The Ultimate Smoked Prime Rib

Recipe Introduction
Fancy a smoked prime rib recipe that'll knock your socks off? Ever wondered how to get that Texas style BBQ flavour in your own back garden? I did too! Honestly, getting this right was a game changer.
This is one you'll remember for ages.
Quick Hook
Are you ready to impress your friends and family? This smoked prime rib boasts a rich, smoky flavour with a perfectly seared crust. The secret? Patience and a good smoker!
Brief Overview
The prime rib, or standing rib roast , is a classic cut that's perfect for celebrations. Originating from old-school Sunday roasts, we are taking it to the next level with smoke.
This recipe is moderately difficult, taking around 4- 6 hours, yielding 8-10 servings.
Main Benefits
Beyond the incredible taste, this prime rib roast recipe delivers a good dose of protein. Imagine serving this at your next BBQ! What makes this so special is the depth of flavour you just can't achieve in the oven, it is the best smoker for prime rib .
This smoked prime rib roast is worth it!
Craving that smoky goodness? My first attempt at a Texas Style Smoked Prime Rib was a bit of a disaster. The outside was burnt, and the inside raw! Don't make my mistakes!
The key is monitoring the smoked prime rib temperature closely. A good thermometer is essential. I found doing a Reverse Sear Smoked Prime Rib really works.
Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different wood chips.
Right, let's chat about what you'll need to make the smoked prime rib recipe a reality. Honestly, the ingredients are simple, but quality is key.
You know, like using proper butter in your Victoria sponge cake!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Main Ingredients: It's All About the Beef
Okay, so first things first, you'll need an 8-10 pound (3.6-4.5 kg) bone-in prime rib roast (also known as a standing rib roast).
When picking your roast, look for good marbling throughout the meat. That's the white flecks of fat within the muscle.
It adds flavour, like. Also, get 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of kosher salt. For me, I can always spot the better cut of meat by the marbling!
For the rest, you'll need:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs
Garlic powder and onion powder is essential. Smoked paprika is really essential for that Texas Style Smoked Prime Rib taste.
Thyme is good too. The best smoker for prime rib also makes a difference, but don't stress too much.
For a cracking variation, use a Dijon mustard rub. It goes well with some fresh rosemary and thyme. Honestly, it elevates the flavour.
Quick subs? If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do in a pinch. But seriously, get some smoked paprika!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Right, you don't need a fancy kitchen for this rib roast recipe . You need a smoker, of course! I prefer to get the Smoked Prime Rib Temperature right so a meat thermometer is also essential! Digital, instant read ones are best.
Honestly, I've ruined a fair few roasts by being too impatient and not using one.
Essential tools:
- A smoker
- Wood chips
- A meat thermometer (digital, instant read)
Common household alternatives: If you don't have a roasting pan, an oven safe dish will do. Just make sure it's big enough!
Let's Get Smoking! The Easiest Smoked Prime Rib Recipe You'll Ever Find
Honestly, who doesn't love a good prime rib roast recipe ? But have you ever tried smoking one? Oh my gosh, it's a game changer! It takes that classic cut of beef to a whole new level.
The smoky flavour seeps right in, making it unbelievably delicious. Forget about boring Sunday roasts. This is Texas Style Smoked Prime Rib .
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Magic
First things first, getting organised. That's your mise en place , folks. I always say, "a tidy kitchen, a tasty dish!" Get your standing rib roast out of the fridge.
Pat it dry with paper towels. Mix together your favourite seasonings. Mine is a simple mix of kosher salt (2 tablespoons), freshly ground black pepper (1 tablespoon), granulated garlic (1 tablespoon), onion powder (1 tablespoon), smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) and dried thyme (1 teaspoon).
Don't forget 2 tablespoons of olive oil to make it all stick.
Pro Tip: Letting the roast sit at room temperature for about an hour before smoking helps it cook more evenly.
The Smoke Show: A step-by-step Guide
Ready to fire up that best smoker for prime rib ?
- Preheat your smoker to 225° F ( 107° C) . I use hickory for a rich, smoky flavour.
- Rub your prime rib roast recipe with olive oil, then the seasoning mix. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered!
- Place the roast in the smoker. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part.
- Smoke for about 4- 6 hours, or until the internal temperature hits 120- 125° F (49- 52° C) for rare. I usually check it every hour.
- Remove the roast and let it rest, tented with foil, for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial!
- Optional: Reverse sear the prime rib in a very hot oven ( 500° F/ 260° C) for 5- 7 minutes after resting for an even crispier crust.
Important: Always use a reliable meat thermometer! Knowing your smoked prime rib temperature is key to perfection.
Secret Weapon: Pro Tips for Smoked Prime Rib Roast Perfection
Here's the skinny on making your smoked prime rib legendary. Don't skip the resting time. Honestly, I know it's tempting, but trust me.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute. What if you need to go somewhere? Make it the day before! And don't over smoke! More smoke doesn't equal more flavour.
