Prime Rib on the Grill

This post may contain paid links. See more info on my privacy page.

Once you try my method for prime rib on the grill, you will never want to cook it any other way! Not only is my Grilled Prime Rib Recipe easy to prepare, but you're left with a tender, irresistibly juicy rib roast every single time. Plus, you save room in your oven for side dishes or desserts over the holidays. It's a win-win!

Grilled Prime Rib

I look forward to the holidays every year because I get to cook one of my favorite cuts of beef: prime rib roast! Cooking prime rib on the grill never fails to bring out the exceptional flavors and tenderness of this fantastic cut. Especially when paired with my homemade prime rib rub (that's easy, too)!

And the best part? Prime rib leftovers are even better! You can easily repurpose it into different meals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or to enjoy as a satisfying snack. The possibilities are endless, so let's get started!

Grilled Prime Rib Ingredients

• Prime Rib Roast: You can use a bone-in or boneless roast. Keep in mind that a boneless rib roast will take less time to cook, so be sure to use a meat thermometer and my temperature chart.
• Coffee Rub: My coffee rub recipe makes this recipe for grilling prime rib extra special. It uses ground coffee, paprika, garlic powder, minced onion, brown sugar, kosher salt, and pepper.

NOTE: I make this grilled prime rib with the most incredible coffee rub, which I recommend trying. However, this isn't your only option! You can use your favorite seasonings to grill prime rib roast, like my rosemary salt or classic prime rib seasoning. Go with what you enjoy the most!

How to Cook Prime Rib on the Grill

1. Take your prime rib out of the refrigerator and rest it on the counter to allow it to reach room temperature for about two hours.
2. Preheat your grill to 275-300℉. While the grill is preheating, rub the prime rib on all sides with spicy brown mustard.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine ground coffee, paprika, garlic powder, minced onion, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Mix well.
4. Take your prime rib seasoning and rub all sides of the prime rib. Let your seasoned prime rib sit for about 20 minutes.
5. Once 20 minutes is up, place the prime rib on the grill and cook for about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Or, until the internal temperature of your prime rib reaches 130℉.
6. Remove the prime rib from the grill and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes.
7. Carefully slice your prime rib, serve immediately, and enjoy!

Tips for Grilling Prime Rib

• Picking out the perfect prime rib: Look for a high-quality prime rib roast (bone-in or boneless) that has a good amount of marbling all over the roast.
• Indirect grilling: Skip using the burners in the middle of your grill. Use the two burners on the sides, start them low, and slowly increase the heat to the desired temperature. This will allow for an indirect heat that perfectly cooks the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer: Your prime rib roast needs to be at least 130°F before pulling it off the grill, and you should always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Allow the roast to rest after grilling: Once you pull your prime rib off the grill, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving with a sharp knife. You can tent your roast with foil, but it's optional. This keeps the meat moist and tender!
• Carving the roast: Once it is done resting, slice it against the grain into thick or thin slices for serving.

Prime Rib Grill Temperature Chart

The USDA recommends a minimum roast beef cooking temperature of 145°F. However, I recommend a temperature of 135°F for medium-rare for the best flavor beef. Either way, remember to pull the roast off of the heat 5 degrees below your desired temperature.

Prime Rib Grilled FAQ

Storing Grilled Prime Rib

1. Cooling: After grilling, allow the prime rib to rest for a few minutes at room temperature. This helps redistribute the juices.
2. Wrap It Well: Once rested, wrap the prime rib tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. To prevent moisture loss and freezer burn, ensure no gaps or openings are left.
3. Refrigeration: Store the wrapped prime rib in the refrigerator immediately. Ideally, it should be used within 3-4 days.

Freezing Grilled Prime Rib

If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze grilled prime rib:

1. Cool and Wrap: Follow the same steps for cooling and wrapping as mentioned above.
2. Double Wrapping: To prevent freezer burn, it's a good idea to double wrap the prime rib. First, wrap it in plastic wrap, and then wrap it in aluminum foil.
3. Labeling: Don't forget to label the package with the date to keep track of its freshness.
4. Freezer Storage: Place the wrapped prime rib in the coldest part of your freezer, ensuring it's well-sealed and doesn't come into contact with other freezer items.

