Overview:
This one-of-a-kind recipe features tender beef short ribs smoked low and slow, enhanced with a bold coffee-based dry rub and finished with a rich cherry-bourbon BBQ glaze. The combination of smoky, savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes this dish unforgettable

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Ingredients:

For the Short Ribs:

• 4-6 beef short ribs (about 2-3 pounds total)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup beef broth or stock (for spritzing)

For the Coffee Rub:

• 2 tbsp finely ground coffee
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Cherry-Bourbon BBQ Glaze:

• 1 cup cherry preserves or jam
• ¼ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

For Smoking:

• Wood chunks or chips (oak, cherry, or hickory)
• Water pan (to maintain moisture)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Smoker

1. Preheat the smoker: Set your smoker to 250°F. Add oak, cherry, or hickory wood chunks/chips for rich, smoky flavor. Place a water pan in the smoker to maintain a humid environment.
2. Stabilize the temperature: Allow the smoker to stabilize at 250°F with steady airflow.

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Step 2: Prepare the Short Ribs

1. Trim the ribs: Remove excess fat or silver skin from the short ribs, but leave enough fat for flavor and moisture.
2. Rub the ribs: Brush the ribs with olive oil to help the rub adhere. Combine all coffee rub ingredients in a bowl and generously coat all sides of the ribs. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

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Step 3: Smoke the Ribs

1. Place ribs in the smoker: Arrange the ribs bone-side down on the smoker grates.
2. Smoke: Cook for 5-6 hours, maintaining a steady temperature of 250°F.
   • Spritz every hour: After the first 2 hours, lightly spritz the ribs with beef broth to keep them moist and help develop a flavorful bark.

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Step 4: Prepare the Cherry-Bourbon BBQ Glaze

1. Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix cherry preserves, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and smoked paprika.
2. Simmer: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes or until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 5: Glaze the Ribs

1. Check doneness: After 5-6 hours, the ribs should have an internal temperature of 200-205°F for ultimate tenderness.
2. Apply the glaze: Brush a generous layer of the cherry-bourbon BBQ glaze over the ribs during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to set and caramelize.

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Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Rest the ribs: Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps retain their juices.
2. Slice and serve: Slice between the bones and serve with extra cherry-bourbon BBQ glaze on the side.

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Pairing Suggestions

Sides:

1. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese: The creamy, smoky cheese complements the bold flavors of the ribs.
2. Grilled Cornbread with Honey Butter: A touch of sweetness balances the savory richness of the beef.
3. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A classic side that pairs well with the depth of the glaze.
4. Grilled Seasonal Vegetables: Charred asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add freshness and a healthy element to the meal.

Beverages:

• Beer: A stout or porter pairs perfectly with the coffee and bourbon flavors.
• Wine: A bold red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah complements the smoky, sweet ribs.
• Mocktail: Serve a cherry-lime spritzer for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

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Tips for Success

• Monitor the smoker temperature: Fluctuations can affect the cooking time and texture of the ribs.
• Experiment with wood flavors: Cherry wood adds a hint of sweetness, while oak or hickory offers a deeper, robust flavor.
• Double the glaze: This glaze is so good you’ll want extra for dipping or even other dishes.

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Why This Recipe Works

The coffee rub provides a deep, earthy crust that locks in the natural flavors of the beef. Combined with the sticky-sweet and slightly tangy cherry-bourbon BBQ glaze, the result is a perfectly balanced dish with layers of complexity. Cooking on a smoker enhances the ribs with rich, smoky undertones, making this recipe a true star for any barbecue or gathering.

Enjoy this culinary masterpiece, and let your smoker work its magic! 😊