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Sliced smoked ribeye roast showing a juicy pink interior and dark crusty bark on a cutting board

Smoked Ribeye Roast

Smoking a ribeye roast transforms a premium cut of beef into an unforgettable centerpiece, perfect for a holiday roast or any special occasion. This low-and-slow method creates a deeply smoky, tender roast with a flavorful crust every time.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Marinate Time 12 hours
Total Time 7 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, BBQ
Servings 12 servings
Calories 710 kcal

Equipment

  • Smoker Pellet grill, offset, electric, or charcoal smoker
  • Leave-in Probe Thermometer Essential for monitoring internal temperature
  • Large cutting board For preparation and carving
  • Sharp carving knife
  • Butcher's twine Required for boneless roasts

Ingredients
  

For the Ribeye Roast

  • 1 (8-10 lb) ribeye roast bone-in or boneless
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or beef tallow as a binder

For the SPOG Dry Rub

  • 1/4 cup coarse kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder

Instructions
 

  • Pat the ribeye roast thoroughly dry with paper towels. If using a boneless roast, tie it with butcher's twine every 1.5-2 inches to maintain a uniform shape for even cooking.
  • In a small bowl, combine the coarse kosher salt, coarsely ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Lightly coat the roast's surface with olive oil or beef tallow as a binder, then apply the rub generously on all sides.
  • Place the seasoned roast on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Refrigerate uncovered overnight, or for at least 8 and up to 24 hours, to allow the dry brine to penetrate the meat.
  • Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Add your preferred wood for smoking, such as oak, hickory, or a blend of oak and cherry.
  • Place the roast directly on the smoker grate. Insert a leave-in meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure to avoid any bones. Smoke until the internal temperature is 10-15°F below your desired final temperature (e.g., pull at 125°F for a final medium-rare).
  • Once the target temperature is reached, remove the roast from the smoker and tent loosely with foil. For a superior crust, perform a reverse sear by increasing your smoker or grill temperature to 500°F. Sear the roast for 1-2 minutes per side until a dark, flavorful crust develops.
  • Transfer the roast to a large cutting board. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. The internal temperature will continue to rise 5-10°F during this rest.
  • Carve the roast against the grain into your desired thickness. If using a bone-in roast, slice the bones off first, then carve the roast. Serve immediately.

Notes

Most pitmasters smoke ribeye roast to medium-rare (pulling from the smoker at 125-130°F). At this temperature, the marbling is fully rendered and the meat is exceptionally juicy and tender.
Keywords holiday roast, prime rib, ribeye roast, smoked prime rib, smoked ribeye roast