Reverse Sear Prime Rib Roast Recipe On A Kettle Grill

Reverse Sear Prime Rib Roast Recipe On A Kettle Grill is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by SnS Grills on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 3 hrs 25 min | Total: 4 hrs 15 min

Cost: $70.48 total, $11.75 per serving

Ingredients

  • 6 lb Boneless Rib Roast (trim excess fat, tied with butcher's twine)
  • 1.5 Tbsp Kosher Salt (dry‑brine, 0.5 tsp per pound)
  • 2 Tbsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 0.25 Tbsp Paprika
  • 0.5 Tbsp Onion Powder
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (for coating the roast before rub)
  • 1 stick Unsalted Butter (room temperature for herb butter)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme (packed leaves, chopped)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary (packed leaves, chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic Clove (pressed, one for herb butter, one for au jus)
  • 1 chunk Cherry Wood Chunks (for smoke flavor)
  • 12 pieces Charcoal Briquettes (Normal Size) (light 10‑12 for initial fire; larger briquettes used in video)
  • 2 cup Hot Water (adds moisture to grill reservoir)
  • 4 Tbsp Butter (for au jus)
  • 1 Tbsp Onion (chopped, for au jus)
  • 2 cup Beef Broth
  • 2.5 Tbsp Red Wine
  • 1.5 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Rub (from roast) (used in au jus for flavor continuity)
  • 1 cube Beef Bouillon Cube (optional, for extra saltiness)

Instructions

  1. Trim and Tie the Roast

    Remove excess external fat, then tie the 6‑lb boneless rib roast with 3 pieces of butcher's twine to create a uniform, round shape.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Dry Brine

    Sprinkle 1.5 Tbsp kosher salt evenly over the roast, rub it in, and place the roast uncovered in the refrigerator for 36 hours.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare the Dry Rub

    Combine 2 Tbsp black pepper, 1 Tbsp garlic powder, 0.25 Tbsp paprika, and 0.5 Tbsp onion powder in a small bowl; mix well.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Oil and Apply Rub

    Brush the roast with 2 Tbsp olive oil, then coat all sides generously with the prepared rub.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Set Up the Grill for Low‑and‑Slow

    Light 12 normal‑size charcoal briquettes (or 4 large briquettes) in the charcoal chamber, add a chunk of cherry wood, pour 2 cups hot water into the grill’s reservoir, close the bottom vent fully, set the smoke hole to half‑open, and the top vent to half‑open. Aim for a grill temperature of 225‑250 °F.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 225‑250°F

  6. Low‑and‑Slow Smoke the Roast

    Place the roast on the indirect side of the grill, close the lid, and cook for 2‑3 hours. Flip and rotate the roast every 30 minutes and probe the internal temperature at the 1‑hour mark.

    Time: PT2H30M

    Temperature: 225‑250°F

  7. Make Herb Butter

    In a mixing bowl, combine 1 stick room‑temperature butter, 1 Tbsp chopped thyme, 1 Tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 pressed garlic clove, and 1 tsp of the roast rub; mix until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Baste Until 125 °F

    When the roast reaches an internal temperature of about 100 °F, begin basting with the herb butter every 15‑20 minutes. Continue basting until the internal temperature hits 125 °F.

    Time: PT30M

  9. High‑Heat Sear

    Add lump charcoal to bring the grill to a high temperature (around 500‑550 °F). Move the roast to the hot side, sear each side for 2‑3 minutes, rotating frequently to avoid flare‑ups. Use cotton gloves and tongs for safety.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: 500‑550°F

  10. Rest the Roast

    Remove the roast from the grill, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT15M

  11. Slice the Roast

    Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the rested roast into ¼‑inch thick slices.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Prepare Au Jus

    Melt 4 Tbsp butter in a saucepan, sauté the pressed garlic clove and 1 Tbsp chopped onion until fragrant. Add 2 cup beef broth, 2.5 Tbsp red wine, 1.5 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp of the roast rub, a pinch of fresh thyme and rosemary, and simmer for 10 minutes. Adjust salt with beef bouillon or additional salt as needed, then strain if desired.

