Prime rib is a succulent and flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself to a delicious meal. One of the best ways to cook prime rib is on a Weber charcoal grill, which allows you to achieve that smoky, grilled flavor that is truly unbeatable. However, cooking prime rib on a charcoal grill requires some skill and knowledge to get it just right.

One of the most important factors to consider when cooking prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill is the cooking time. You want to make sure that your prime rib is cooked to the perfect temperature, with a nice pink center and a crispy, flavorful crust. The cooking time will depend on the size of your prime rib roast and how well-done you prefer your meat.

As a general rule of thumb, you should allow about 15-20 minutes of cooking time per pound of prime rib. For example, if you have a 5-pound prime rib roast, it should take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook. However, this is just a rough estimate, and you should always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Remember, the internal temperature of the prime rib will continue to rise about 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit while it rests, so it is important to remove the meat from the grill when it is slightly below your desired doneness. Let the prime rib rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing, which allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more tender and juicy roast.

Overall, cooking prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill is a great way to achieve a delicious and flavorful meal. With the right cooking time and a little attention to detail, you can serve up a perfectly cooked prime rib that will impress your friends and family.

How to Cook Prime Rib on Weber Charcoal Grill

Cooking prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill can produce a delicious and juicy roast with a beautiful charred crust. Here are the steps to achieve a perfect prime rib on your Weber grill:

What You’ll Need:

To cook prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill, you’ll need the following:

  • A Weber charcoal grill
  • A chimney starter
  • Charcoal briquettes
  • A prime rib roast
  • Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs)
  • A meat thermometer

Instructions:

  1. Prepare your charcoal grill by lighting the charcoal briquettes using a chimney starter. Wait for the coals to turn white and spread them out to create a two-zone fire: one side with direct heat and the other with indirect heat. Place a drip pan on the indirect heat side to catch any drippings.
  2. Season your prime rib roast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your choice of herbs.
  3. Place the prime rib roast on the grill grates over indirect heat, positioning it above the drip pan.
  4. Cover the grill and let the prime rib cook, maintaining a temperature of around 225-250°F (107-121°C) for medium-rare doneness. Cook for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness:
    • Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
    • Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
    • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
    • Medium-well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
    • Well-done: 160°F (71°C) and above
  5. Once the prime rib reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise a few more degrees.
  6. Slice the prime rib against the grain and serve hot. Enjoy!
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Note: The cooking times provided are estimates and may vary depending on the size of your prime rib roast and the temperature of your grill. It’s always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.

With these simple steps, you can impress your guests with a perfectly cooked prime rib on your Weber charcoal grill. Enjoy the delicious flavors and juicy tenderness of this classic roast!

Prepare the Charcoal Grill

To cook prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill, you will need to properly prepare the grill beforehand.

1. Start by cleaning the grill grates using a wire brush. Remove any debris or leftover food from previous grilling sessions.

2. Fill a chimney starter with charcoal briquettes. Place crumpled newspaper or lighter cubes underneath the chimney starter and light them to ignite the charcoal.

3. Allow the charcoal to burn until it has turned a grayish-white color, indicating that it is ready for cooking.

4. Once the charcoal is ready, carefully pour it onto one side of the charcoal grate, creating a two-zone fire. This will provide both direct and indirect heat zones for cooking the prime rib.

5. Place a drip pan filled with water on the other side of the charcoal grate, opposite the charcoal. The drip pan will help to create indirect heat and catch any drippings from the prime rib.

6. Replace the grill grates on the grill and ensure they are properly positioned.

Temperature Control

Controlling the temperature is crucial when cooking prime rib on a charcoal grill.

1. Adjust the vents on the top and bottom of the grill to regulate airflow. Opening the vents will increase the heat, while closing them will decrease the heat.

2. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the grill. For cooking prime rib, aim for a grill temperature of around 250°F (121°C) to 300°F (149°C).

3. Maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process by adding or removing charcoal as needed and adjusting the vents accordingly.

Following these steps will ensure that your charcoal grill is properly prepared and ready for cooking prime rib to perfection.

Season and Prepare the Prime Rib

Before you start cooking your prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill, it is important to season and prepare it properly. Follow these steps to ensure the best flavor and texture:

1. Start by patting the prime rib dry with paper towels. This will help the seasonings adhere better to the meat.

2. Generously season the prime rib with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure to evenly coat all sides of the meat.

