This is a stunning and holiday-worthy roast that we reserve for spe cial meals like Christmas dinner. It’s right up there with juicy Roast Turkey. Everyone should have a go-to recipe for Prime Rib Roast and this recipe doesn’t disappoint. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. Prime rib is so satisfying and pairs really well with creamy mashed potatoes and baked asparagus for the ultimate holiday feast. And don’t forget the Creamy Horseradish Sauce.
Prime Rib Video Tutorial
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Prime Rib Roast Recipe
Repeat after me, “prime rib is not scary.” It’s actually very simple to prepare. Prime Rib Roast can be intimidating because it is an expensive cut of beef and is usually made for important life events or holidays, but really, this is not hard to make. The secrets to a great prime rib are:
What Cut is Prime Rib Meat?
There are 2 grades at the grocery store; USDA prime grade and USDA choice grade. Prime grade has more fat and marbling and can be considerably more expensive per pound. If you aren’t sure, ask your butcher whether your roast is prime or choice because it isn’t always clear on the packaging and most cuts sold are actually “choice”. See our tutorial on How to Select a Prime Rib Roast. This recipe works for either prime or choice, so go with the best you can buy. Pro Tip: Look for bone-in prime rib, also known as a “Standing Rib Roast.” We used a 7 lb bone-in beef prime rib, but you can use larger or smaller roasts and modify the baking time per the cooking time chart below. P.S. You can use the bones later to make a Beef Stock.
How to Carve and Tie Prime Rib Roast
Pre-cutting the bones away is optional but will make carving easier when ready to serve. It’s best to do it ahead than struggle with it in front of dinner guests. Removing and re-attaching the ribs with a string doesn’t change the juiciness of the roast at all. Pro Tip: A butcher can cut away the ribs and tie the roast for you (usually free of charge).
The Best Prime Rib Seasoning Rub
Combine 6 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1/2 Tbsp salt, 1/2 Tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves, 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves, and 3 Tbsp light olive oil. It’s even better if you let it sit for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld. Pro Tips: Mince garlic with a knife. Do not use a garlic press as pressed garlic burns under high heat. Also, use an extra light olive oil with a high smoke point so your oven is less likely to get smokey.
How to Cook Prime Rib:
- Season and Rest – Sprinkle meat all over with about 2 tsp salt, cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rest on the counter for 3 hours to come to room temperature. The roast will bake more uniformly if it is near room temperature. When nearly at room temperature, Preheat the Oven to 500˚F with a rack in the lower third of the oven.
- Pat Dry and Rub – use paper towels to pat dry the roast then use your hands to rub the garlic and herb mixture all over the top and sides of the roast. Place into a roasting pan, rib-side-down.
- Roast – Put an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the meat and cook according to the Cooking Time Chart Below.
- Rest the roast – Once out of the oven transfer to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest 30 minutes before carving. If you don’t rest the roast, it will juice out and become chewy. Remove the kitchen string and use a carving knife to slice against the grain to desired thickness
Prime Rib Cooking Time
Bake in a fully pre-heated oven at 500˚F for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325˚F and continue baking:
10-12 min per pound for rare13-14 min per pound for medium-rare14-15 min per pound for medium16-17 min per pound for medium-well
Roast until the thermometer registers:
115-120˚F for rare 125-130˚F for medium-rare 135-140 for medium doneness145-150 for a medium-well
The internal temp of the roast will continue to rise 5-10 degrees even after it’s out of the oven so don’t over-bake it. You can put it back in the oven if you want it more done. Pro Tip: A colder or thicker roast will take more time to cook and oven strengths can vary so a meat thermometer is super-important. The garlic crust and initial roasting over high heat seal in the juices and make every bite of this Prime Rib roast so tender and flavorful. I learned to make a standing rib roast from my blogging friend, Elise of Simply Recipes and I am using her method for prepping and baking.
Common Questions
Serve with
Here’s a classic holiday Prime Rib Menu that will impress everyone:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Au Gratin PotatoesCloverleaf Rolls Horseradish Sauce Green Bean CasseroleRoasted Cauliflower
