Smoking Beef Ribs

Q: Jeff, how long would you smoke a rack of beef ribs at a temp of 225 - 250 degrees? Go by looks, or time?
Thanks

A: Beef ribs are not a specialty of mine but I have turned out some good ones in the past.. I like to remove the membrane on these things especially since it is thicker and more rubbery than the ones on pork ribs.

Be sure to season them real good as well with a sticking agent like plain yellow mustard or you can mix together some apple juice + oil (90/10 mix) and use a really flavorful rub.

All beef ribs are different so it can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours to get them tender at 225 degrees. I have not tried the 3-2-1 method on them but I have a sneaky feeling that it would do wonders for them.

I think the main test for doneness would be to check the tenderness by trying to pull a couple of them apart. When they start tearing easily, they are done.

Like brisket, they have a lot of connective tissues and only low and slow will get them to the point of being tender and tasty.. patience is the key.