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This rotisserie prime rib is the best roast I have ever had.  It’s tender, flavorful and cooked to just the right temperature. To add another layer of flavor I made a homemade creamy horseradish sauce which gave this dish a nice kick of freshness and spiciness elevating it to a whole other level! Let me show you how to grill the perfect garlic and herb rotisserie prime rib with this easy to follow recipe.

Freshly cooked prime rib that is sliced and served on a white platter with roasted potatoes.

What is a prime rib? It’s basically a roast sized ribeye steak. The name “PRIME RIB” refers to the cut and not the grade of the meat. For example, you can have a Choice “Prime Rib” or a Prime “Prime Rib”. These are especially popular around the holidays because prime rib roast can feed a a whole dinner table. And when it comes to cooking it, think of it as big steak. Medium rare finish is best but feel free to cook it to your desired doneness.

If you don’t have a rotisserie tool, grilling a garlic and herb prime rib is a great alternative. If you are more of holiday turkey household, a classic butter and herb grilled turkey recipe is ideal.

Ingredients list for the Rotisserie Prime Rib

  • Prime Rib: a bone in prime rib is best. The bones help to retain moisture and add flavor to the meat while cooking.
  • Butter: room temperature unsalted butter is best to apply the garlic and herb mixture directly onto the trimmed prime rib. Adds flavor by creating a barrier on the meat’s surface. Make your own compound garlic and herb butter, store it and use it when needed.
  • Fresh Herbs: rosemary and garlic are great compliments to a savory prime rib. Fresh herbs add an aromatic complexity that dried herbs will not achieve with the same amounts.

Step 1: How to Trim a Prime Rib

Raw prime rib on a sheet pan before trimming.

For this recipe I purchased a 3 bone in prime rib. You can purchase these boneless, but the bones make for a beautiful final presentation. To clean up this large piece of meat and expose the bones, remove the fat cap that is directly above the bones. This is a thick layer of fat that is not really edible so you’re not wasting anything.

Next, remove the fat from in-between each bone and scrape them clean. Remember, we’re doing this for a beautiful final presentation so take your time. If you’re not sure how to do this part, scroll down to see the full recipe video.

Trimmed prime rib on a cutting board before seasoning.

Finally, latch the prime rib onto the rotisserie skewers and it’s time to get the grill ready.  I decided not to truss my prime rib since the skewers were holding it firmly.  If your prime rib is loose or not held properly on the skewer, I highly recommend trussing the entire cut to help hold it together.

Step 2: How to make a garlic and herb compound butter.

Glass bowl containing herb compound butter mix.

The star of this dish is the butter spread that will cover the entire roast on the outside to create that flavorful bark.

In a mixing bowl, add 2 sticks of soft room temperature butter, rosemary, minced garlic and Dad’s Steak seasoning. The rub is the perfect blend of buttery, herby and savory notes that are perfect for this dish. Mix the ingredients together using a fork and set aside

Recipe Tip

A great alternative to Dad’s steak seasoning is either a different steak seasoning that is herby and peppery or Italian Herb seasoning. Make sure to add salt and peper.

Brush the entire outside of the prime rib with the butter mixture while it’s still soft. Make sure to get all sides and between the bones.

Applying the herb compound butter to the prime rib before grill placement.

Dad’s Seasonings

Must have grillin seasonings!

Step 3: How to grill the perfect rotisserie prime rib

Preheat the grill to 250 degrees and set it for indirect heat. Depending on the size of your roast, the total grill process will take about 2-3 hours.  I used my pellet smoker where I could attach the rotisserie adapter, however this recipe can be replicated on any grill or the oven. If using the oven, simply place the prime rib on a sheet pan and put it in the oven.

To complete this meal, I’ll be cooking my potatoes right under the spinning prime rib. As the butter melts and the fat renders out of the meat, the potatoes will absorb all that deliciousness. Place the potatoes on the grill and skewered prime rib right above it. Turn the rotisserie on and let her spin!

seasoned and butter spread raw prime rib skewered on the rotisserie above sliced potatoes on the grill.
cooked prime rib skewered on the rotisserie above sliced potatoes on the grill.

Once the internal temperature of the rotisserie prime rib reaches 110 degrees, it’s time to remove it from the grill. At this internal temperature, the prime rib will be perfectly cooked to a medium rare which is ideal for this cut of meat. If you like it more done, the outside edges will be closer to medium. A medium rare will have the succulent red middle and slightly more done outer parts for those that prefer more cooked meat. Trust me!

