How to Grill Prime Rib – Simple Recipe

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This Grilled Prime Rib is the ultimate show-stopping centerpiece for any special occasion. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection, this recipe combines the smoky flavors of the grill with the rich, buttery taste of prime rib. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a celebration dinner with loved ones, this impressive dish is sure to leave everyone at the table raving.

Grilled Prime Rib

Creating the perfect Grilled Prime Rib has never been easier! With my simple, step-by-step instructions, you’ll feel confident tackling this show-stopping dish. From seasoning the roast to achieving that ideal level of smoky tenderness on the grill, I’ll guide you through every step.

What Ingredients You Need

Bone-In Prime Rib Roast

Olive Oil

Kosher Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

BBQ Rub

How to Cook Prime Rib on the Grill

Preparation and Seasoning

Removing the prime rib from the refrigerator 3-4 hours before cooking allows it to come to room temperature. Pat the roast completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear during grilling.

Brush the entire roast with olive oil, then coat all sides with the BBQ rub. Let the roast sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Grilling Setup

For the grilling setup, prepare your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, bank the hot coals to one side. If using a gas grill, turn on one side to medium-high and leave the other side off. The target temperature for the grill should be 325-350°F, ensuring the roast cooks evenly and retains its juiciness.

Grilling

Place the prime rib bone-side down on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and maintain a consistent temperature.

Cooking times will vary based on your preferred level of doneness: for rare, cook for 15-20 minutes per pound (aiming for an internal temperature of 125°F); for medium-rare, cook for 20-25 minutes per pound (135°F internal); for medium, cook for 25-30 minutes per pound (145°F internal).

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the roast, ensuring it does not touch the bone.

Finishing

Once the prime rib reaches 5-10 degrees below your desired temperature, remove it from the grill. Tent it with foil and allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes.

This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the roast is tender and juicy. Finally, slice the prime rib against the grain to serve and enjoy!

What Temperature to Grill Prime Rib Roast: 

When grilling a prime rib roast, the target grill temperature should be around 325-350°F (163-177°C). This range ensures a slow and steady cook that keeps the meat tender and juicy. Maintaining this temperature throughout the grilling process for even cooking is important.

Additionally, you should monitor the internal temperature of the prime rib to achieve your preferred level of doneness:

• Rare: 125°F (52°C)
• Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
• Medium: 145°F (63°C)

Remove the roast from the grill when it is 5-10 degrees below your desired internal temperature for best results. The roast will continue to cook while resting.

How to Store and Reheat

After grilling, allow the prime rib to cool to room temperature. Place the leftovers in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or an airtight container. Place the prime rib in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it securely to prevent freezer burn.

To reheat prime rib while maintaining its juiciness, preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C). Place the prime rib on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

Heat for about 10-15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of around 120-130°F (49-54°C) for medium-rare.

If you want a nice crust, briefly sear it in a hot pan or on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side after reheating in the oven. Always let the prime rib rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

Sauces for Prime Rib

Here are three sauces you can serve alongside your prime rib;

1. Horseradish Sauce
This classic pairing provides a sharp, tangy kick to complement the rich flavor of prime rib. To make it, mix sour cream, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, a squeeze of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the horseradish to your preferred level of heat.

2. Au Jus
A savory and slightly salty sauce made from the drippings of the prime rib itself. To prepare, combine the drippings from the roast with beef broth, a splash of red wine, and a few herbs like thyme or rosemary. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, then strain and serve with the prime rib for dipping.

3. Garlic Butter Sauce
For a rich and flavorful sauce, melt butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This buttery, aromatic sauce adds a decadent finish to the prime rib, enhancing its tenderness with a deliciously creamy texture.

More Holiday Dinner Ideas

Smoked Turkey Breast

Traeger Turkey

Roasted Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Smoked Pork Crown Roast

Smoked Leg of Lamb

Grilled Rack of Lamb

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Smoke On!

Charlie

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