Smoked Prime Rib
16 Comments
Posted: 04/08/20
Updated: 08/12/22
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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?
Ingredients for Smoked 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!
Steps to Prepare
- 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.
- Prep Seasoning – Combine the seasoning in a bowl, stir to combine. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the prime rib.
- Prep Smoker – Preheat your electric pellet grill to 225 degrees.
- Smoke – Place the roast on the smoker, fat side up and smoke until the internal temperature the desired doneness.
- Rest – Remove the roast from the smoker and tent with foil. Allow to rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.
How much does prime rib cost?
Because a this is an expensive cut of meat ranging from $10-15/pound you’ll want to make sure you get it right! And again, it’s an easy meal to make, but I wanted to make sure I answered all-the-questions so you can be confident making this meal!
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 ti 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 30 minutes per pound for medium rare. Rely on your meat thermometer for testing the temperature.
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 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 wood chip should I use?
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.
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.
You’ll love this delicious meal, a great smoked prime rib is the star of the show! Be sure and swing back by and leave a five-star rating, because I know it’s a meal you’ll really love!
Looking for another impressive holiday main dish? Our Smoked Leg of Lamb will wow your friends and family, too!
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Shop Now!Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @gimmesomegrilling or #gimmesomegrilling so I can see your grilling masterpieces!
Smoked Prime Rib
Delicious, seasoned Prime Rib made on your Traeger electric pellet grill for a delicious holiday dinner! Perfect recipe for entertaining!
Ingredients
- 5 lb boneless prime rib roast tied back
- 1 Tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp dried thyme leaves
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the top of the roast, down to about 1/4'' thick.
- In a small bowl combine everything except the prime rib. Stir to combine. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the prime rib. Tie back prime rib if this is not done with butchers twine. Let sit at room temperature for one hour.
- Preheat your electric pellet grill according to manufacturers directions to 225 degrees.
- Place the roast on the electric smoker fat side up and close the lid. Smoke until the internal temperature is 120 degrees F. for rare or 130 degrees F for medium. This will take about 3 1/2 hours.
- Remove the roast to a cutting board and tent with foil. Allow to rest for 15 minutes. Remember it will continue to cook and rise an additional 5 degrees while it rests. Slice and serve immediately.
Tips
How many minutes per pound do you smoke a prime rib?
About 30 minutes per pound for medium rare. Rely on your meat thermometer for testing the temperature.
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
Nutrition Information
Calories: 690kcal (35%), Carbohydrates: 3g (1%), Protein: 30g (60%), Fat: 60g (92%), Saturated Fat: 25g (156%), Cholesterol: 137mg (46%), Sodium: 1497mg (65%), Potassium: 516mg (15%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 15IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 25mg (3%), Iron: 3.4mg (19%)
tony lang says
I cooked mine (7 rib roast) @ 250-255 until it reached 120 internal temp. Tented for 30 minutes then sliced with electric knife.
Truly turned out amazing…..
Megan Mitzel says
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Don Marks says
Does the 30 minute apply to an 18 pound, bone in prime rib roast?
Megan Mitzel says
Are you referring to the 20 minute rest time? It’s a good idea to let any cut of meat rest after grilling/smoking.
Lance says
Do you lay the roast directly on the grill or put it in some kind of roasting pan?
Julie Evink says
We laid it directly on the smoker grates!
Malinda Linnebur says
Can I come to your house for Christmas dinner, lol!?! We used to always have prime rib for Christmas when I was growing up and I sure do miss it!! Maybe if I can find one on sale I’ll have to make it, and I bet it’s even better smoked!!
Julie Evink says
Yes I’d love to have you 😉
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Gorgeous food and really delicious. I would love to make this for a fancy dinner!
Julie Evink says
It would be a hit!
Aimee Shugarman says
The perfect holiday dinner. Prime Rib is my favorite!
Julie Evink says
Such a popular holiday meal!
Danielle Green says
Wow does this prime rib look absolutely mouthwatering!
Julie Evink says
It was so delicious!
Melissa Howell says
Oh man, I hardly ever buy beef because it is so expensive and I usually seem to mess it up! But these are such great instructions that I think even I could be successful 🙂 Now I just need to get a smoker….
Julie Evink says
Low and slow is the key for a delicious Prime Rib!