beef short ribs

Prep Time: 20 minutes  |  Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes  |  Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings  |  Difficulty: Medium  |  Cuisine: Argentine

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs beef short ribs, cut flanken-style (across the bone, 1/2 inch thick strips)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt (sal gruesa)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Chimichurri sauce, for serving
• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (for chimichurri)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (for chimichurri)
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (for chimichurri)
• 1/2 cup olive oil (for chimichurri)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (for chimichurri)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for chimichurri)

Instructions

1. Remove the short ribs from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before grilling to bring them to room temperature.
2. Prepare a charcoal or wood-fired grill (parrilla) with a medium-low, even heat. The coals should be glowing white with a light layer of ash.
3. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with coarse sea salt. Pepper can be added if desired.
4. Place the ribs bone-side down on the grill first. Cook slowly for 35-45 minutes without flipping, allowing the bones to conduct heat through the meat.
5. Flip the ribs and cook meat-side down for another 15-25 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms and the meat is tender but still juicy.
6. While the ribs cook, prepare the chimichurri by combining parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Let it rest at least 20 minutes.
7. Transfer the asado to a wooden cutting board, let rest 5 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges and plenty of chimichurri.

Tips & Notes

• Use a low-and-slow approach — Argentine asado is never rushed over high heat.
• Authentic asado de tira is cut flanken-style, about 1/2 inch thick across the bones.
• Hardwood or quebracho charcoal gives the most authentic smoky flavor.
• Salt is the only seasoning needed before grilling — let the beef shine.
• Make chimichurri ahead of time so the flavors can meld.

Nutrition Notes

Beef short ribs are rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins, but also high in saturated fat. Pair with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for balance.