Ahhh, prime rib—the king of roast beef. 🥩👑 Let’s make it juicy, tender, and full of flavor, with that gorgeous crust everyone fights over.
Classic Prime Rib Roast
Ingredients (for 4–6 servings):
- 4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg) prime rib roast, bone-in or boneless
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Optional: horseradish sauce or au jus for serving
Instructions:
- Prep the roast:
- Remove roast from fridge 1–2 hours before cooking to reach room temperature.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season:
- Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Rub all over the roast generously.
- Optional: Score fat cap lightly in a criss-cross pattern to render fat evenly.
- Preheat oven: 450°F (230°C).
- Sear / roast:
- Place roast fat-side up in a roasting pan with a rack.
- Roast at 450°F for 15–20 minutes to get a nice crust.
- Lower heat:
- Reduce oven to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches:
- Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
- This usually takes 1.5–2 hours for a 4–5 lb roast.
- Reduce oven to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches:
- Rest:
- Remove roast from oven, cover loosely with foil, and rest 20–30 minutes.
- Resting locks in the juices and allows carryover cooking to reach final temp.
- Serve:
- Slice between the ribs if bone-in, or slice thick for boneless.
- Serve with au jus, horseradish sauce, or your favorite sides.
💡 Pro tips:
- Garlic butter crust: Mix softened butter with herbs & garlic and rub under the fat cap for insane flavor.
- Au jus magic: Use pan drippings, a splash of beef broth, and a drizzle of red wine. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Oven thermometer: Use a probe thermometer to avoid overcooking. Prime rib is unforgiving if overdone.
If you want, I can make a “slow cooker prime rib” version that’s almost as juicy and tender as oven-roasted, but with zero babysitting.
Do you want me to do that?
