Flanken Beef Ribs Cooked Right Over the Coals

Flanken Beef Ribs Cooked Right Over the Coals is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by HowToBBQRight on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 40 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 2 hrs 20 min

Cost: $20.38 total, $5.10 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Beef Short Ribs (flank style) (cut across the rib bones, about 4‑6 ribs)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (for initial seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (part of the AP seasoning blend)
  • 2 tablespoons YRO Hero Greek Seasoning (spicy Greek blend with jalapeño kick)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (light honey preferred)
  • 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 3/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar (adds acidity)
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for the marinade)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted for basting sauce)

Instructions

  1. Season the Ribs

    Pat the short ribs dry, then sprinkle both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tbsp of the Greek seasoning. Flip and season the other side as well.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Let the Ribs Sweat

    Place the seasoned ribs on a cutting board and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the salt can start to work.

    Time: PT30M

  3. Prepare the Greek Marinade

    In a mixing bowl combine chopped parsley, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, the remaining 1 tbsp Greek seasoning, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Whisk until emulsified.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Marinate the Ribs

    Transfer the ribs to the large Ziploc bag, pour the marinade over them, seal, and massage gently to coat all surfaces. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 4°C

  5. Light the Grill

    Fill the chimney starter with Royal Oak briquettes and hickory‑infused pellets, light, and let coals develop for about 17 minutes. Dump coals onto one side of the grill to create a hot zone (≈550°F) and leave the opposite side empty for indirect heat.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 550°F

  6. Make the Basting Sauce

    While the grill heats, melt butter in a small saucepan (or microwave), then stir in 1 tbsp Greek seasoning, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of chopped parsley. Set aside.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Grill the Ribs – Direct Heat

    Place the marinated ribs directly over the hot coals. Char each side for about 2 minutes, then flip and continue turning every 2‑3 minutes, basting with the butter sauce each turn, until a deep char develops (≈12‑15 minutes total).

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 550°F

  8. Finish on Indirect Heat

    Move the ribs to the cool side of the grill, close the lid, and let them finish cooking for another 5 minutes. This allows the interior to reach doneness without burning the exterior.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F (indirect)

  9. Rest and Serve

    Transfer the ribs to a sheet pan, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice between the bones and serve with any remaining basting sauce.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
35 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Paleo‑Friendly (if honey is acceptable)

Allergens: Dairy (butter), Honey

Last updated: March 22, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Flanken Beef Ribs Cooked Right Over the Coals

Recipe by HowToBBQRight

These flank‑cut beef short ribs are seasoned, marinated in a bright Greek‑style mixture of lemon, olive oil, honey and herbs, then grilled over hot charcoal until the fat renders and the exterior is beautifully charred. Finished with a buttery lemon‑herb basting sauce, they’re juicy, flavorful and perfect for a backyard BBQ.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 57m
Prep
28m
Cook
17m
Cleanup
2h 42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.38
Total cost
$5.10
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Seasoning and letting the ribs sweat before marinating
  • Marinating for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator
  • Achieving a hot zone of ~550°F with charcoal and maintaining a cool side for indirect cooking
  • Basting frequently with butter‑herb sauce to add flavor and prevent drying
  • Moving ribs to indirect heat to finish cooking without burning

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw beef with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
  • Charcoal coals and open flames can cause severe burns; use long‑handled tongs and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Melted butter is hot and can splatter; stir gently and keep face away from the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Greek‑marinated beef short ribs in American BBQ cuisine?

A

Greek‑style marinades have been embraced by American pitmasters as a bright, herb‑forward contrast to the smoky richness of charcoal‑grilled meats. Combining lemon, olive oil, and oregano reflects Mediterranean traditions, while the grilling technique remains rooted in classic American BBQ culture.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Greek‑marinated short ribs in the United States?

A

In the Southwest, cooks often add cumin and chipotle to the Greek blend for a Tex‑Mex twist. In the Pacific Northwest, smoked paprika and local honey are common additions. The core ingredients—lemon, olive oil, and herbs—stay consistent across regions.

cultural
Q

How is Greek‑marinated beef short ribs traditionally served in Greek‑American gatherings?

A

They are typically served hot off the grill, sliced between the bones, and accompanied by tzatziki, grilled vegetables, or a simple Greek salad. The ribs are often the centerpiece of a family‑style outdoor feast.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions are Greek‑marinated short ribs most popular in American BBQ culture?

A

These ribs shine at summer cookouts, Fourth of July gatherings, and backyard birthday parties where a bold, flavorful meat can feed a crowd. Their vibrant flavor also makes them a favorite for Greek festivals hosted in the U.S.

cultural
Q

What other Greek‑inspired dishes pair well with Greek‑marinated beef short ribs?

A

Serve them alongside lemon‑herb roasted potatoes, grilled halloumi, a cucumber‑tomato feta salad, or a side of orzo tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What makes Greek‑marinated beef short ribs special compared to other BBQ rib recipes?

A

The bright acidity of lemon and red‑wine vinegar tenderizes the meat while the honey balances the tang, creating a sweet‑savory profile that cuts through the rich beef fat. The added Greek seasoning introduces a subtle jalapeño heat not found in traditional BBQ rubs.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Greek‑marinated beef short ribs?

