Description
Master the perfect prime rib roast with this foolproof two-temperature method. Creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy – ideal for special occasions and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 pounds beef prime rib (bone-in preferred, if larger double the spices/seasonings)
- Sea salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil
- Fresh horseradish for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Remove prime rib from refrigerator one hour before cooking. Season generously with salt on all sides and cover loosely with plastic wrap to bring to room temperature.
- Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 500°F. Combine 1½ teaspoons salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Pat the roast completely dry with paper towels. Massage the seasoning mixture thoroughly onto all surfaces of the meat.
- Place bone-in roast bone-side down in a heavy roasting pan or cast iron skillet. For boneless roasts, use a roasting rack inside the pan.
- Roast at 500°F for exactly 15 minutes to create a golden crust, then immediately reduce temperature to 325°F.
- Continue cooking until meat thermometer reads 5-10 degrees below your target temperature: rare (115°F), medium-rare (125°F), medium (135°F), or medium-well (145°F).
- Remove from oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Rest for 30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carve against the grain into ½-inch thick slices and serve with horseradish if desired.
Notes
- Always use a meat thermometer for best results – the roast will continue cooking during the rest period.
- For best flavor, choose bone-in prime rib roast as the bones add richness during cooking.
- Let the meat rest at room temperature for the full hour – this ensures even cooking throughout.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
- Cold leftover prime rib makes excellent sandwiches or can be gently reheated in a low oven.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: prime rib roast, holiday roast, beef roast, standing rib roast, Christmas dinner, holiday cooking, roast beef, special occasion