Smoked Prime Rib Roast is ultimate holiday meal, and this is the best way to prepare this amazing holiday roast. We put together a comprehensive guide and video on smoking perfect Prime Rib Recipe every time. Show
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Prime Rib is one of the iconic celebratory or festive holiday meals. It’s dramatic, big in flavor, and delicious. Let’s be honest, it’s also an incredibly expensive cut of meat. So you want to make sure you get it right! If you are cooking this special occasion recipe for family or friends this holiday season this is your go-to guide to ensure a memorable meal. Jump to:
The Process for Smoked Prime RibThe end to end process for smoked prime rib is pretty simple.
Smoking meat is low and slow — low heat and a slow cooking process. So when I say “smoking” that is what I am referring to. Smoking is synonymous with barbecue, but I like to be specific in the technique. Grilling is a high heat cooking method and not to be confused with low and slow. Each has its time and place, but for me holidays are all about low and slow. Related Article: Reverse Seared Prime Rib What is Prime Rib?Technically it’s a beef rib roast that comes from the central part of the cow off of the spine. The movement of the cow gives this cut great marbling. It can go by many names, including:
“Prime”, as it refers to the Prime Rib roast, is a reference to the primal cuts versus USDA prime rating. Primal cuts are the larger cuts after initial butchering. Rating Prime Rib – USDA, Wagyu, LocalQuality, as defined by the USDA, is the marbling quality of beef, which in turn also impacts tenderness and flavor. Pictured: Four Bone Choice Rib RoastWhen talking to friends and family I can’t help but notice that some of the meat they are purchasing is not in fact “Prime”. So first, let us discuss the finer points of the rib roast so it’s easier to understand what you are buying and how much you are buying it for. In order of grade of beef quality per USDA you have Prime, Choice and then Select. While Prime is certainly the highest quality, Choice also has tremendous flavor and is definitely not an “inferior” meat. It just didn’t rise to the occasion of marbling and quality as the Prime. When you get to Select, you begin to see a difference in the meat, the fat content, and other factors. It is still worthy of smoking, but I would be sure if going down this route, consider at least a Choice cut for a smoked prime rib. You can also buy American Wagyu, like from Snake River Farms. The marbling for American Wagyu is beyond Prime. And, being based in the Pacific Northwest, we love supporting our local ranchers and farmers. American Wagyu contains even more marbling and has an amazing buttery texture that is incredible. Snake River also has Prime and Choice cuts. At some stores you may see labels outlining the rancher, or the type of feed (grass, grain, etc.). Don’t hesitate to ask if the beef is rated, and if it isn’t, at least discuss with the butcher that you are looking for a Choice or Prime quality cut or its equivalent. Grain finishing adds marbling. Strictly grass fed beef will tend to be leaner and with less marbling. Ranchers elect to have their beef rated this way. So you may have a local rancher with Prime quality beef, but haven’t paid for the stamp (it will have passed USDA inspection, just not getting a rating). That’s why looking at the actual marbling is key so you can make the best decision that works for your budget and quality. Finally, look closely at the labeling. In the end it may say “Prime Rib of Beef” or “Standing Beef Rib Roast for Prime Rib” according to the USDA but not have to be derived from Prime grade beef. So when in doubt ask the butcher. How to Select a Prime Rib
There is no flavor difference between bone-in or boneless (so don’t let anyone tell you there is). The difference comes in presentation and having a small layer between the grill, the bones, and the rib roast. The flavor differences are going to be defined by the quality of meat and marbling vs. whether or not your roast is boneless or bone-in. Ordering prime rib online also makes it easy so it is delivered right to you in time for your meal. Preparing a Prime Rib for Smoking
Prime Rib SeasoningStart with a coat of olive oil and then finish with salt and pepper. Sound simple? It is, and this is due to the amazing flavor you get from the fat rendering as you slowly cook the meat. Want to add another layer of flavor? Consider a flavorful herb paste of olive oil, crushed garlic, thyme, sage, and rosemary for your Smoked Prime Rib, such as the one below. Ingredients for herb paste.A paste is simply a wet rub. Just blend all of the ingredients together in a food processor. It sticks easier to the meat, and when using smoke, the moisture from the paste helps the flavor adhere to the meat. Remember to also season within that area of the bone that was removed by the butcher, coat everywhere. Seriously, be LIBERAL with your paste and seasonings! You can season the roast the day you will cook it or prep the day before. Double this herb paste recipe if the roast is over 5 pounds. Side note: I don’t have the bone removed prior to cooking, instead I cut it out after it’s done cooking. This is just my preference. Seasoned Rib Roast with Herb PasteHow to Smoke a Prime RibWhether you use a pellet smoker, electric, or a wood and coal based smoker, the technique is the same for this Smoked Prime Rib recipe.
Always use a good instant read meat thermometer for a cut like this for a proper read. We love the Thermapen One for its quick and accurate read as well as the Thermoworks Smoke Unit to monitor the temperature throughout the cooking process. Chef’s Tip: Remember, when cooking in a smoker or grill, you always cook to temperature and not time. Slicing Rib RoastRemove the foil and then remove the strings (if you wrapped your roast). Next, remove the bones from the prime rib roast (see video for how we do this). As much as I love the bone, I find a much more elegant (and easier) presentation without the bone. Place the roast on a cutting board and slice into desired thickness. Plate and serve with your favorite sides. Use a large slicer knife for an easy cut.The great part of a Prime Rib Roast is the ability to cook the outer edges to medium while the center can be rare. So you can please a wide audience without over cooking the entire roast if some of your guests prefer a more med-well done slice. How Long to Smoke Prime RibAll time ranges are based on a finished internal temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. As a reminder when cooking at low temperature, the guide to when the meat is done is the internal temperature, not the exact timing.
The following times are a rough guide for how long a prime rib will take to smoke at 225 degrees F.
Chef’s Tip: Be sure to add 30 minutes of resting time to the cooking time. If your rib roast is done early, then wrap the roast in butcher paper or a towel and place into a cooler with no ice. The roast will stay warm for up to four hours. Sorry holiday ham… sometimes you just need to change things up. Be the hero this holiday season and wow your friends and family with this ultimate Smoked Prime Rib recipe and guide. Beef Temperature ChartAlways cook beef to temperature, not time. Here is the Vindulge beef temperature chart for reference. For a large roast there will be carry over cooking, anywhere from 5-7 degrees from when you remove the roast from the smoker.
Prime Rib Wine PairingThe best wine with Prime Rib is a big red such as a California Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Merlot, or Malbec. You can read more about pairing wine with Beef Rib Roast, where we discuss all things wine and smoked prime rib. You can also shop the perfect holiday wines at our own Vindulge Wine Marketplace. Leftover Prime Rib Ideas
Holiday Meal Planning IdeasExplore our entire article on holiday recipes for the grill and smoker for more holiday roast inspiration, appetizers, and cocktails. Here are some of our favorites.
*This post contains an affiliate link for the Thermapen Mk4 digital read thermometer and Snake River Farms. We only recommend products we use and love! And you can’t smoke meat to the perfect temperature without one! Seriously, the folks who cook to touch? No! You can always be certain if you have good thermometer and this one is awesome. This post was originally published December of 2016, and updated with new details in September 2022. The original recipe remains the same. If you like this recipe we’d truly appreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review! And if you share any of your pics on Instagram use the hashtag #vindulge. We LOVE to see it when you cook our recipes. For the Prime Rib:
For the Herb Paste:
For the Herb Paste:
For the Smoked Prime Rib:
A 5-pound prime rib should safely serve 6 people. If the roast is done early, wrap in butcher paper, a towel, or foil and place into a cooler with no ice. It will act as a warmer for several hours prior to serving. Beef Temperature Chart:
Find the perfect wine pairing at the Vindulge Wine Shop Calories: 1294kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 119g | Saturated Fat: 45g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 57g | Cholesterol: 229mg | Sodium: 2495mg | Potassium: 876mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 6mg Mention @vindulge or use the hashtag #vindulge How long does it take to smoke a rib roast at 225?Maintaining 225°F in your smoker is the perfect temperature to get a great smoke flavor into the meat. Expect about 40 minutes a pound when smoking, so a 6lb prime rib roast will take about 4 hours to smoke.
How long does it take to smoke a bone in prime rib at 225 degrees?How Long to Smoke a Prime Rib? Plan 35 minutes per pound at 225 degrees F for smoking a rare roast. 40 minutes per pound at 225 degrees F for smoking a medium roast. Don't forget to allow at least 30 minutes of rest time and another 15 minutes or so for the high heat sear before serving.
How long does it take to smoke a 10 lb prime rib at 250 degrees?How long do you cook prime rib? I smoke my prime rib at about 250 degrees F. At this temperature, it takes approximately 30 minutes per pound to cook.
How long does it take to smoke a 5lb prime rib at 225?Close the lid or door and smoke for approximately 3 hours 20 minutes (or about 40 minutes per pound for a 5 pound prime rib at 225°F), until the internal temperature of the roast reaches your desired doneness (see the step below).
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