Cooking Roast on the Grill for Guaranteed Flavor and Tenderness

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roast cooked on grill

Source: Photo by TheDeliciousLife licensed under CC BY 2.0


When you think of the grill, you usually dream of burgers, hot dogs, wings, and steaks as the staple items for a barbecue. Where does that leave a beef roast? Is this larger cut of meat unable to be flipped and grilled with the best of them?

Roasts are traditionally cooked in the oven because of their large size. Where burgers and steaks can cook on the grill in a matter of minutes on each side, wouldn’t a roast end up overcooking and drying out before the middle ever gets cooked?

Today, we’re going to debunk some myths about cooking roast beef on the grill and get you seeing this cut of beef in a new light.

Can You Grill a Roast?

Cooking a roast on the grill may not be as far-fetched of an idea as you’d think. In fact, if done correctly, the cut can cook evenly and remain as tender as it would in the oven. And, you’ll even get that incredible smoky flavor you expect from grilled foods. There are some tips and tricks to getting your grilled roast just right, though, while locking in the juices and flavors to keep the meat from drying out.

Choosing the Best Roast for the Grill

What type of roast is best for roasting on the grill? You can choose either pork or beef roast, both of which can work well in grilling recipes. But, if you’re specifically in the mood for beef, we recommend going with a tenderloin or another cut that you’d usually roast in the oven at high temperatures. Your grill will also be set to a high temperature to give your roast a good sear, so you’ll want your roast to be able to withstand the heat. 

We also suggest sticking with non-fatty cuts for grill roasting, as fat and grills don’t often work well together. Plus, you’ll need to wait a while for the fat and connective tissue to break down and boost the texture of your roast on the grill.

How to Cook Roast on the Grill

Most foods you cook on the grill take a little bit of practice to perfect. The truth is that everything cooks just a bit differently on a grill, and it can take time to learn the quirks of different food and the times they’ll take to cook. Even if you take two cuts of the same steak, one slightly thicker than the other, their cook times can vary. And, your grill even makes a difference, because one side might cook food faster than another, especially if you’re using a charcoal grill.

With that being said, there are some general rules you can follow to cook a delicious roast on the grill – and you can expect it to turn out just as tasty and tender as it would in the oven.

Tips & Tricks for Grilled Roast Beef: Grilling the Most Tender Roast

If you’re wondering how to cook a New York strip roast, or any other pork or beef roast, on the grill, you’re in luck because Chicago Steak Company has you covered. Grilling is probably one of the most overlooked cooking methods for a roast, which usually ends up baked or as a pot roast, but grilling can – and should – be one method you consider. 

Here are a few pointers to help you cook up the perfect grilled roast:

  • Your charcoal or gas grill matters! Make sure your grill is large enough so that your beef or pork roast has plenty of space to cook both in direct and indirect grilling. It’s best to shoot for a grill that’s at least 20 inches, but bigger is better in this case.
  • Pre-heat your grill to about 350 degrees with the lid closed to allow a slow grill and even, thorough cooking.
  • Cover the roast with your favorite rub for added flavour before placing it on the grill. Or, stick to some olive oil, salt, and pepper for a more traditional taste. You might also want to add flavored wood chunks to the grill to get the smoky flavor you’re looking for. Are you going for a bold barbecue flavor? Add some barbecue sauce to all sides of the roast!
  • Give your prime rib roast a good sear by placing it on the hottest part of your grill until the crust becomes lightly browned and crispy. If you do have a fatty piece of meat, don’t sear the fatty end, as the drippings can cause dangerous flare-ups.
  • Once it’s seared, move the roast away from direct heat and close the lid to allow it to cook the rest of the way. This works much like an oven would, heating your roast thoroughly and evenly.
  • As a rule of thumb, you’ll need to grill your roast for 15 to 20 minutes per pound, depending on your desired doneness. A medium rare roast should cook to 130 to 135 degrees, while a medium roast should cook to about 140 degrees before removing it from the grill. Always check the internal temperature with a reliable thermometer.
  • Allow resting at room temperature for up to 30 minutes before you slice the meat to allow the juices to move back through your grilled beef roast to preserve tenderness. At least 15 minutes of resting is ideal. Check the temperature again with your meat thermometer after resting to ensure that the roast is cooked to your desired temperature.

Final Thoughts on Grilling a Roast

Are you ready to try grilling a roast beef yourself? Great! Once you get the first one underway, you’ll be a pro at it. Be sure to check out our other grilling recipes at Steak University and helpful grilling articles that can teach you to become a grilling master, like learning how long to grill steak. Enjoy your grilled roast, and be sure to check out the selection of roasts and other beef that Chicago Steak Company has to offer!

Cooking a Roast on the Grill FAQs