Are you planning on smoking or grilling some beef ribs this weekend? Consider using this beef rib marinade to help get you in the right direction. The best part about this marinade is that it can be used for other cuts of beef too. The flavors in this marinade are simple, but yield some tasty, amazing beef ribs!

Why Use a Beef Rib Marinade?
Besides adding flavor to the surface of the beef ribs, the acidic ingredients in the marinade will help tenderize the meat before it cooks, during the cooking process, and help maintain moisture throughout. Read more about the importance of marinating meats.
Ingredients:
- Red wine vinegar
- Beef broth
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
How to use a beef rib marinade:
- Whisk marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl until brown sugar has dissolved. Use 1/2 cup of marinade per pound of ribs. Double recipe to suit your needs.
- If the racks of beef ribs are large, cut them into into groups of three ribs per section.
- Place ribs into a large glass baking dish (use two is needed). Pour marinade over top, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and place into the refrigerator. Turn the ribs over with tongs every 2-3 hours.
- You can also use large freezer or turkey brining bags for this job. Simply add the rib sections into the bag, add the marinade and work it around well so the ribs are well coated. Release the air from the bag, seal, and place into the refrigerator.
- Please note, You will not need to turn the ribs if using the resealable bag. Marinate and cook as directed.
- Once the beef ribs have marinated, blot the excess moisture off with paper towels, season with a beef rub, and grill them!
Marinating Times:
Did you know that you can use this marinade on other beef cuts? Use them on tougher cuts like flat steaks and lean roasts. Try it on lamb or venison too.
Beef Ribs (beef back and short ribs): 6-12 hours
Flat beef steaks: 4-8 hours
Lean beef roasts and venison: 8-24 hours
Lamb leg: 8-12 hours
Rack of Lamb and chops: 4-6 hours
Like this beef rib marinade recipe? Try these!

Beef Rib Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper use less if desired
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients in a small glass bowl. Let stand for 2-3 minutes, and then give it a good stir before using. This will ensure that the salt has dissolved. Recipe makes enough for 2 pounds of meat. Use 1/2 cup of marinade per pound of meat.
- Marinate steaks for 4-6 hours
- Short ribs or beef finger ribs: 6-8 hours
- Larger beef ribs (beef back or plate): 6-12 hours
- Once the beef ribs have marinated, blot the excess moisture off with paper towels, season with a beef rub, and grill them!
- If making marinade ahead of time, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days after initial preparation.