Colorado BBQ Grilled Elk Ribs

Introduction

Get ready for a smoky, tender feast with these Colorado BBQ Grilled Elk Ribs, slow-grilled over a wood fire on the Arteflame. The ribs are seared at 1,000°F on the center grill grate for a perfect crust, then finished on the flat griddle cooktop for unbeatable tenderness. Basted in a homemade barbecue sauce, these ribs deliver bold, mouthwatering flavors with every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 racks of elk ribs
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup homemade BBQ sauce
• Firewood for grilling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire burn for 20 minutes until the grill is hot.

Step 2: Prep the Elk Ribs

1. Season the elk ribs evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Let the ribs rest for 15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Step 3: Sear the Ribs

1. Place the elk ribs on the center grill grate of the Arteflame at 1,000°F.
2. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Slow Grill on the Cooktop

1. Move the ribs to the flat griddle cooktop to finish cooking.
2. Cook for 2-3 hours, occasionally basting with melted butter.
3. Keep the ribs on the hotter zones for a steady cook, moving them cooler if needed.

Step 5: Baste with BBQ Sauce

1. During the last 30 minutes, baste ribs with homemade BBQ sauce every 10 minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the ribs when they reach an internal temperature of 190°F (as they will continue cooking off the grill).
2. Let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips

• Use hickory or oak firewood for a deep smoky flavor.
• Melt butter with garlic and rosemary for extra flavoring.
• Keep an eye on the heat zones to prevent overcooking.

Variations

1. Spicy Chipotle Elk Ribs: Add a chipotle-based smoked rub and finish with a spicy BBQ sauce.
2. Honey Bourbon Elk Ribs: Glaze with a mix of honey, bourbon, and molasses for a sweet, smoky profile.
3. Coffee-Rubbed Elk Ribs: Use a coffee and brown sugar rub for a deep, earthy taste.
4. Asian-Glazed Elk Ribs: Brush with a hoisin, soy, and ginger glaze for a rich umami experience.
5. Garlic Butter Elk Ribs: Double up on garlic butter basting for incredible richness.

Conclusion

These Colorado BBQ Grilled Elk Ribs bring the best of wood-fire cooking to your table. By searing at 1,000°F and slow-grilling on the Arteflame flat griddle, you’ll get perfectly tender ribs packed with flavor. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides and savor every mouthwatering bite.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Fire-roasted sweet potatoes
• Smoky baked beans
• Fresh coleslaw
• Bold red wine or craft beer