Backyard Smoke Show | Prime Rib on the Big Green Egg

There’s something special about prime rib. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience. That rich, buttery flavor… the tender, juicy center… and the golden crust that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, a backyard gathering, or just because, the Big Green Egg is the perfect tool to help you deliver a prime rib roast that’s worthy of the occasion.

Let’s walk through the essentials of cooking Prime Rib on the Big Green Egg, so you can wow your guests and enjoy the process along the way.

Start with the Best Ingredients

Great cooking starts with great ingredients, and prime rib is no exception. Plan on about one pound per person—that’ll ensure everyone leaves the table happy. You’ll also want to grab:

Olive oil
BGE Steakhouse Seasoning (or your favorite beef rub)
Butcher’s twine or string

For the cook itself, make sure you have:

ConvEGGtor and ConvEGGtor Basket
Large roasting rack
13x9 drip pan
A reliable thermometer (a remote thermometer or EGG Genius is ideal for this cook)

The Setup: Low and Slow

Here’s where the Big Green Egg shines. Preheat your EGG to 300°F with the convEGGtor in place (legs up) for indirect heat. This setup creates a gentle, even cooking environment that’s ideal for large cuts like prime rib.

While the EGG is coming to temp, prep your roast. Pat it dry with paper towels—this helps the olive oil and seasoning stick better. Coat the entire roast in olive oil, then generously apply BGE Steakhouse Seasoning on all sides. Don’t be shy here. Prime rib is a big cut, and it can handle bold seasoning.

Place the roast fat side up in the large roasting rack, then set the rack into your drip pan. This not only catches the drippings for easy cleanup but also helps maintain an even cook. Load the whole setup onto the cooking grid in the center of the EGG.

If you’re using a remote thermometer or EGG Genius, insert the probe into the thickest part of the roast, close the dome, and let the magic happen.

The Slow Roast

The secret to perfect prime rib is even cooking, and that’s where the Big Green Egg delivers. The goal here is to avoid the dreaded “grey ring” of overcooked meat around the edges, while still hitting that perfect medium-rare in the center.

Plan for about 15-20 minutes per pound at 300°F, but always cook to temperature, not time. For medium-rare, you’ll want to pull the roast when it reaches an internal temp of 125-130°F. It’ll continue to rise a few degrees as it rests.

Once your roast hits the target temp, remove it from the EGG, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 20 minutes. This step is critical—it allows the juices to redistribute and the roast to finish cooking gently.

The Finishing Touch: Sear It Hot

Here’s where you take your prime rib from good to unforgettable. While the roast is resting, remove the convEGGtor and crank the EGG up to 500°F for direct cooking. Once the EGG is ripping hot, place the roast directly over the fire for about 90 seconds per side—just long enough to develop a gorgeous crust.

This final sear locks in the flavor and gives you that irresistible texture on the outside, while the inside stays tender and pink.

Time to Slice and Serve

Once your prime rib has its crust, remove it from the EGG, slice it against the grain, and serve immediately. The result? A show-stopping centerpiece that’s tender, juicy, and full of wood-fired flavor.

Pro Tips for Prime Rib Perfection

Plan ahead: If your roast is frozen, give it at least four days in the fridge to fully thaw.
Let it warm up: Pull the roast from the fridge two hours before it goes on the EGG.
Monitor the temp: A thermometer is your best friend. Don’t rely on timing alone.
Use a drip pan: It catches fat and keeps your EGG clean.
Finish hot: That final sear is key to building flavor and texture.

Prime rib on the Big Green Egg isn’t just a meal—it’s a moment. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, turns heads when it hits the table, and makes you proud to say, “Yeah, I cooked that.”

Ready to give it a shot? Fire up the EGG, grab your tools, and let the Big Green Egg help you create a prime rib worth remembering.