Smoked Prime Rib

Are you ready to impress your guests? If you are, then you need to make this delicious Smoked Prime Rib recipe! It’s perfectly seasoned and smoked piece of beef. I prefer using a boneless prime rib, then seasoning the outside and smoking it so it has a delicious flavor by the end of the smoking process! It’s the perfect addition to any holiday dinner.

If you love a great cut of beef and want to WOW your guests, a prime rib roast is a great meal! A perfectly cooked smoked prime rib is a showstopper at any meal! Slow smoking infuses the meat with the most amazing flavor and I’m here to tell you a little secret….

It’s a lot easier than you think!

No way, right?!! Yup! This is a set and step away kind meal which makes it easy for you to get your sides together; baked potatoes on the grill, paired with some bacon wrapped grilled asparagus and dinner rolls. Seriously does a meal get any better than that? Then you can sit back, sip a beverage or two and simply enjoy the evening!

Another little secret I’ll let you in on is this is the FIRST prime rib I’ve ever made and it was so amazing. What on earth was I waiting for?

What is Prime Rib Roast?

Prime Rib, also referred to as Standing Rib Roast, is a cut of beef from the primal rib. It’s one of the primal cuts of beef. The “Prime” refers to the fact that this comes from the primal cut not the grade of meat it is.

An entire rib section has ribs 6 through 12 ribs, but a prime rib roast may contain anywhere from two to seven ribs.

It has a lot of marbled, tender muscle and can weight up to 30 pounds.

Ingredients Neded for Smoke Prime Rib

• 5-pound prime rib roast
• spices: black pepper, garlic powder, dried rosemary, onion powder, brown sugar, kosher salt, dried thyme leaves

This may seem like a lot of herbs and spices, but this is a large cut of meat. Slowly cooked over time this imparts the BEST flavor!

How to Smoke Prime Rib

1. Prep Prime Rib – Remove the roast from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before putting on the smoker, a roast this size will take about an hour. Trim away excess fat from the top of the roast. Tie back prime rib if this is not done with butchers twine.
2. Prep Seasoning – Combine the seasoning in a bowl, stir to combine. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the prime rib.
3. Prep Smoker – Preheat your electric pellet grill to 225 degrees.
4. Smoke – Place the roast on the smoker, fat side up and smoke until the internal temperature the desired doneness.
5. Rest – Remove the roast from the smoker and tent with foil. Allow to rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.

What cut of meat is the prime rib?

It is cut from the upper rib section of the steer. The entire cut contains 7 rib bones and is perfectly marbled and tender. The entire cut can weigh up to 30 pounds.

It is labeled “prime” because it refers to the fact it comes from a whole primal muscle, not the grade of meat. Typically when you hear the word “prime” it’s the highest grade of meat available.

When choosing your your grade of beef the grade makes a huge difference. The prime grade has additional marbling which gives it more flavor, tenderness and moisture from that rendering of fat. If your budget allows it we recommend getting the prime grade, but if not grab the choice cut and you’ll still get amazing results!

Is prime rib and ribeye the same?

No, they are not the same – the ribeye doesn’t have the surround meat and fat and isn’t quite as flavorful a cut of meat. Don’t get me wrong, the ribeye makes a fine steak, but it’s not the same as a prime rib.

What temperature do you smoke it at?

Preheat your electric smoker to 225 degrees.

How many minutes per pound do you smoke a prime rib?

About 35 minutes per pound for rare. Rely on your meat thermometer for testing the temperature. If you desire a doneness of medium then bump up your time per pound to 40 minutes per pound at 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here’s a quick overview of the correct internal temperature range:

• Rare: 120-125 degrees F
• Medium Rare: 130-135 degrees F
• Medium: 135-140 degrees F
• Well Done: 145 degrees F or higher

Remember you will want to pull the prime rib from your smoker when it reaches an internal temperature 5 degrees less than your desired ending temperature. This is because it will continue to cook as it rests bringing it up to your desired temperature.

How Much Prime Rib to Serve Per Person?

You’ll want to plan about a pound per person. This is because you’ll have some loss when you trim and cook the prime rib. If you have a lot of kids in your group you could plan about 3/4 lb per person since their appetites are smaller.

What would chips should I use to Smoke Prime Rib?

You’ll definitely want to use a mild flavor of wood chip when smoking this cut of meat. We prefer using an apple wood chip. This will give it a mild, slightly sweet flavor without overpowering it. Another great option would be a cherry flavor.

Do I need to let the Prime Rib Rest after smoking?

It is essential to let your Prime Rib rest after removing it from your smoker. This allows the juice to redistribute into the meat and make it tender and juicy just like you want it.

How to store leftover Prime Rib

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It will be best the next day. Keep it intact rather than slicing it for best results. If there’s any leftover au jus drizzle it over the top of the prime rib in the container.

Freezer: It can also be placed in a freezer safe container and froze for up to three months. When ready to use thaw in the refrigerator 24 hours.

How to reheat Leftover Prime Rib

You’ll want to make sure to reheat this very slowly for best results.

Place leftover prime rib in a pan with a little beef broth or au jus and cover it with aluminum foil.

Reheat in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit per USDA guidelines for reheated meat.

You do not need to let it rest before serving.

This is the perfect meal to serve at holidays and is a very common dinner option for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter!

Due to the fact that’s an expensive cut of meat a lot of people save this indulgence for the holidays!

Finish Your Holidays Meals!

• If you love deviled eggs this twist using your smoker is amazing!
• No holiday meal is complete without Cheesy Potatoes and making them on the smoker makes them even better.
• Mix it up with Smoked Mac and Cheese which the kids will love.
• Start the meal with BBQ Smoked Meatballs that are perfectly sweet and tangy.