How to Smoke Prime Rib
How to Smoke Prime Rib
Few dishes command the table quite like prime rib. It is the kind of centerpiece that makes guests stop in their tracks. When you smoke it, the flavor goes from memorable to unforgettable. Learning how to smoke prime rib is simpler than you might think, and the results are worth it every time.
4 Basic Steps to Smoking Prime Rib
Smoking prime rib follows a similar approach to preparing this beef roast in a kitchen. Here are the four basic steps:
- Season – Simple salt and pepper works well, but it’s easy to personalize prime rib with your favorite seasonings, herbs and aromatics.
- Smoke the Prime Rib – Place the seasoned prime rib in the smoker at a low temperature (225°F to 250°F) and slowly smoke until done to your preference.
- Rest – This provides time for the internal temperature of the prime rib to equalize. It also allows time for the juices to be reabsorbed.
- Serve – Slice the rested prime rib and bring it to the table.
Watch our step-by-step guide on how to smoke a prime rib:
Had the SRF prime rib for Christmas dinner with the family. Really delicious this year. My son smoked it on his smoker outside on his covered deck. It was cooked to perfection medium rare all the way through. Was nice to have the use of the oven for other dinner items. I always order from SRF.
-Constance C., Verified Buyer
At What Temperature do you Smoke Prime Rib?
Smoking is a process that uses lower temperatures to slowly cook the roast. This “low and slow” method is the essence of smoking. The target temperature to smoke prime rib is 225°F. This temperature provides a slow, efficient cook.
The lower the temperature, the longer the cook. 225°F provides a slow cook to impart the smoke flavor to the prime rib and keeps the cooking time reasonable.
How Long do You Smoke Prime Rib?
The cook time depends on several factors: the roast size, whether it’s bone-in or boneless, your smoker type, and even outdoor conditions. As a rule of thumb, plan for about 40 minutes per pound at 225°F. For example, a 6-pound roast may take roughly 4 hours.
Pro Tip: Always cook to internal temperature, not just time. A reliable meat thermometer is your best tool.
Target Finished Temperature
Here’s a quick guide for when to pull your roast from the smoker:
| Preference | Description | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | Red, cool center | 110°F |
| Medium Rare | Red, cool center | 120°F |
| Medium | Pink throughout | 130°F |
| Medium Well | Primarily grey, sliver of pink | 140°F |
|
Pre-Smoked Wagyu Prime RibI took a chance on this new item but will want to order it again for next holiday season. The meat is already seasoned. Just cook until internal temp is 115-120 degrees, rest and slice. Delicious! Left overs made a yummy prime rib soup.
- Daniel K., Verified Buyer
How Much Prime Rib Per Person?
Planning portions is important for a crowd-pleasing feast. A good rule is:
- Bone-in prime rib – Plan for about 1 pound per person.
- Boneless prime rib – Plan for ½ to ¾ pound per person.
This ensures everyone gets a generous slice and you might even have leftovers. Shop USDA Choice Bone-In & Boneless Prime Rib Roasts.
Our Favorite Leftover Prime Rib Recipes
Leftover Prime Rib Pot Pie
A cozy, comforting way to use up leftover prime rib with creamy sauce and flaky crust.
Leftover Prime Rib French Dip
Turn your leftover prime rib into a delicious sandwich with rich au jus.
Prime Rib & Barley Soup
A hearty soup that transforms leftover prime rib into a comforting family favorite.
Bone-In vs. Boneless Prime Rib on the Smoker
Smoking a bone-in prime rib is nearly identical to boneless prime rib. The time may vary slightly but use the target temperatures to ensure your prime rib turns out to your desired finish. The bones act as a natural heat shield, but flavor differences are minimal.
Pro Tip: Place a bone-in roast with the bones facing down toward the heat source.
Watch how to tie a prime rib before smoking:
How do You Smoke Prime Rib on a Pellet Smoker?
Pellet smokers make this process simple. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Set temperature to 225°F. For pellets, use a neutral like oak or fruit wood pellets like apple and cherry.
- Season prime rib with salt and pepper, SRF Rosemary Roast Seasoning, or your favorite rub.
- Place prime rib on the grill, close the lid and smoke until the roast reaches your desired internal temperature.
- Allow prime rib to rest 20 to 30 minutes.
- Increase pellet grill temperature to 450°F. When ready to serve, place prime rib on the grill for 5 to 10 minutes to sear the exterior to a golden brown.
- Remove, slice and serve.
Watch how to slice a bone-in prime rib:
The Secret to Juicy Prime Rib
- Choose high-quality beef. American Wagyu’s rich marbling helps lock in moisture and delivers unmatched flavor.
- Let it rest. A proper resting period allows juices to redistribute so every slice is juicy.
- Use a water pan. Adding a water pan to your smoker helps maintain humidity throughout the cook.
- Cook low and slow. Patience is the real secret. Smoking at 225°F with enough time produces a juicy, tender roast.
For the best results, start with American Wagyu Prime Rib from Snake River Farms. Shop Prime Rib Roasts.
Our Favorite Recipes
Orange-Rosemary Prime Rib
A fragrant twist on the classic holiday roast. This Snake River Farms prime rib is slathered with a citrusy orange zest and rosemary rub, smoked to perfection, and served with a savory smoked au jus.
Smoked Petite Striploin Roast
Smoked low and slow over pecan wood, this American Wagyu striploin delivers subtle sweetness and a rich nuttiness in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or special gathering. You can even make it in the oven for a smoke-free version.
Smoked Roast with Shallots
This robust cut is cold-smoked for deeper flavor, then paired with caramelized shallots and a punch of horseradish. The best part? Leftovers make next-level sandwiches the next day.
Make Smoked Prime Rib Simple
Smoking a prime rib doesn’t have to be complicated. With the rich marbling of American Wagyu, you get big flavor and tenderness every time. Start with the best and let the smoke do the rest. Shop Snake River Farms Prime Rib.
