🥩 Prime Rib Roast (Standing Rib Roast)
📖 Description
Prime Rib Roast is a luxurious, tender cut of beef taken from the rib section, known for its rich marbling and deep beefy flavor. Often served for holidays and special occasions, it features a beautifully browned crust on the outside and a juicy, rosy interior. When cooked properly, it’s one of the most impressive and satisfying roasts you can make.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Prime Rib:
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1 prime rib roast (4–6 lbs / 2–3 ribs, bone-in preferred)
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2 tbsp olive oil or softened butter
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2 tbsp kosher salt
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1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
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1 tbsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
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1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
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1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
Optional (for enhanced flavor):
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp onion powder
🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Roast
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Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator 2–3 hours before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
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Pat the roast dry with paper towels.
2. Season
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Mix olive oil (or butter), salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and optional spices.
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Rub the mixture generously over all sides of the roast.
3. Preheat Oven
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Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
4. Roast (High-Heat Start Method)
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Place roast fat-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
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Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes to form a crust.
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Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting:
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Rare: 120°F internal (about 12–14 min per lb)
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Medium-rare: 130°F (ideal)
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Medium: 140°F
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5. Rest
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Remove roast from oven and tent loosely with foil.
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Let rest 20–30 minutes before slicing (temperature will rise 5–10°F).
6. Serve
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Slice against the grain and serve with au jus, horseradish sauce, or gravy.
📝 Notes
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Bone-in roasts cook more evenly and have better flavor.
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A meat thermometer is essential for perfect doneness.
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Do not cover tightly while resting—this keeps the crust intact.
💡 Tips for Best Results
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✔ Salt the roast up to 24 hours ahead for deeper seasoning.
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✔ Always rest the meat to retain juices.
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✔ Use a roasting rack so heat circulates evenly.
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✔ Save drippings for an amazing au jus.
🍽 Servings
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1 pound per person for bone-in roast
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½–¾ pound per person for boneless
Serves: 6–8 people (with a 6-lb roast)
🧮 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
(Based on 8 servings)
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Calories: ~520 kcal
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Protein: 42 g
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Fat: 38 g
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Saturated Fat: 15 g
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Cholesterol: 135 mg
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Sodium: 650 mg
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Iron: 4.5 mg
💪 Health Benefits
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🥩 High-quality complete protein for muscle repair
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🩸 Rich in iron and vitamin B12, supporting energy and red blood cells
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🧠 Contains zinc, important for immune function
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🔥 Satiating, helping control appetite when eaten in moderation
❓ Q & A
Q: Should I use Prime, Choice, or Select grade beef?
A: Prime is best for marbling and tenderness, but Choice works very well and is more affordable.
Q: Can I cook prime rib without a rack?
A: Yes—use thick onion or carrot slices under the roast as a natural rack.
Q: Why start at high heat?
A: It creates a flavorful crust without overcooking the interior.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Prime rib is best fresh, but leftovers reheat gently at low temperature or are great for sandwiches.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate tightly wrapped for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.