Smoky Colorado BBQ Grilled Elk Ribs: A Wild Game Masterpiece

There is something primal and incredibly satisfying about cooking wild game over an open fire, and nothing captures the spirit of the Rockies quite like Colorado BBQ Grilled Elk Ribs. Unlike beef or pork, elk is a lean, nutrient-dense meat that demands respect and attention to detail to prevent it from drying out. When cooked correctly, however, it rewards you with a flavor profile that is robust, slightly sweet, and tender enough to pull clean off the bone. This recipe is designed specifically for the Arteflame grill, utilizing its unique ability to provide both high-heat searing and controlled, low-and-slow cooking zones. Whether you harvested the elk yourself or sourced it from a specialty butcher, this method ensures the meat remains succulent, infusing it with a smoky char that perfectly complements the natural richness of the game.

Ingredients

The Meat

• 2 racks of Elk Ribs (approx. 3-4 lbs), membrane removed

The Colorado Rub

• 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
• 2 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp granulated garlic
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (helps with caramelization)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

The Mop & Sauce

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (for spritzing)
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 1 cup of your favorite smoky BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

1. Begin by rinsing the elk ribs under cold water and patting them completely dry with paper towels.
2. Flip the ribs over to the bone side. Use a butter knife to pry up the corner of the silverskin membrane. Grip it with a paper towel and peel it off entirely. This is crucial for tender ribs.
3. Trim any excessive loose fat, but leave some for flavor.

Step 2: Season Generously

1. In a small bowl, mix the sea salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, onion powder, brown sugar, and cayenne.
2. Coat the ribs lightly with a little olive oil or mustard as a binder.
3. Apply the rub generously to all sides of the meat, patting it in to adhere. Let the ribs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Allow the grill griddle to heat up. You are looking for a surface temperature of about 350°F-400°F on the outer flat top area, not the direct center heat.
3. Wipe the cooktop with a lightly oiled rag to ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 4: The Initial Sear

1. Place the ribs meat-side down closer to the center opening for just 2-3 minutes.
2. This quick sear locks in the juices and creates a beautiful crust. Do not burn them; you just want a mahogany color.

Step 5: Low and Slow Cooking

1. Move the ribs to the outer edge of the cooktop where the heat is gentler.
2. Combine the apple cider vinegar and apple juice in a spray bottle.
3. Cook the ribs bone-side down for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep the fire steady.
4. Every 30 minutes, spritz the ribs with the vinegar mixture to keep them moist and cool down the surface temperature slightly.

Step 6: Sauce and Finish

1. When the meat has pulled back from the bones about 1/4 inch, brush the melted butter and BBQ sauce over the meat side.
2. Flip them meat-side down on a medium-heat zone for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Watch closely to prevent the sugar in the sauce from burning.
3. Remove from the grill when the internal temperature reaches roughly 195°F-203°F for fall-off-the-bone texture.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil.
2. Let them rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
3. Slice between the bones and serve immediately.

Tips

Cooking elk ribs requires a slightly different mindset than cooking domestic pork ribs. The cardinal rule of wild game is moisture management. Because elk is incredibly lean, it lacks the intramuscular fat (marbling) that keeps beef ribs forgiving. To combat this, never skip the spritzing step; the acidity in the apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the meat fibers while the liquid prevents the exterior from turning into jerky. Additionally, monitoring the fire on your Arteflame is key. You want to utilize the diverse heat zones effectively—keep the ribs on the cooler, outer ring for the majority of the cook. If the fire gets too hot, don't be afraid to pull the ribs off for a moment or push them to the very edge. Finally, if you have a particularly tough rack, you can wrap them in foil with a little butter and honey for the last 45 minutes of cooking to steam them into tenderness.

Variations

While the classic Colorado BBQ profile is hard to beat, elk meat is a versatile canvas that pairs well with various flavor profiles. Depending on your palate, you can easily shift this recipe from a smoky savory dish to something with a bit more sweetness or global flair. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Coffee-Rubbed Elk: Add 1 tablespoon of finely ground espresso to your dry rub for a deep, earthy flavor that highlights the game meat.
• Spicy Chipotle Glaze: Swap the standard BBQ sauce for a blend of adobo sauce, honey, and lime juice for a Southwestern kick.
• Herb-Crusted: Omit the sugar and paprika, and instead use dried rosemary, thyme, and juniper berries for a more traditional hunter-style flavor.
• Asian Fusion: Marinate the ribs in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, then glaze with a hoisin-based sauce.
• Sweet Heat: Add pure maple syrup to your spritz bottle and finish with a dusting of chili flakes.

Best pairings

A meal this robust deserves sides and drinks that can stand up to the bold flavors of wild game without overpowering them. When planning your menu, think of earthy, rustic components that mirror the mountain environment where the elk lived. Since the ribs are rich and smoky, you want sides that offer acidity or fresh crunch to cleanse the palate. For beverages, you need something with body and structure. Here are some excellent pairing options to round out your feast:

• Grilled Root Vegetables: Carrots and parsnips roasted directly on the Arteflame with a honey glaze.
• Corn on the Cob: Charred in the husk on the grill grate.
• Drink Pairing: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon, a Syrah, or a smoky Porter beer.
• Side Salad: A crisp coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing (no mayo) to cut through the richness.
• Starch: Dutch oven jalapeño cornbread or garlic smashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Mastering Colorado BBQ Grilled Elk Ribs on the Arteflame is more than just preparing a meal; it is a celebration of the outdoors and the harvest. This recipe bridges the gap between the rugged wilderness and refined culinary technique, proving that wild game can be just as tender and flavorful as any cut from a high-end butcher. By managing your heat zones and keeping the meat moist, you create a dish that is smoky, savory, and truly unforgettable. Gather your friends and family around the fire, pour a glass of bold red wine, and enjoy the unique, unparalleled taste of the Rockies. It is a recipe that honors the animal and delights the chef.