Open Fire Beef Back Ribs: Back To Basics BBQ

4 hours ago

5 min read

There’s something special about cooking over an open fire. No fancy buttons, no complicated gadgets, just good old-fashioned fire, smoke and meat. If you're looking to get back to the basics of BBQ, beef back ribs are a great place to start with this open fire beef back ribs recipe

In this edition of Back to Basics BBQ, we're breaking down everything you need to know about cooking open fire beef back ribs. From choosing your ribs and preparing the meat to managing your fire and knowing when they're done, we're keeping things simple so you can spend less time worrying about the cook and more time enjoying the process. Because at the end of the day, BBQ doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to taste good!

WHAT ARE OPEN FIRE BEEF BACK RIBS?

Beef back ribs come from the upper portion of the cow, near the ribeye section. They're what remains after the ribeye steaks or prime rib roast have been removed.

Unlike beef short ribs, which are known for their thick layers of meat, beef back ribs have meat concentrated between and around the bones. While they may not have as much meat as short ribs, they make up for it with incredible beefy flavour. The bones also add plenty of character when cooking over an open fire, making them a fantastic option for traditional live-fire BBQ.

SETTING UP YOUR OPEN FIRE PIT

When it comes to open fire cooking, your fire is just as important as your food.

For this cook, you'll want a steady bed of hot coals rather than enormous flames. Flames might look impressive for social media, but they're not always your friend when cooking meat!

Start by building a fire using charcoal, an electric fire starter, and seasoned hardwood. Oak, maple or hickory are great choices for beef because they provide a nice smoky flavour. Allow the wood to burn down until you have a consistent bed of glowing coals. The goal: Medium heat with enough distance between the meat and the coals to prevent burning. Approximately 6 seconds hovering your hand over. This is a perfect set up for open fire beef back ribs.

WANT THIS GRILL?

YODER SMOKERS (US) CLICK HERE FOR THEIR WEBSITE

SMOKER BROKER (CDN) CLICK HERE FOR THEIR WEBSITE

PREPARE YOUR OPEN FIRE BEEF BACK RIBS

Before you get your fire going, let's get the ribs ready.

1. Remove OR Score your membrane

I prefer to keep my membrane on and score the back. If you prefer to remove it for this open fire beef back ribs. Flip the ribs over so the bone side is facing up. You'll notice a thin membrane covering the back of the bones. Slide a butter knife or your finer underneath the membrane, grab it with a paper towel and pull it off. Removing this membrane helps make the ribs easier to eat.

2. Trim any excess fat

Beef back ribs don't usually require much trimming. Remove any large pieces of excess fat or loose bits of meat, but don't go overboard. Bark does not form over fat. The more you can remove, the more bark will form.

3. Season generously

Keep things simple! A good BBQ rub with salt, pepper and garlic is all you need. Beef has plenty of natural flavour, so you don't need to bury it under a mountain of seasoning.

Let the ribs sit with the seasoning while you prepare your fire.

HOW TO COOK OPEN FIRE BEEF BACK RIBS

Now for the fun part!

1. Position the ribs over the fire

Place your open fire beef back ribs on a grill grate or cooking surface over your hot coals. Keep the ribs away from direct flames and adjust the cooking height as needed. You want to be able to hold your hand over

2. Cook low and slow

Beef back ribs benefit from a slower cooking process. Depending on the thickness of your ribs and the intensity of your fire, cooking can take approximately 4 hours.

Rotate the ribs occasionally to promote even cooking and prevent one side from getting too much heat.

3. Monitor your fire

This is where open fire BBQ becomes an art. Add small amounts of wood as needed to maintain a consistent coal bed.

If the fire gets too hot, raise your cooking surface or move the ribs away from the direct heat. If the temperature drops, add more wood and allow it to burn down before continuing.

4. Check for tenderness

Temperature is a helpful guide, but tenderness is what you're really looking for.

Beef back ribs are typically best when they reach around 200–205°F internally and the meat has become tender. Insert a thermometer into the thickest section of meat, avoiding the bones. You should also be able to insert a probe with very little resistance. Once it reaches the correct internal temperature, wrap them in aluminum foil and a bit of butter.

5. Rest before serving

Once the open fore beef back ribs are cooked, remove them from the fire and let them rest for approximately 1-3 hours in a towel or meat resting back. This gives the juices time to redistribute before slicing. Then separate the ribs, serve them up and enjoy!

TIPS FOR COOKING OPEN FIRE BEEF BACK RIBS

Here are a few simple tips to help make your next live-fire cook a success:

Use seasoned hardwood: It burns more consistently and produces a cleaner smoke.
Don't chase the flames: A steady bed of coals is your best friend.
Keep your distance: Adjust the cooking height to control the heat.
Rotate regularly: Open fire heat can be uneven, so keep an eye on your ribs.
Use a thermometer: It's a great tool for checking internal temperature.
Be patient: Tough meat needs time to break down and become tender.

Remember, every fire is different. Wind, wood type, coal depth and cooking distance all affect your cooking temperature. Learn to read your fire, make small adjustments and enjoy the process.

Cooking open fire beef back ribs is a great reminder that some of the best BBQ comes from mastering the fundamentals. You don't need an elaborate setup or a long list of fancy equipment. You need good-quality beef, a few simple seasonings, some hardwood and a little patience. Open fire cooking is about learning to work with the fire rather than against it. Once you get comfortable managing your heat, the possibilities are endless.

That's what Back to Basics BBQ is all about: going back to the fundamentals, learning the techniques and building confidence around the grill. Now get that fire going. It's time for BBQ!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH OPEN FIRE BEEF BACK RIBS

These Beef Back Ribs are practically begging for some classic BBQ sides. Here are a few of my favourites: