Prime Rib Recipe

Juicy Prime Rib Recipe: Fool-Proof Elegance For Any Dinner

Succulent and rich, this prime rib recipe delivers a showstopping centerpiece that will have everyone at the table swooning.

Beef enthusiasts know that selecting the perfect cut makes all the difference in creating a memorable meal.

Seasoned with a blend of robust herbs and spices, the prime rib becomes a canvas of extraordinary flavor.

Each slice promises tender, juicy meat with a beautifully caramelized exterior that melts in your mouth.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the simplicity of this classic preparation.

The technique requires minimal ingredients but produces maximum impact, ensuring a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Fire up the oven and prepare to impress with a roast that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary celebration.

Prime Rib Why It’s the Ultimate Roast

  • Prime rib transforms any gathering into an elegant feast, perfect for holiday dinners or special celebrations with its impressive presentation and rich flavor.
  • The step-by-step method ensures consistent results, making even novice cooks feel confident about preparing a restaurant-quality roast without complicated skills.
  • With just basic seasonings like salt and pepper, this recipe proves sophisticated dishes don't require complex or expensive ingredients, delivering maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Different doneness levels accommodate various preferences, allowing everyone from rare meat lovers to well-done enthusiasts to enjoy a perfectly customized slice of prime rib.

Prime Rib Ingredient Checklist

Main Protein:
  • Prime Rib: A classic, tender beef roast with rich marbling that provides exceptional flavor and juiciness.
Seasoning Essentials:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural beef flavor and create a delicious crust.
Cooking Accessories:
  • Meat Thermometer: Crucial tool to ensure precise doneness and prevent overcooking.
  • Roasting Pan, Aluminum Foil: Kitchen equipment necessary for proper roasting and resting of the meat.
Gravy Components:
  • Flour, Pan Drippings, Liquid (Broth or Water): Ingredients used to create a flavorful sauce that complements the prime rib.

Tools for Prime Rib Cooking Success

  • Roasting Pan: Large, sturdy pan with high sides to catch drippings and support the prime rib.
  • Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking internal temperature and achieving perfect doneness.
  • Kitchen Twine: Used to tie bones back to roast, ensuring even cooking.
  • Sharp Knife: For trimming meat and carving after resting.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps cover and rest the meat, keeping it warm and juicy.
  • Whisk: Perfect for creating smooth gravy from pan drippings.
  • Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for preparing and carving meat.

Steps for Juicy Prime Rib Every Time

Step 1: Unwrap And Prepare The Roast

Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator 3 hours before cooking.

Carefully inspect the meat and ensure the bones are cut and tied back.

Generously salt the entire surface of the roast, allowing it to reach room temperature and absorb the seasoning.

Step 2: Get Ready To Sizzle

Preheat the oven to a blazing 500°F.

Take a clean kitchen towel and thoroughly pat the roast dry to help create a perfect golden crust.

Sprinkle the meat with:
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Place the roast fat-side up in a sturdy roasting pan, inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part.

Step 3: Create A Gorgeous Crust

Slide the roasting pan into the scorching hot oven.

Roast at 500°F for exactly 15 minutes to develop a mouthwatering, crispy exterior that will make everyone’s stomach growl.

Step 4: Slow And Steady Cooking

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F.

Continue cooking until the meat thermometer reaches:
  • 115°F for rare
  • 125°F for medium-rare
  • 130°F for medium

This typically takes about 11-15 minutes per pound.

The meat will continue cooking during resting.

Step 5: Let It Rest And Relax

Carefully remove the roast from the oven.

Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15-30 minutes.

This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly tender and flavorful.

Step 6: Whip Up A Delicious Gravy

Collect the flavorful pan drippings.

In a saucepan, create a smooth gravy by whisking flour into the drippings.

Gradually add liquid (beef broth or water), continuing to whisk until the gravy reaches a perfect, silky consistency.

Tips for Tender, Flavorful Prime Rib

  • Remove roast from refrigerator 3 hours before cooking to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness throughout the meat.
  • Use coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for robust flavor, coating the entire surface of the prime rib evenly.
  • Use a reliable meat thermometer to track doneness precisely, pulling the roast slightly before desired temperature since it continues cooking during resting.
  • Tent the roast with aluminum foil after cooking and let it rest for 15-30 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum moisture retention.
  • Collect pan drippings and whisk with flour gradually, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, rich sauce that complements the prime rib.

Fun Prime Rib Flavor Combinations

  • Herb-Crusted Prime Rib: Replace simple salt and pepper with a mix of rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and crushed black pepper for an aromatic herbal coating.
  • Low-Sodium Prime Rib: Use dried herbs and spices instead of salt, creating a flavorful crust with minimal sodium content.
  • Gluten-Free Gravy Option: Substitute traditional flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder when making pan gravy to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Smoky Spice Prime Rib: Add smoked paprika and chili powder to the seasoning blend for a bold, southwestern-inspired flavor profile.

Ways to Serve Prime Rib Like a Pro

  • Festive Family Feast: Serve prime rib as the stunning centerpiece for holiday gatherings, surrounding the roast with rosemary sprigs and roasted seasonal vegetables.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Slice meat thinly against the grain, arranging delicate pieces on warm white platters with a drizzle of homemade gravy and fresh herb garnish.
  • Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic green beans, and a robust red wine reduction sauce for a luxurious dining experience that celebrates classic flavors.
  • Weekend Leftover Magic: Transform remaining prime rib into gourmet sandwiches using crusty sourdough, horseradish cream, and caramelized onions for a delicious next-day meal.

Storing Prime Rib

  • Store leftover prime rib slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Seal prime rib portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat oven to 250F. Place slices in baking dish, add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Use low power setting. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and adding a tablespoon of broth to prevent drying. Stop heating when meat reaches desired warmth.

FAQs

  • What is the best way to season prime rib?

Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper generously. Season the entire roast, including sides and bottom, at least an hour before cooking to help develop a flavorful crust.

  • How do I know my prime rib is cooked correctly?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast. For rare, aim for 115°F; for medium-rare, target 125°F; for medium, reach 135°F. The temperature will continue rising slightly while resting.

  • Why should I let the prime rib rest after cooking?

Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice remains tender and juicy. Cover the roast loosely with foil and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before carving to preserve moisture and flavor.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Prime Rib Recipe

Prime Rib Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Prime rib roast emerges as a luxurious centerpiece for special occasions, showcasing rich flavors and tender meat. Careful seasoning and precise roasting techniques guarantee a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with each succulent slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (10-pound) standing rib roast, 3-7 ribs

Seasoning:

  • Salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper

Gravy Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup fat and drippings from pan
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 34 cups water, milk, stock, or beer
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Liberate the prime rib roast from refrigeration approximately 3 hours prior to cooking, generously coating with salt and allowing it to equilibrate to ambient temperature. Confirm the bones are precisely severed and reattached.
  2. Meticulously pat the roast until completely dry, then lavishly season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Position the meat fat-side upward within a robust roasting vessel, embedding a precise meat thermometer. Ignite the oven to a scorching 500°F.
  3. Introduce the roast into the fiery oven, executing an intense 15-minute browning process that caramelizes the exterior and seals in robust flavors.
  4. Dramatically reduce oven temperature to 325°F, continuing the culinary transformation. Monitor the internal temperature closely, targeting 115°F for rare or 130°F for medium, allocating roughly 11-15 minutes per pound of meat.
  5. Extract the roast from the oven’s embrace, immediately shroud with aluminum foil, permitting a tranquil resting period of 15-30 minutes. This crucial interval allows internal juices to redistribute, ensuring supreme tenderness.
  6. Harvest the precious pan drippings, whisking in flour with methodical precision. Gradually incorporate liquid, continuously stirring until the gravy achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality meat with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Let meat rest at room temperature ensures even cooking and prevents tough texture.
  • Position roast fat-side up to help self-baste and create crispy external layer.
  • Use a reliable meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and maintain precise doneness.
  • Create a simple herb rub with rosemary, thyme, and garlic for enhanced taste profile.
  • Allow generous resting time to redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
  • Slice against the grain for most tender and easy-to-chew meat pieces.
  • Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun or Mediterranean for variety.
  • Consider cooking on a rack inside roasting pan to improve air circulation.
  • Select bone-in prime rib for deeper flavor and more succulent results.
  • Prep Time: 3 hours
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star