Reheating Grilled Prime Rib

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover grilled prime rib, you can reheat it using one of the following methods:

1. Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C).
   • Place the prime rib on a baking sheet, still wrapped in foil.
   • Heat it in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until it reaches your desired internal temperature (around 130°F or 54°C for medium-rare).
   • Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Sous Vide:
   • You can reheat prime rib with precise control if you have a sous vide machine.
   • Preheat your sous vide bath to the original cooking temperature (e.g., 130°F or 54°C for medium-rare).
   • Vacuum-seal the prime rib or place it in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
   • Submerge it in the sous vide bath for about 30 minutes to bring it up to temperature.
   • Afterward, sear the exterior quickly in a hot pan or on the grill for a nice crust.
3. Grill or Sear:
   • If you prefer a quick method, you can reheat the slices on a hot grill or in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side until warmed through.
   • Be careful not to overcook; you want to heat it without further cooking it.

Sauces for Prime Rib

• I love pairing my prime rib roast recipe with au jus. You can easily collect the drippings/juices from the prime rib on the grill by putting an aluminum foil pan under the grill grates to catch them.
• You can also pair my prime rib recipes with a homemade horseradish sauce! The combination of flavors is out-of-this-world delicious.
• A simple Red Wine Sauce is perfect for this dish!

How to Use Leftovers

• Penne Pasta with Prime Rib: one of the easiest leftover recipes with creamy pasta and sliced prime rib.
• Prime Rib Grilled Cheese: such a classic and so easy! Serve with diced potatoes or asparagus.
• Nachos: so fun, even the kiddos could help out. Substitute steak for sliced prime rib.
• Prime Rib Sandwich: perfect for a busy weeknight.

Reheating prime rib is easy in the oven. Carefully cut your prime rib into slices and arrange on a baking sheet, drizzle with au jus (optional), and cover with foil. Preheat the oven to 250°F and cook for 10-15 minutes or until heated.

Prime Rib Recipes

• Slow Roasted Prime Rib
• Smoked Prime Rib
• Sous Vide Prime Rib
• Instant Pot Prime Rib
• See How to Cook Prime Rib for a comprehensive guide on cooking prime rib!

As you take the final bite of the perfectly grilled prime rib, its charred crust and juicy, tender center leave an unforgettable impression. Each bite captures the essence of indulgence, a celebration of bold, beefy flavor elevated to perfection. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that lingers long after the plate is clean, leaving you dreaming of your next slice! My family loves this grilled prime rib recipe so much!

If you enjoyed the recipe, leave a comment and a rating below!

Prime Rib on the Grill

Recipe Author: Isabel Laessig

Treat yourself to my tender and juicy Grilled Prime Rib recipe! Once you try prime rib on the grill, there's no going back.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

Mobile ModePrevents your screen from going dark while you cook.

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Calories 946 kcal

Equipment

• Grill
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 4 pound prime rib
• ▢ 3 Tablespoons spicy brown mustard
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons ground coffee
• ▢ 1.5 Tablespoons paprika
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons minced onion
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon salt
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon pepper

Instructions

 

• Allow your prime rib time to reach room temperature, about 2 hours or so.
  4 pound prime rib
• Preheat your grill to 275-300℉. While your grill is preheating, rub all sides on the prime rib with spicy brown mustard.
  3 Tablespoons spicy brown mustard
• In a small bowl, combine ground coffee, paprika, garlic powder, minced onion, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Mix well.
  2 Tablespoons ground coffee,1.5 Tablespoons paprika,2 Tablespoons garlic powder,2 Tablespoons minced onion,2 Tablespoons brown sugar,1 Tablespoon salt,1 Tablespoon pepper
• Take your prime rib seasoning and rub all sides of the prime rib. Let your seasoned prime rib sit for about 20 minutes.
• Once 20 minutes is up, place the prime rib on the grill and cook for about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Or, until the internal temperature of your prime rib reaches 130℉.
• Remove the prime rib from the grill and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes.
• Carefully slice your prime rib, serve immediately and enjoy!

Final stepPlease consider Leaving a Review below to tell me what you think of the recipe! This helps me know what you're looking for, so I can continue to provide you with high-quality recipes at no cost.

5 from 2 votes

Notes

• Picking out the perfect prime rib: Look for a high-quality prime rib roast (bone-in or boneless) that has a good amount of marbling all over the roast.
• Indirect grilling: Skip using the burners in the middle of your grill. Use the two burners on the sides, start them low, and slowly increase the heat to the desired temperature. This will allow for an indirect heat that perfectly cooks the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer: Your prime rib roast needs to be at least 130°F before pulling it off the grill, and you should always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Allow the roast to rest after grilling: Once you pull your prime rib off the grill, let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving with a sharp knife. You can tent your roast with foil, but it's optional. This keeps the meat moist and tender!
• Carving the roast: Once your roast is done resting, slice it against the grain into thick or thin slices for serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 946kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 42gFat: 81gSaturated Fat: 34gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 35gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 1386mgPotassium: 793mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 873IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 5mg