By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026
Quick Answer
BBQ Beef Short Ribs at 110-135°C (225-275°F) for 6-8 hours at 110°C (225°F). Internal temp: N/A. Rest for 30-45 min.
Beef Short Ribs BBQ Cooking Times
Here is everything you need to know about cooking beef short ribs on the BBQ. We cover direct grilling, indirect heat, and smoking times with temperatures in Celsius (and Fahrenheit) so you get perfect results every time.
| Method | Temperature | Time |
| Indirect Heat | 110-135°C (225-275°F) | 3-4 hours at 135°C (275°F) |
| Smoking | 107-121°C (225-250°F) | 6-8 hours at 110°C (225°F) |
Thickness: Bone-in | Rest time: 30-45 min
Internal Temperature Guide
Use a calibrated digital meat thermometer for accuracy. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, away from bone or fat pockets, which can give false readings.
| Doneness | Internal Temperature |
| Well Done | 93-96°C (200-205°F) — probe tender |
Food Safety
Whole muscle cuts of beef are safe at 63°C (145°F) with a 3-minute rest, according to food safety authorities. Use a calibrated meat thermometer in the thickest part, away from bone.
Tips for Perfect Beef Short Ribs
Pro Tip
Also called "brisket on a stick". Look for thick, well-marbled ribs. Wrap at the stall for faster cooking.
Temperature accuracy matters more than timing. Factors like wind, ambient temperature, grill type, and meat thickness all affect cook times. Always verify doneness with a thermometer rather than relying solely on the clock. — AmazingRibs.com
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Under-cooking — they need to reach probe tender
- Not removing the membrane from the back of the ribs
How to BBQ Beef Short Ribs — Step by Step
- Prep: Bring the beef short ribs to room temperature 20-30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towel and season generously.
- Preheat: Get your BBQ to 110-135°C (225-275°F). Set up for indirect cooking with a drip pan.
- Cook: Place over indirect heat and cook for 3-4 hours at 135°C (275°F).
- Check temp: Use a digital thermometer. Target N/A in the thickest part.
- Rest: Remove from heat and rest for 30-45 min before cutting or serving. The internal temperature will rise 2-3°C during rest.
Compare: Other Beef Cuts
See how beef short ribs compares to other popular beef cuts on the BBQ:
Scotch Fillet
4-5 min/side
230-260°C (450-500°F)
Porterhouse (AU)
4-5 min/side
230-260°C (450-500°F)
T-Bone Steak
5-6 min/side
230-260°C (450-500°F)
View all cooking times →
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you BBQ beef short ribs?
Cook beef short ribs for 6-8 hours at 110°C (225°F) at 110-135°C (225-275°F). Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches N/A.
These times assume Bone-in thickness at room temperature. Colder meat straight from the fridge can add 25-50% more time. Wind, lid position, and fuel type also affect total cook time significantly.
Source: AmazingRibs.com — The Science of BBQ
What temperature should beef short ribs be when cooked?
The safe internal temperature for beef short ribs is N/A. Use a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, away from any bone.
Whole muscle cuts are safe at lower temperatures than minced products because bacteria only exists on the exterior surface, which is killed by searing.
Source: Food Standards Australia New Zealand
How long should beef short ribs rest after BBQ?
Rest beef short ribs for 30-45 min after removing from the BBQ. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavourful result. The internal temperature will continue to rise 2-3°C during this time.
Resting works because heat drives moisture towards the centre of the meat during cooking. As the meat cools slightly during rest, the muscle fibres relax and reabsorb that moisture evenly. Cutting too early means those juices pour onto your board instead of staying in the meat.
Source: Serious Eats — The Food Lab
Should I cook beef short ribs on high or low heat?
Cook beef short ribs low and slow at 110-135°C (225-275°F) for tender, pull-apart results.
Low and slow cooking (below 135°C/275°F) allows collagen in tough connective tissue to gradually convert to gelatin, which is what makes the meat tender and pull-apart soft. Rushing this process produces tough, chewy results.
Source: Meat & Livestock Australia
Related BBQ Guides
Sources & References
3
Guga Foods (YouTube)
Premium beef experiments — dry ageing, wagyu, and creative steak techniques.
Video
4
Serious Eats
Kenji Lopez-Alt's food science approach to grilling the perfect steak.
Reference