    Time: PT15M

  13. Serve

    Plate the sliced roast, drizzle with au jus, and serve with your choice of sides, sandwiches, or tacos.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
800
Protein
60 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
55 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 1, 2026

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Reverse Sear Prime Rib Roast Recipe On A Kettle Grill

Recipe by SnS Grills

A smoky, low‑and‑slow cooked boneless rib roast finished with a high‑heat sear, basted with garlic‑herb butter, and served with a rich beef au jus. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, with serving ideas for sandwiches, tacos, or classic plated dinner.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
4h 21m
Cook
32m
Cleanup
4h 58m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$70.48
Total cost
$11.75
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Set Up the Grill for Low‑and‑Slow
  • Low‑and‑Slow Smoke the Roast
  • High‑Heat Sear
  • Prepare Au Jus

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot charcoal and grill surfaces with heat‑resistant gloves.
  • Use long tongs; never use bare hands near open flames.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the roast reaches at least 125 °F for medium‑rare; higher if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of a boneless rib roast in American holiday cuisine?

A

The rib roast, often called prime rib, has long been a centerpiece of American holiday feasts, symbolizing abundance and celebration. Its popularity grew in the early 20th century as butchers began offering boneless cuts for easier carving and serving at family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of rib roast exist within United States cuisine?

A

In the South, rib roast is frequently seasoned with a heavy dusting of black pepper and served with a mustard‑based sauce. In the Midwest, a classic herb‑butter crust and au jus are common, while West Coast chefs often incorporate smoky wood flavors similar to the method shown by SnS Grills.

cultural
Q

How is a boneless rib roast authentically served in a classic American dinner setting?

A

Traditionally, the roast is sliced thick, placed on a warm platter, and accompanied by au jus, horseradish sauce, and roasted vegetables. It is often the main protein on a holiday table, with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is a boneless rib roast traditionally featured in American culture?

A

Boneless rib roast is a staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and special family reunions. Its impressive size and rich flavor make it ideal for formal gatherings and celebratory meals.

cultural
Q

How does a boneless rib roast fit into the broader tradition of American barbecue cuisine?

A

While barbecue is often associated with ribs on the bone, the boneless rib roast adapts the low‑and‑slow smoke technique to a larger, tender cut. It bridges classic roast dinner traditions with modern grill‑centric cooking, showcasing the versatility of American barbecue.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic American rib roast versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a high‑quality cut of beef. Acceptable substitutes are sea salt for kosher salt, smoked paprika for regular paprika, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for dried versions.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with a boneless rib roast served with herb butter and au jus?

A

Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, Yorkshire pudding, and a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. A glass of full‑bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon also complements the richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making a boneless rib roast on a grill?

A

Common errors include cooking at too high a temperature during the smoke phase, neglecting to flip the roast regularly, and skipping the herb‑butter basting which can lead to a dry exterior. Also, not allowing the roast to rest will cause juices to run out when sliced.

technical
Q

Why does this SnS Grills rib roast recipe use a low‑and‑slow smoke phase before a high‑heat sear instead of cooking entirely at high heat?

A

The low‑and‑slow phase gently brings the interior up to temperature while infusing smoky flavor, preventing the exterior from overcooking. The final high‑heat sear creates a flavorful crust and brings the internal temperature to the perfect medium‑rare range.

technical
Q

Can I make the boneless rib roast ahead of time and how should I store it before serving?

A

Yes, you can dry‑brine the roast up to 48 hours in advance and keep it uncovered in the refrigerator. After cooking, slice and store the meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently in a low oven with a splash of au jus.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel SnS Grills specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel SnS Grills specializes in outdoor grilling techniques, especially low‑and‑slow smoking, high‑heat searing, and detailed tutorials for beef, pork, and poultry using charcoal and wood.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel SnS Grills' approach to American barbecue differ from other barbecue channels?

A

SnS Grills emphasizes a two‑zone fire setup, precise temperature control, and the use of dry‑brining for maximum flavor, whereas many other channels focus more on rub‑only methods or rely heavily on gas grills. Their step‑by‑step vent adjustments and herb‑butter basting are signature techniques.

channel

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