A

Common errors include over‑marinating (which can make the surface mushy), cooking over too low a temperature (resulting in soggy fat), and neglecting to baste, which leads to dry ribs. Always keep the grill at ~550°F for the initial sear and baste frequently.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a hot‑side/cool‑side two‑zone grill instead of cooking the ribs over indirect heat the whole time?

A

The hot side creates a rapid sear that renders fat and develops the signature char, while the cool side allows the interior to finish cooking gently without burning. This two‑zone method gives the ribs a crispy exterior and a juicy, medium‑rare center.

technical
Q

Can I make Greek‑marinated beef short ribs ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Marinate the ribs up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, then grill when ready. Leftover cooked ribs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently over indirect heat to retain moisture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel HowToBBQRight specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel HowToBBQRight focuses on practical outdoor grilling techniques, equipment reviews, and step‑by‑step tutorials for mastering charcoal and gas BBQ, with an emphasis on flavorful marinades and smoke‑infused dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel HowToBBQRight's approach to Greek‑inspired BBQ differ from other grilling channels?

A

HowToBBQRight blends classic American BBQ methods with Mediterranean flavor profiles, emphasizing the use of fresh herbs, citrus, and balanced sweet‑sour marinades, whereas many other channels stick to traditional American rubs or Asian sauces.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Steak and Ale Pie with Beef Cheek and Short Ribs
2.3k

Steak and Ale Pie with Beef Cheek and Short Ribs

A luxurious British steak and ale pie featuring bone‑in short ribs and tender beef cheek, braised low and slow in Guinness stout and red wine, finished with a rich gravy and a buttery short‑crust pastry. Perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion.

12 hrs 31 minServes 6$203
British
Overcooked Cauliflower Cheese (Low‑Carb)
9

Overcooked Cauliflower Cheese (Low‑Carb)

A low‑carb, high‑protein cauliflower mash that mimics cheesy comfort food. By overcooking the cauliflower and folding in Parmesan, Pecorino, garlic, and skim milk, you get a creamy, satisfying dish you can eat every day.

40 minServes 2$4
American
Stout Braised Beef Short Ribs
10

Stout Braised Beef Short Ribs

Rich, melt‑in‑your‑mouth beef short ribs braised low and slow in a stout‑infused broth. The stout adds deep roasted notes while tomato paste, aromatics, and a splash of chicken stock create a velvety sauce perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, polenta, or dumplings.

3 hrs 36 minServes 4$21
American
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Over Rice – With Luscious Gravy!
10

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Over Rice – With Luscious Gravy!

A quick, healthy, and flavorful Chinese‑style beef and broccoli stir‑fry that uses tender flank steak, crisp Chinese broccoli (gai lan), and a silky cornstarch‑thickened sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and served over steamed white rice.

35 minServes 3$20
Chinese
Texas-Style Beef Ribs with Gulf Coast Smoke
7

Texas-Style Beef Ribs with Gulf Coast Smoke

A classic Central Texas barbecue recipe for bone‑in beef ribs (Creekstone short ribs) cooked low and slow at 300°F on a pellet grill with post‑oak smoke. A simple coarse salt‑pepper rub and a balanced "trifecta" seasoning create a crunchy bark, while a 4:1 water‑Worcestershire spritz keeps the meat moist. Finished in butcher paper and rested in an insulated cooler, the ribs are buttery‑soft and served with a bright, acidic pico de gallo that cuts through the richness.

3 hrs 55 minServes 8$62
American (Texas Barbecue)
Texas Style BBQ Beef Ribs!
9

Texas Style BBQ Beef Ribs!

A classic Texas low‑and‑slow smoked beef back rib recipe from Ballistic BBQ. Tender, juicy ribs are seasoned with a simple salt‑pepper‑Adobo rub, bound with Wooster sauce, and smoked at 250°F over pecan wood. Spritzed with unsalted beef broth for extra moisture, these ribs deliver pure beef flavor and a beautiful smoke ring.

5 hrs 40 minServes 4$30
American
Texas Beef Ribs On The Pellet Grill
15

Texas Beef Ribs On The Pellet Grill

Texas‑style smoked beef short ribs cooked on a pellet grill. USDA‑prime plate short ribs are seasoned with a classic SPG rub (salt, pepper, garlic) and a thin slather of Taco Bell Fire Sauce, smoked low and slow at 180°F, finished at 225°F, then wrapped and rested for juicy, bark‑y perfection.

9 hrs 10 minServes 4$43
American
Texas Style Beef Ribs - Smoked BBQ Dino Ribs
10

Texas Style Beef Ribs - Smoked BBQ Dino Ribs

A massive 8‑lb USDA‑Choice beef rib rack smoked low and slow at 250 °F, seasoned with Yoder Smoker’s beef rub, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous coating of coarse black pepper. After 4½ hours the ribs are wrapped in butcher paper and returned to the smoker until they reach a fork‑tender 203 °F. The result is a deep smoke ring, a crunchy bark, and juicy, fall‑off‑the‑bone meat – the ultimate Texas‑style BBQ centerpiece.

9 hrs 20 minServes 8$127
American (Texas BBQ)