Quick Answer
The total time to rotisserie a prime rib generally takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on the size of the roast. You’ll want to cook it slowly over indirect heat, rotating frequently, until it reaches an internal temperature between 120-135°F for medium-rare doneness. The exact time will vary based on the size and thickness of your prime rib roast.
Calculating Roast Time
When determining how long to rotisserie a prime rib roast, the main factors to consider are:
- Size/weight of the roast
- Desired doneness level
- Rotisserie temperature
Larger/thicker roasts will obviously take longer than smaller ones. Aiming for medium-rare rather than well-done will also reduce cooking time. Setting your rotisserie to a temperature between 200-325°F will ensure steady, even cooking.
As a general guideline, you can calculate approximate rotisserie times for prime rib as follows:
| Roast Weight | Approx. Cook Time |
| 4-6 lbs | 1.5 hours |
| 6-8 lbs | 1.75-2 hours |
| 8-10 lbs | 2-2.5 hours |
So for a medium-sized 6-8 lb prime rib roast, you’ll want to allot around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours for rotisserie cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Rotisserie Method
Follow these simple steps for rotisserie prime rib success:
- Prepare the roast: Thoroughly pat dry prime rib and season all over with salt, pepper, and any other dry rub spices. Allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking.
- Preheat the rotisserie: Set rotisserie unit to 250°F. Let it fully preheat before loading on the roast.
- Load and tie: Carefully pierce meat with rotisserie rod, securing at both ends. Use butcher’s twine to tie roast into a uniform shape.
- Cook low and slow: Cook prime rib over indirect heat, rotating constantly at 3-4 RPM speed. Maintain even heat around 200-325°F.
- Monitor temperature: At the halfway point, start checking temperature every 15 minutes. Remove from heat at 120-135°F for medium-rare.
- Let rest before slicing: Allow prime rib to rest 15-20 minutes before removing twine and carving into slices.
- Serve and enjoy! Slice into 1/2″ thick cuts and serve immediately with favorite sides.
Tips for Best Results
Here are a few handy tips to ensure perfect rotisserie prime rib every time:
- Choose a well-marbled roast with generous outer fat cap for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Trim excess hard fat, but leave about 1/4″ thick fat cap to baste the meat while cooking.
- Season aggressively with salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and other desired seasonings.
- Tie roast tightly and securely onto rotisserie rod to prevent slippage.
- Use a remote probe thermometer for accurate temp monitoring without opening the grill.
- Allow roast to rest before slicing to redistribute juices.
- Carve across the grain into thin, even slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sear the prime rib first?
For rotisserie cooking, searing beforehand is optional. The constant rotation self-bastes the roast, so a crispy sear is not essential. Skipping this step reduces total cooking time.
What temperature is medium-rare?
For a nice pink center with gooey texture, medium-rare prime rib is around 125°F internal temperature. Shoot for 120-135°F to account for carryover cooking during resting time.
Can you speed up the cooking process?
It’s not recommended to cook prime rib above 325°F, as the high heat will dry out and toughen the meat. Allow ample time for low, indirect cooking for ideal tenderness.
What if the prime rib is too rare after cooking?
If it’s slightly underdone, you can put it back on the cooled rotisserie unit for 5-10 minutes to bring up the internal temp a bit more before resting/serving.
Is rotisserie better than oven roasting?
Rotisserie cooking allows for more even, hands-off cooking without the need to flip or adjust the roast. The self-basting gives incredible flavor. Oven roasting also works well but requires more monitoring.
Conclusion
Rotisserie cooking is a fantastic hands-off method for achieving tender, juicy prime rib roasts with amazing flavor. figure approximately 1.5-2 hours for most prime rib sizes to reach ideal medium-rare doneness around 125°F. Monitor the temperature closely near the end and allow the meat to properly rest before slicing. With the right technique, your rotisserie prime rib will turn out perfectly roasted with a crispy seasoned exterior every time.
Now that you know exactly how long to rotisserie prime rib to juicy perfection, it’s time fire up the grill! Impress your guests with your chef skills by serving this succulent, slow-roasted beef masterpiece.
References
- https://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/recipes/recipedetail.aspx?id=638
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/rotisserie-prime-rib-recipe-333559
- https://www.traegergrills.com/learn/prime-rib-on-a-rotisserie
- https://www.foodfirefriends.com/rotisserie-prime-rib-recipe/
- https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cuts/cut/2470/prime-rib