Smoked Prime Rib (Rib Roast)

Smoked prime rib is a delicious and flavorful cut of beef that has been slow-cooked using the smoking method. It is typically prepared from the rib section of a cow closer to the loin and is known for its tenderness and rich taste.

A good rule of thumb when purchasing meat is to estimate one pound of meat per person. A prime rib is a roast so will generally be a few pounds minimum, but ensure you have enough meat for each person by following this rule. Having leftovers is always a plus, so add in another pound or two to ensure there will be extra meat to go around or for the next day.

Prime rib roasts are typically cooked rare to medium rare because you want to retain most of the fat within the meat rather than rendering it all out. This cut of meat is one of the most tender cuts of beef, right after tenderloin, because of the fat marbling. It is an extremely delicious cut of meat that you will not want to overcook. To achieve a perfect medium rare, cook the prime rib to 125 degrees F before resting for 30 minutes, and then return to a much hotter smoker to get a crust.

Here are some temperature guidelines if you'd rather cook the prime rib to a different doneness temperature:

Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
Well done: 150°F (66°C) and above

Some butchers or grocery stores only carry prime rib around holidays, so if you can’t get a prime rib roast, you can look for other similar roasts. Prime cuts are the most expensive as well, so choosing a different cut can also be more cost-effective. Look for a standing rib roast or a ribeye roast – they’re cut the same as prime rib roasts but will have slightly less marbling.

Another option is to ask your butcher what cuts are available that have a similar size and fat content as prime rib. And lastly, you can order your meat online as there are many quality meat delivery box services that offer prime ribs and have it delivered straight to your doorstep. Acquiring this service eliminates the need for a trip to the grocery store. So ordering meat in these kinds of services is the way to go.

To smoke prime rib, you'll need to season the meat with your preferred rub. Next, preheat your smoker to a temperature of around 225-250°F (107-121°C). Place the prime rib on the smoker rack and cook it slowly until it reaches approximately 10 degrees less than your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and remove the prime rib when it reaches your desired level of doneness. This can take several hours, so be patient. Remove it from the smoker and let it rest while you crank the heat up to high on the smoker. Sear it for 10 minutes until a nice crust forms. 

When smoking prime rib, you can use a variety of wood types to add flavor to the meat. Popular options include hickory, oak, mesquite, and fruitwoods like apple or cherry. Each wood imparts a unique flavor, so choose the one that aligns with your taste preferences. Remember to use hardwoods and avoid softwoods, as they can produce undesirable flavors.

The smoking time for prime rib can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the cut, desired doneness, and the temperature of your smoker. As a general guideline, plan for about 30-40 minutes of smoking time per pound of prime rib. However, it's crucial to rely on a meat thermometer to determine the doneness accurately, rather than solely relying on time.

Yes, you can use a charcoal grill to smoke prime rib. Set up your grill for indirect heat by placing the charcoal on one side and the meat on the other. Maintain a consistent temperature by adjusting the vents and adding charcoal as needed. Use wood chips or chunks for smoke generation. It may require more effort to control the temperature compared to using a dedicated smoker, but it can still produce excellent results!

There is really no difference in the cooking process, however you will get a much milder smoke flavor when using a pellet grill. I also recommend adding a block of wood in your offset smoker closest to the heat source to help stopping the prime rib from cooking unevenly.

Leftover Prime Rib makes a great sandwich! Start with 2 slices of high quality bread, a few thin slices of the prime rib, and top with prepared horseradish and mayonnaise. You can also use leftover prime rib in chili or any other recipe requiring chopped beef.