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Smoked Beef Chuck Riblets Recipe

Smoked Beef Chuck Riblets Recipe

This smoked beef chuck riblets recipe delivers tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone riblets packed with smoky flavor. Perfect for weekend BBQs, this easy 7-step guide walks you through the process from prep to plate. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pitmaster, these ribs will become a go-to favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Rest Time 15 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Smoker (offset, pellet, or electric)
  • Meat thermometer (digital preferred)
  • Charcoal or wood chips (oak, cherry, hickory)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spray bottle (optional)
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • For the Riblets:
  • 3 –4 lbs beef chuck riblets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for binding
  • Dry Rub Classic BBQ Style:
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Optional Spritz:
  • 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider vinegar in spray bottle
  • Optional Glaze Final Hour:
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey or molasses

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Riblets:Trim excess fat and silver skin from 3–4 lbs of beef chuck riblets. Pat dry and coat with olive oil. Mix your dry rub and apply generously to all sides. Let rest at room temp for 30 minutes.
    Smoked Beef Chuck Riblets Recipe
  • Preheat the Smoker:Set your smoker to 225°F using your choice of wood (oak, cherry, or hickory). Make sure it’s stable before adding meat.
    Smoked Beef Chuck Riblets Recipe
  • Smoke the Riblets:Place riblets bone-side down on the grates. Smoke uncovered for 3 hours, spritzing every hour with apple juice or vinegar to keep moist and build a nice bark.
    Smoked Beef Chuck Riblets Recipe
  • Wrap and Tenderize:Wrap riblets tightly in foil and continue smoking for another 2 hours, or until the internal temp hits 195°F for tenderness.
    Smoked Beef Chuck Riblets Recipe
  • Finish and Glaze (Optional):Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce and honey glaze, then smoke uncovered for another 30–60 minutes until internal temp reaches 200–205°F. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.
    Smoked Beef Chuck Riblets Recipe

Notes

For spicier flavor, add cayenne pepper to the rub.
Beef chuck riblets are different from pork — they benefit from longer cook times.
Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Rest riblets for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Leftovers reheat beautifully — wrap in foil and warm in a 250°F oven.
Smoked Beef Chuck Riblets Recipe
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