
• Kansas City rib rub
• Jamaican jerk style

Other Styles

Or skip the barbecue sauce and rub the ribs with unique ingredients. How about:

• Teriyaki ginger ribs
• Honey sriracha ribs
• Chimichurri dino ribs
• Tandoori masala ribs

Let your imagination run wild! The beefy flavor of dino ribs pairs well with almost any cuisine.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Beef Ribs

Like most meats, leftover barbecued beef ribs require proper storage. Follow these tips for enjoying the remaining ribs later.

Storage

• Let ribs cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Seal ribs in freezer bags if freezing for longer term.
• Use ribs within 4 days if refrigerating or up to 4 months in the freezer.
• Always thaw ribs properly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The oven or skillet work best for evenly reheating ribs without over-drying them out:

• Oven - Place foil-wrapped ribs in a 300°F oven about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Skillet - Quickly pan fry leftover ribs over medium heat in butter, sauce, or au jus to reheat.
• Microwave if in a pinch - Heat ribs wrapped in a damp paper towel to add moisture.

Don't forget to brush ribs with extra barbecue sauce or moisture before serving again.

FAQs

What exactly are beef dino ribs?

Beef dino ribs come from the upper rib section close to the spine of the cow. They are called "dino" ribs because they are usually very large, resembling dinosaur bones.

What is the best wood for smoking beef ribs?

Hickory and oak are classic wood choices for smoking beef. Apple, cherry, mesquite, and pecan woods also pair nicely with the hearty beef flavor.

How can you tell when beef ribs are done?

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Beef ribs are finished when the internal temp reaches 195-205°F. The meat should pull back from the bones and feel tender when pierced with a knife or skewer.

Can you cook beef back ribs in the oven?

Absolutely! Season the ribs and brown them first, then bake at 300-325°F for 3-4 hours until extremely tender and saucy.

How long do leftover beef ribs last?

Store cooked beef ribs for up to 4 days tightly wrapped in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze ribs in air-tight bags for 4 months. Thaw completely before reheating.