Smoking a ribeye roast is one of the best ways to cook beef, but when you are tweaking it for the Carnivore Diet, Keto Diet, and Low-Carb meals, it becomes the perfect high-fat, high-protein, zero-carb dish. To make a yummy smoked ribeye roast, you need to learn how to select the cut, how to smoke it, how to make boneless versus bone-in, how to calculate macros, and how to modify it for zero-carb Carnivore or flexible low-carb lifestyles. Let’s get cooking!
Because Ketogenic and Carnivore diets avoid sugary rubs, marinades, and starchy sides, a typical smoked ribeye roast recipe won’t always suit your needs on a Keto or Carnivore Diet.
So, we need to tweak the recipe of the smoked ribeye roast based on the macros allowed on our diet, whether zero-carb Carnivore, Low-Carb, Keto, or Ketovore Diet.
You can use both bone-in and boneless cuts to make smoked ribeye roast, but choosing between them depends on what you are looking for.
Both come from the rib primal, running ribs 6 through 12, known for marbling and tenderness. However, prime rib refers to a bone-in standing rib roast, while a ribeye roast is boneless and easier to slice.
This distinction is important because the bone impacts flavor, cook time, and how the final dish looks.
Boneless ribeye roast can be smoked evenly because heat penetrates the meat evenly. It also gives clean, uniform slices, good for meal prep, lunch portions, and freezing.
So, if you are cooking for your whole week on a Keto or Carnivore Diet, boneless ribeye is the most convenient option.
Bone-in ribeye roast, aka prime rib, gives a richer beefy taste thanks to bone marrow, collagen, and fat rendering from the bones.
It can give a delicious meal for special occasions or if you want maximum flavor. It also dries out harder during long smokes. So, if you are on a high-fat Carnivore Diet, bone-in is a better choice.
To decide more easily, you can check the following table that compares Ribeye Roast vs. Prime Rib.
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Your smoked ribeye roast is only as good as the cut you start with. Look for heavy marbling, USDA Prime or Choice. More marbling means more fat melt, which improves taste and texture.
In addition to taste, it is important for individuals who follow Keto or Carnivore diets and rely on fat sources to increase satiety and hit daily macro targets.
For weight, assume:
Trim only the hard exterior fat that won’t render. Leave the fat cap because those on a high-fat Carnivore Diet especially benefit from the high-fat outer layers, which crisp beautifully during the smoke.
After choosing the right cut of meat, we need recipes and ingredients that fit our diet rules. Let’s learn how to tweak the smoked ribeye roast recipe for Carnivore, Keto, and Low-Carb diets. You can also use these Carnivore Diet Recipes for more low- or zero-carb meal ideas.
Learn More: 30 High Protein Low Carb Lunch Ideas for Keto and Carnivore
Since the macronutrient ratio differs from diet to diet, you need to pick food sources and cooking methods that work best for your diet. If you need help to find the right balance of macros based on your age, gender, and activity level, use this free Carnivore Macro Calculator.
This recipe gives a zero-carb smoked ribeye roast. To make it, you need 2-3.5 hours without brine or 14-27 hours with brine. 3, 4, and 5 lbs of roast give 6, 8, and 10 servings, respectively.
Calories: 520 kcal | Protein: 42 g | Fat: 40 g | Carbohydrates: 0 g
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This recipe for smoked ribeye roast is almost zero-carb but contains herbs and olive oil to change the taste according to the rules of a Keto or Ketovore Diet.
You can make 8-12 servings of this yummy dish in 3.5-4.5 hours.
Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 40 g | Fat: 42 g | Net Carbohydrates: <1g
Learn More: Does Meat Have Carbs? The Truths That Carnivores Should Know
This recipe is suitable for more relaxed versions of Keto and Ketovore. It is also perfect for a Low-Carb Diet, but it is not suitable for a zero-carb Carnivore Diet.
You can make 6-10 servings in 3-4.25 hours using the following ingredients and instructions.
Calories: 570 kcal | Protein: 40 g | Fat: 46 g | Net Carbohydrates: 1-2 g
If you have not used the smoker before or are looking for the best methods of using it, check out the step-by-step guide below.
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Using the following techniques helps you reach tenderness, flavor, and proper rendering. Always cook with a thermometer to avoid guessing.
Resting allows juices to redistribute. To add more crust without overcooking, you can use the reverse sear method. It includes resting and then a quick sear.
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On a Carnivore Diet, you can serve the smoked ribeye roast as follows:
On a Ketovore or Keto Diet, you can serve the meat with
On a Low-Carb Diet, you can serve it with
Learn More: Why Lab-Grown Meat Is Bad: What Every Carnivore Should Know
If the roast dries out:
If bark (crust) doesn’t form:
If the smoke flavor is too strong:
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A smoked ribeye roast is one of the most satisfying meals for Keto, Carnivore, and Low-Carb lifestyles.
With the right cut, proper smoking technique, and seasonings based on your diet rules and daily macros, you can enjoy juicy, tender slices of beef every week without sacrificing goals or flavor.
Let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about smoked ribeye roast.
No, prime rib is usually bone-in, while ribeye roast is boneless. However, the meat comes from the same primal cut, so their flavor and texture are similar.
Boneless ribeye roast smokes more evenly. Bone-in prime rib has a richer taste. Keto/ Carnivore dieters may prefer bone-in for more fat.
At 225°F (110°C), 30-35 minutes per pound is enough, but always rely on internal temperature, not cook time.
Yes, ribeye is one of the best Keto proteins due to its high fat and zero carbs.
Zero-carb Carnivore uses only salt. More flexible versions allow pepper, garlic, and herbs.
Use butter sauces or bone marrow on a Carnivore Diet. You can use low-carb vegetable sides like spinach or asparagus on a Keto Diet.
Yes, boneless works best for clean slices. You can store sliced roast in airtight containers for 4-5 days.
Usually yes, because bone-in prime rib is a premium holiday cut.
