Smoked Prime Rib with Brown Butter Garlic Sauce

Cooking Guides

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 3–4 hours | Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

Smoked Prime Rib

  • 2 tbsp granulated garlic
  • 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp mustard powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • One 6–7 lb bone-in prime rib
  • 3 sprigs fresh oregano
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 tbsp canola oil

Brown Butter Garlic Sauce

  • 1/4 cup minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp demi-glace

Instructions

  1. Prepare a kettle-style grill by heating charcoal until hot. Arrange coals on one side and add soaked wood chips on top. Place a pan of water on the opposite side to catch drippings. Set a rack in place and cover to preheat to 225°F.
  2. In a bowl, mix the granulated garlic, pepper, salt, mustard powder, paprika, and cayenne. Rub the seasoning mixture generously over the prime rib; set aside.
  3. Bundle the oregano, rosemary, and thyme with butcher’s twine. Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-high, add oil, and use the herb bundle to rub oil across the surface.
  4. Sear the prime rib fat-side down for 7–8 minutes, until deeply browned. Flip and sear the second side for 4–5 minutes, then briefly sear the ends.
  5. Transfer the prime rib to the grill over the water pan, positioning the thick end toward the coals. Cover and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare, about 2.5–3 hours.
  6. Remove from the grill and rest on a baking sheet while preparing the sauce.
  7. For the sauce, heat a sauté pan over medium-high. Add garlic, parsley, pepper, rosemary, thyme, salt, shallots, and butter. Cook, stirring continually, until the butter foams and the garlic turns lightly golden, 5–6 minutes.
  8. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and demi-glace. Stir and simmer until reduced by one-third. Remove from heat.
  9. Carve the prime rib into thick bone-in or boneless portions. Spoon warm brown butter garlic sauce over each slice and serve immediately.

Serving Tip

Pair this smoky prime rib with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to balance the rich brown butter garlic sauce.

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