Let it rest for 20-25 minutes allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the prime rib.

Perfect medium rare cooked prime rib sliced down the middle

Step 4: Make a creamy horseradish sauce

homemade horseradish sauce in a glass bowl topped with chopped green onion

This horseradish sauce is optional for those that like a little bit of a kick with their rotisserie prime rib. The sauce is savory, fresh and spicy from the horseradish.  It’s the perfect compliment to a slice of prime rib or grilled porterhouse steak.

In a mixing bowl, add freshly grounded horseradish, sour cream, mayo, a splash of apple cider vinegar and chopped chives.  Mix the ingredients together until the liquid has a smooth consistency.  Set in the fridge while the prime rib finishes resting.

Freshly cooked prime rib that is sliced and served on a white platter with roasted potatoes.

Carve into that flavorful and tender rotisserie prime rib, serve with the potatoes and a side of horseradish sauce and enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does it take to cook prime rib on a rotisserie?

An ideal rotisserie prime rib should be removed from the grill once the internal temperature reaches 110 degrees. This usually takes 15-25 minutes per pound.

What’s a good binder for prime rib?

A great binder for prime rib is a garlic and herb compound butter. Add richness and fattiness to the meat plus helps brown the skin. Olive oil is a great alternative. Just sprinkle on the dried herb seasoning.

What is the secret to a good prime rib?

There are a few important steps to ensure a perfectly cooked prime rib. Cook to a medium rare. The done internal temperature should be 110 degrees. The meat will be tender and juicy. Use bone in prime rib for the additional flavor and moisture.

Other Holiday Recipes to Consider:

If you tried this Rotisserie Prime Rib or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the📝 comments. I love hearing from you!

4.75 from 4 votes

Rotisserie Prime Rib

This rotisserie prime rib is the best roast I have ever had.  It’s tender, flavorful and cooked to just the right temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6 People

Ingredients 

  • 8 lbs Bone-in prime rib

Garlid and Herb Butter Ingredients

  • 2 sticks Unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp Minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp Freshly chopped rosemary
  • 1 tbsp Dad's Steak Seasoning

Horseradish Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Sour cream
  • 1/4 cup Mayo
  • 2 tbsp Freshly ground horseradish
  • 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Chopped chives

Instructions 

  • Remove the prime rib from the packaging and pat it dry. Next, cut away the fat cap directly above the bones to expose them.
  • Remove any fat and meat from between the bones and scrape them clean. This will give you a much nicer final presentation.
  • Skewer the prime rib on the rotisserie and secure it in place.
  • In a small bowl combine the room temperature butter, rosemary, garlic and steak seasoning. Pop this in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften in up and and make it spreadable.
  • Brush the soft butter mixture all over the prime rib. Make sure to cover all sides including between the bones.
  • Preheat the grill to 250 degrees and set for indirect heat.
  • Place a small pan of sliced potatoes on the grill and the skewered prime rib right above it. Turn on the rotisserie and let it spin.
  • Total cook time should be around 2-3 hours, depending on size. For a medium rare finish, remove the prime rib from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 110 degrees.
  • Let it rest for 20-25 minutes before carving.

Homemade Horseradish Sauce Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, add freshly grounded horseradish, sour cream, mayo, a splash of apple cider vinegar and chopped chives and mix well.

Notes

Make sure to get a bone in prime rib and trim it your shelf.  It’s more economical, you can keep the level of fat that you desire and the frenched bones make for a pretty presentation.
Make a compound garlic and herb butter in advance that you can use to spread on the prepped prime rib.  The butter adds a layer of fattiness and richness browning and flavoring the skin.
A great alternative to Dad’s steak seasoning is either a different steak seasoning that is herby and peppery or Italian Herb seasoning. Make sure to add salt and pepper.
Prime rib is best enjoyed at 110 degrees doneness.  That’s true grilled, cooked in the oven or on a rotisserie.

Nutrition

Calories: 2166kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 83g | Fat: 200g | Saturated Fat: 89g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 80g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 456mg | Sodium: 358mg | Potassium: 1397mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1031IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 9mg
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About Maciek

I make easy meals that anyone can replicate at home. I’m not a professionally trained chef, just your average guy that likes to fire up the grill. So follow along and see what’s cooking today!

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4.75 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    One of my favorite things to make on the rotisserie. The spinnig and self basting makes this prime rib so good! I hope you love it as much as we do!