3. If desired, you can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak rub. This will add extra flavor to the prime rib.

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4. Let the seasoned prime rib sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and help it cook more evenly.

5. While the prime rib is resting, prepare your Weber charcoal grill for indirect grilling. This can be done by placing a drip pan filled with water in the center of the grill and arranging the charcoal briquettes on either side of it.

6. Once the grill is hot and the coals are ashed over, place the prime rib on the grill grates, directly over the drip pan. Close the lid of the grill to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.

Now that your prime rib is properly seasoned and prepared, you are ready to cook it on your Weber charcoal grill.

Set up Indirect Heat

When cooking prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill, it is important to set up indirect heat. Indirect heat ensures that the prime rib is cooked evenly and prevents it from burning. Here is how you can set up indirect heat on your Weber charcoal grill:

1. Prepare the charcoal:

Start by lighting the charcoal in a chimney starter until they are fully ignited and glowing red. Let the charcoal burn for about 10-15 minutes until they are covered with white-gray ash.

2. Arrange the charcoal:

Once the charcoal is ready, carefully pour it onto one side of the charcoal grate of your Weber grill. Create a gentle slope with more charcoal on one side and less on the other for better air circulation.

3. Place a drip pan:

Place a drip pan filled with water or other liquid of your choice on the opposite side of the charcoal. This will help catch any drippings from the prime rib and prevent flare-ups.

4. Adjust the vents:

Adjust the top and bottom vents of your Weber grill to achieve a temperature of about 225-250°F (107-121°C). This low and slow cooking temperature is ideal for cooking prime rib.

Note: It is important to monitor the grill temperature throughout the cooking process to maintain the desired heat.

Once you have set up the indirect heat on your Weber charcoal grill, you are ready to start cooking your prime rib. Follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for your desired level of doneness, and enjoy a deliciously cooked prime rib right from your charcoal grill!

Place the Prime Rib on the Grill

Once the charcoal grill is ready and the prime rib has been seasoned, it’s time to place the meat on the grill. Follow these steps to ensure the perfect cook:

Step 1: Indirect Grilling

Set up the charcoal grill for indirect grilling. This means arranging the charcoal on only one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. This will create zones of direct and indirect heat.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Preheat the grill to a temperature of about 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C). Use a reliable grill thermometer to monitor and maintain the temperature throughout the cooking process.

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Step 3: Place a Drip Pan

Place a drip pan filled with water or other liquid on the empty side of the grill. This will help maintain humidity and catch any drippings, preventing flare-ups and adding flavor to the prime rib.

Step 4: Position the Prime Rib

Place the seasoned prime rib on the grill grates over the drip pan, on the side of the grill opposite the charcoal. Make sure the fat side is facing up. This will allow the fat to render and baste the meat as it cooks.

Step 5: Close the Lid

Once the prime rib is on the grill, close the lid and let the meat cook undisturbed. This will help trap the heat and smoke, ensuring even cooking and enhancing the flavor.

Grilling Time Internal Temperature
Rare 120°F to 125°F (49°C to 52°C)
Medium Rare 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C)
Medium 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C)

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust

Monitor the temperature of the prime rib using an instant-read thermometer. For the desired level of doneness, refer to the grilling time and internal temperature guide provided in the table above. Adjust the grill vents as needed to maintain the desired temperature.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Once the prime rib reaches the desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Cover the meat loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and flavorful prime rib.

Now that the prime rib is cooked to perfection, it’s time to slice and serve. Enjoy your deliciously grilled prime rib!

Q&A

How long do I need to cook prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill?

To cook prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill, you will need about 15-20 minutes per pound of meat. So, for a 5-pound prime rib, you would cook it for about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes.

What is the best temperature to cook prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill?

The best temperature to cook prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill is around 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give you a nice sear on the outside while ensuring the inside is cooked to your desired doneness.

Should I use indirect heat or direct heat when cooking prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill?

It is recommended to use indirect heat when cooking prime rib on a Weber charcoal grill. This means placing the meat on the grill grate away from the coals. This allows for more even cooking and prevents the outside from burning while the inside cooks.

Do I need to marinate the prime rib before cooking it on a Weber charcoal grill?

Marinating the prime rib before cooking it on a Weber charcoal grill is not necessary, but it can add extra flavor to the meat. If you choose to marinate, it is best to do so for at least a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.