Impress your guests with this tantalizing and delectable Prime Rib Rub Recipe! This out-of-this-world flavorful rub will turn your prime rib roast into the crown jewel of your holiday meal! Make it in less than 5 minutes with only 6 ingredients!
I have to confess, I love prime rib. And ever since I made this homemade seasoning blend for my easy prime rib recipe, Smoked Prime Rib; I've been dreaming about making another one.
I know, I know. I just can't eat it every day. The combination of seasoning that goes into this rub is just so dang flavorful. It even tastes fantastic on smoked steak and Smoked Venison Roast!
If you make a prime rib roast for Christmas Day or any other special occasion, you have to put this rub on it. Seriously. You will love it.
Be sure to try my other homemade rub recipes: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning, Dry Rub For Smoked Chicken, Pork Rub, Turkey Rub, and Brisket Rub.
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💗 Why this recipe works
- The ingredients are simple and straightforward. You probably have them in your pantry already. And if not, you can easily find them at any of your local grocery stores.
- This rub is versatile; use it on any cut of beef! Use it on any cut of meat! Just make sure to cover the outside of the roast for the best flavor. It tastes fantastic on rib eye steaks too!
- The flavors complement each other very well, and the flavor is outstanding! It tastes fancy enough to serve for Christmas dinner or any dinner party throughout the holiday season!
- It's quick and easy to prepare! Just mix the ingredients together in a bowl or jar, and it's ready to use!
- You will love the nice crust it creates on the outside!
🧾 Ingredient Notes + Substitutions

- Cracked Black Pepper. I used whole black peppercorns and cracked them with my mortar and pestle. You could use ½ tablespoon of ground black pepper in place of 2 tablespoons of peppercorns.
- Kosher Salt. Kosher salt is my preference, but you could also use sea salt.
- Smoked Paprika. I love the flavor of smoked paprika, but regular paprika will also work.
- Garlic Powder. If you need to, you could substitute 2 teaspoons of granulated garlic in place of 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
- Rosemary. I used 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary that I crushed in my mortar and pestle, but you could use 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary instead.
- Ground Thyme. I used ground thyme, but you could use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme instead.
See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.
👩🏻🍳 Step-by-step recipe instructions
Step 1: Measure out the black peppercorns, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, and ground thyme. Place them into a small bowl or jar.

Step 2: Mix the spices together with a fork or spoon. If using a jar, put the lid on and give it a good shake.


Step 3: Apply a binder to the entire roast, if using. This can be olive oil, butter, or mustard. Apply the rub liberally to whichever prime rib roast you have. Any roast will work, and it can be either a bone-in roast or a boneless prime rib (aka a standing rib roast). Just make sure to cut any excess fat off first. Make sure that the rub covers the entire whole roast. Then, make the perfect prime rib roast on the pellet smoker or grill. Serve with horseradish sauce or au jus, and your favorite side dishes!

Step 4: If you have any leftover rub, store it in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dark place (the pantry is perfect).

💭 Expert Tips
- For the best flavor, use whole black peppercorns that you crush yourself.
- Place the ingredients in an empty shaker, it makes it so easy to apply! Don't have one? Remember to save your empty spice jars!
- Use the juice in the bottom of the roasting pan for serving; aka au jus!
- Let the roast rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to incorporate back into the meat.
📋 Recipe FAQs
Since this is a dry rub and not a dry brine recipe, I only apply the rub just before I start cooking it on the smoker.
Before seasoning a prime rib, it is best to apply a thin layer of butter or oil to the outside. This will help create a crisp crust and also help the seasonings stick to the meat.
A prime rib can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days before cooking. After cooking, it can be refrigerated for an additional three to four days.

👩🏻🍳 More dry rub recipes you have to try!
If you like this post on the Best Prime Rib Rub Recipe, please take a moment to rate the recipe 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and leave a comment below with your thoughts!

The Best Prime Rib Rub Recipe
Equipment
- Mortar and pestle
- Small bowl or jar
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon whole black peppercorns cracked
- 2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
Instructions
- Measure out the black peppercorns, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, and ground thyme. Place them into a small bowl or jar.
- Mix the spices together with a fork or spoon. If using a jar, put the lid on and give it a good shake.
- Apply a binder to the entire roast, if using. Apply the dry rub liberally over the entire roast.
- If you have any leftover rub, store it in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dark place.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor, use whole black peppercorns that you crush yourself.
- Place the ingredients in an empty shaker, it makes it so easy to apply! Don't have one? Remember to save your empty spice jars!
- Use the juice in the bottom of the roasting pan for serving; aka au jus!
- Let the roast rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to incorporate back into the meat.
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