Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling the Perfect Prime Rib Roast

There’s nothing quite like a grilled prime rib roast to bring everyone together for a holiday meal or special occasion. Whether you’re firing up a charcoal grill or dialing in your gas grill, cooking prime rib on the grill delivers a smoky crust and juicy center that’s hard to beat. As a certified competition BBQ cook and backyard grilling fanatic, I’ve tested this method across every setup—from a Big Green Egg to a pellet smoker. Here’s my complete guide to grilling the perfect prime rib, including prep tips, grill techniques, and trusted tools from Mathews BBQ Supply.

Prep Time and Ingredients for the Perfect Prime Rib

For the best results, start with a bone-in standing rib roast, ideally three to four ribs (about one pound per person). A whole roast with rib bones adds flavor and helps insulate the meat during the slow cook process. I recommend a dry brine overnight in the refrigerator: this draws out moisture and intensifies flavor.

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus overnight dry brine)

• 1 standing rib roast (3-4 ribs, bone side intact)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Girls Can Grill Brisket Rub (adds flavor and extra bark)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
• Butcher’s twine, paper towel, aluminum foil

Pat dry the entire roast with a paper towel. Tie it with butcher’s twine to maintain its shape. Rub with oil, then season with kosher salt, black pepper, and brisket rub. Let the roast sit at room temperature for an hour before it goes on the grill.

Grilled Prime Rib Roast Using a Charcoal Grill or Gas Grill

The key to a perfect prime rib is indirect heat and controlling internal temperature. Whether you're using a charcoal grill or gas grill, set up two-zone cooking: high heat on one side, low or no heat on the other. This allows you to slow cook the meat evenly and finish with a reverse sear.

Using a Charcoal Grill

1. Bank coals to one side and place a drip pan underneath the grill grates on the cooler side.
2. Add wood chips (like hickory or oak) to the hot coals for extra smoke.
3. Place the rib roast bone side down over indirect heat, fat cap up.
4. Adjust grill vents to maintain low heat (250°F–275°F).

Using a Gas Grill

1. Preheat one burner to medium and leave the others off.
2. Place a drip pan underneath the grill grates on the cool side.
3. Add a smoker box or pellet tube like the Amazen Pellet Tube Smoker filled with wood chips for added smoke.
4. Place the roast over the cool side, close the lid, and monitor grill heat closely.

Use a digital meat thermometer like the ThermoWorks Smoke or Flame Boss to track the internal temperature throughout the cook. Insert the probe into the center of the roast, avoiding the bones.

Cooking Prime Rib to Medium Rare with Reverse Sear

For that ideal medium rare finish, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F before searing. This slow cook method preserves juices and allows even doneness across the roast.

1. Cook the roast over indirect heat until it reaches 120°F in the center of the roast. This usually takes 15–20 minutes per pound.
2. Remove from the grill and tent with aluminum foil. Let rest for 20–30 minutes.
3. Crank your grill to high or use a cast iron pan to reverse sear the roast on all sides for 1–2 minutes.

Rest the meat again for 10 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to carve thick slices across the grain. Serve with fresh horseradish, red wine reduction, and your favorite side dishes.

Troubleshooting Your Grilled Prime Rib Roast

• Too rare in the center? Return slices to the grill over low heat for a quick finish.
• Uneven cooking? Make sure you rotated the roast halfway through grilling time.
• Dry result? Check your thermometer calibration and avoid overcooking past 135°F.

Always use an instant read thermometer to double-check your desired temperature, especially for thicker cuts. Cooking time may vary based on grill type, weather, and the size of the roast.

FAQs: Grilled Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner or Any Special Occasion

What’s the best grill for cooking prime rib?

We’ve had excellent results using the Big Green Egg with a plate setter for indirect heat, the Ninja Woodfire Grill for compact smoking, and Bull gas grills for consistent temperature control. Each model is available at Mathews BBQ Supply and tailored for different outdoor cooking needs.

Should I use a roasting pan or place the roast directly on grill grates?

Use a roasting rack inside a drip pan if you want to catch juices for gravy. Otherwise, placing the roast directly on the grill grates with a drip pan underneath works perfectly for grilling prime rib.

What makes this method healthier?

Prime rib is naturally high in saturated fat, but grilling reduces some fat content as it renders into the drip pan. Choose leaner cuts and trim excess fat cap for a better balance of polyunsaturated fat and flavor. Plus, it’s packed with vitamin C and protein when served with vegetable-based sides.

Final Thoughts: Review Recipe Results and Enjoy Your Holiday Meal

Grilling a prime rib roast doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right setup, tools, and technique, you can serve a grilled prime rib roast that earns top recipe ratings at your Christmas dinner or any holiday meal. This wonderful piece of meat, when slow cooked and reverse seared, delivers so much flavor—it’s the centerpiece your guests will remember.

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