Aim for a gentle, consistent smoke. Ever since I learned this trick, my prime rib is a party pleaser.
I always have the best results when I reverse sear smoked prime rib after the resting.
So, there you have it. The ultimate guide to how to smoke a ribeye roast . Give it a go. Let me know what you think.
I’m looking forward to see how your Smoked Prime Rib Roast turns out!
Recipe Notes: Tweak This Smoked Prime Rib Recipe to Perfection!
Right then, you've got the basics for the best smoker for prime rib . But let's chat about making this smoked prime rib roast your own.
Honestly, cooking should be fun, not stressful. I've had my fair share of kitchen mishaps (burnt Yorkshire puddings, anyone?), so let's learn from those and make this the prime rib roast recipe bulletproof.
Serving Like a Pro
Alright, let's talk presentation. A standing rib roast deserves a bit of fanfare. I like to plate a thick slice on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Think bistro style, you know? A sprig of rosemary adds a touch of class. As for sides, you can't go wrong with roasted asparagus or some glazed carrots.
A bold red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, is the perfect accompaniment. Or a nice pint of local ale, if you're feeling less fancy!
Storage Sorted
Right, so you've cooked this amazing Texas style smoked prime rib , and you've got leftovers which, well done, are a great effort.
Pop it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It'll keep for about three days. Make sure it's in an airtight container.
Freezing? Yeah, you can, but it's best sliced and vacuum sealed to prevent freezer burn. Reheating, low and slow is the key.
A gentle oven (around 250° F or 120° C) will do the trick without drying it out. And don't even think about microwaving it!
Variations on a Theme
Fancy a bit of a change? For a gluten-free version, obviously skip the yorkshire puddings and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is GF. You can also use gluten-free cornstarch for the gravy.
Seasonally, you can swap out the rosemary and thyme in the crust for other herbs. In the autumn, sage would be lovely. Come the summer, a bit of basil wouldn’t go amiss.
Nutrition Lowdown
Let's be honest, this isn't exactly health food, is it? A slice of smoked prime rib is packed with protein, which is great for muscle building.
It is high in fat though, so everything in moderation! The salt content will depend on how generously you seasoned it but using high-quality kosher salt helps control.
So there you have it. A few extra tips to make your how to smoke a ribeye roast and reverse sear smoked prime rib experience even better.
Don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun. I know I love creating a delicious smoked prime rib temperature perfect and sharing it with all my friends.
It is a labor of love!. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best temperature to smoke a prime rib recipe for that perfect pink centre?
To achieve that beautiful, evenly cooked pink centre we all crave, aim for a smoker temperature of 225°F (107°C). This slow and low method ensures the prime rib cooks evenly.
Pull it off the smoker when it reaches 120-125°F (49-52°C) for rare or 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium rare, remembering that it will continue to cook while resting (carryover cooking). Just like getting a pint at your local, patience is key!
How long does it actually take to smoke a prime rib recipe? I don't want a dried out disaster!
The cooking time for a smoked prime rib depends on its size and the smoker's temperature, but generally, it takes about 4-6 hours for an 8-10 pound roast. The best way to gauge doneness is to use a reliable meat thermometer.
Remember, it's better to pull it off slightly early as you can always sear it after if needed, but you can't un-cook it if it's overdone!
Can I prepare the prime rib ahead of time? What's the best way to store it, post smoking?
Absolutely! You can dry brine the prime rib up to 24 hours in advance. This helps season the meat and create a lovely crust. If you have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Sliced prime rib makes fantastic sandwiches or can be reheated gently in au jus. Think of it as a posh version of bubble and squeak!
What kind of wood chips should I use for smoking a prime rib? Does it really make a difference?
The type of wood chips definitely impacts the flavour! Hickory and oak are classic choices that impart a strong, smoky flavour that complements beef beautifully. Pecan is another great option for a slightly sweeter, nuttier smoke. Avoid using too much mesquite, as it can be overpowering.
Experiment and find your favourite blend it's all part of the fun!
Is there any way to make my smoked prime rib recipe healthier? I'm trying to watch my figure!
You can definitely lighten things up a bit! Trim excess fat from the roast before smoking. Serve with plenty of vegetables, like roasted asparagus or green beans, to balance out the richness. Also, be mindful of the au jus you can skip the cornstarch to reduce carbohydrates and fat.
What if I don't have a smoker? Can I still achieve a similar flavour profile?
While a smoker is ideal, you can mimic the smoky flavour in your oven using liquid smoke! Rub a small amount of liquid smoke (start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste) onto the prime rib before roasting. You can also add a pan of wood chips to your grill.
It won't be quite the same, but it's a decent substitute until you can get your hands on a proper smoker! It's not quite the same as having a proper Sunday roast, but will do in a pinch.
The Ultimate Smoked Prime Rib

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 700-900 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 50-70g |
| Fiber | 0g |