Food Quiz

Perfect Prime Rib Recipe for Your Holiday Dinner

Content

A piece of roast beef is sitting on a plate.

Ingredients

For the perfect Prime Rib, you need the right ingredients! This recipe calls for a 5-bone roast ribeye, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and fresh rosemary. Combine these with some cooking techniques and you’ll have the perfect Prime Rib for your holiday feast!

Perfect Prime Rib Recipe for Your Holiday Dinn
Perfect Prime Rib Recipe for Your Holiday Dinn

Prime rib roast

Prime rib, aka standing rib roast, is a classic holiday dish. To get the best results, purchase high quality cuts of meat from a reputable store. Look for marbled pieces that are firm and red. Before cooking, season with salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme.

Heat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then reduce to 325 degrees. Cook for around 20 minutes per pound. Let the roast rest covered in foil on a platter before serving. That way, the juices will redistribute throughout the slices. Enjoy!

Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper are essential seasonings for beef. When seasoning your prime rib, be sure to generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides.

Salt and pepper not only add flavor, but also help create a flavorful crust when searing the prime rib. When searing, take care to make sure the fat isn’t burning or scorching. Allow it plenty of time over heat so it can render out. That way, the edges will caramelize and the seasonings come through.

Season aggressively! If unsure, go heavier with the salt and pepper. You can always adjust flavors later, but ensure it has enough seasoning before it enters the oven. Especially if you are slow roasting at a low temperature for hours.

Garlic

Garlic is great for adding flavour to prime rib roast. It has health benefits too! For your roast, you need unpeeled garlic cloves, salt, pepper, parsley and rosemary. Put the cloves in crevices or under fat layers. To save time, cut all the cloves into small sections and mix with the other herbs. Sprinkle the mixture over the roast. Be careful when slicing – too much friction reduces the potency of the oil. Pat the mixture down with more oil for extra flavour. Finally, wrap the beef in foil before baking until golden brown.

Garlic is an amazing addition to prime rib – give it a try this holiday season!

Herbs and spices

Herbs and spices are great for adding flavor to your prime rib roast. Some of the popular ones are: garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and onion powder.

  • Garlic can be fresh, dried, or powdered. It is often blended with olive oil, salt, and pepper to make a paste to rub onto the roast before cooking.
  • Rosemary has a unique aroma that pairs well with prime rib. You can use it fresh or dried in a rub before or after cooking.
  • Thyme adds its own flavor profile when seasoning the roast. It can be used fresh or dried.
  • Paprika gives flavor and a bright red color. It can be rubbed on some cuts of beef before cooking, or sprinkled onto already cooked meats.
  • Onion powder is made from dried onions and is sweet and mild. It is easy to spread on the meat before cooking.

Preparation

Ready for the holiday dinner? Prime rib is perfect! Get the right cut – well-marbled, center of the ribeye. Then season it with your favorite herbs and spices. Sizzle in a hot pan. Move to the oven and roast to your desired temperature. Rest the prime rib before carving and serving. There you have it – a delicious prime rib!

Preheat oven

Before you start prepping your prime rib dinner, preheat the oven! 500°F (260°C) is the ideal temp for roasting. Setting the oven before you begin will ensure reaching and maintaining this temp. Plus, it gives you time to adjust if the internal temp is not where it should be. Preheating also helps keep flavor and moisture for a juicy and tender roast!

Rub roast with salt, pepper, garlic, herbs and spices

For the perfect prime rib, prep is key. Rub a mix of salt, pepper, herbs or spices onto the roast. Traditional ingredients like garlic and rosemary work well, or try something new! Make sure the seasoning is even to bring out the unique flavors. Consider the type of drippings you want when picking herbs. Add the rub liberally until the roast is evenly coated. Some recipes suggest adding flavorless oil, but not necessary.

Refrigerate for 2-4 hours in advance to let the seasoning adhere naturally.

Place roast in roasting pan

Get the tastiest prime rib roast by selecting high-quality meat. Generously season it. Place the fat side up in the roasting pan, on the center rack of an oven preheated to 325-350°F. Use an oven thermometer if you have one.

  • Insert an oven-proof digital thermometer so you can read it without opening the oven door while cooking.

Cover with aluminum foil

Grab a sheet of aluminum foil big enough to cover the prime rib roast with extra overlap. Wrap the foil around the joint tightly, so steam can’t escape. Make sure there are no holes in the foil. Then, place the covered roast in the oven. This will keep it moist and help to steady the temperature.

Cooking

Prime rib is a festive feast that your relatives and pals will love! To make a delicious and tender prime rib at home, purchase an exceptional cut of ribeye. Know the right technique to prepare and cook it. Here’s all you need for a perfect prime rib for your special dinner:

  • Exceptional cut of ribeye
  • The right technique to prepare and cook it

Roast at 350°F for 1 hour

Cooking prime rib roast? It’s important to know oven temps and cooking times. Generally, roast one hour per pound of meat at 350°F plus 20 extra minutes. Begin by seasoning generously with salt and pepper.

Heat the oven at least 15 minutes before you plan on putting the prime rib in. Place the seasoned joint onto a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan or Dutch oven. Don’t forget to add an inch or two of water to the bottom of the tray. Place the pan on the middle shelf. Set the timer for one hour per pound at 350°F for each side. Add 20 extra minutes. Use a thermometer regularly to check the internal temperature. When it reaches 135°F, it’s ready! Want a crunchy crust? Leave in 5-10 more minutes.

Take out the roast right away and let rest for 25-30 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, making a flavorful dish. Enjoy!

Reduce heat to 250°F

Brown your prime rib over heat of 250°F (121°C). Add extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, and kosher salt to the pan. Cover the roast with aluminum foil to create a tight seal. Place the roasting pan in preheated oven on lower-middle rack for about 2 hours. Check it every 45 minutes and rotate if needed. Every oven is different, so use a thermometer to measure its internal temperature. Aim for 130-135°F (55-57°C) for medium, or 140-145°F (60-63°C) for well done.

Once desired temp is reached, remove roast from oven. Let it rest on cutting board for 15 minutes before carving.

Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 140°F

Season your roast and get ready to cook! Pre-heat the oven to 450°F, then place the roast in a shallow roasting pan, fat side up. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone. Now lower the temperature to 325°F and begin timing.

  • For medium rare (140°F), roast for 1.5-2 hours. In general, 18-20 minutes per pound.
  • To make it well-done, increase cooking time by 10 minutes per pound.
  • Be sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature – over 160°F and it’s too dry and chewy!

Finally, let your prime rib rest for 15 minutes before cutting – this keeps it hot! To ensure desired doneness, use a thermometer – don’t skip this step!

Perfect Prime Rib Recipe for Your Holiday Dinn
Perfect Prime Rib Recipe for Your Holiday Dinn

Resting

Resting your prime rib is vital. It helps the juices spread. Also, it gives your roast a yummy flavor. Here’s how to rest your prime rib right:

  • Let the juices even out.
  • Then, release the roast’s fragrant juices.
  • Enjoy the deliciousness!

Remove roast from oven

When the roast’s internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) for medium-rare, 130°F (54°C) for medium, or 140°F (60°C) for well-done, it’s time to take out of the oven. Make sure to check the temperature in multiple locations near the bone.

Transfer the roast to a large cutting board and put foil over it loosely. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows flavorful juices that have been drawn to the middle to spread throughout. The internal temperature will rise a few degrees until it stabilizes. Don’t carve too soon or the juices will go onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat.

Let rest for 15 minutes

Let your prime rib rest at the end of the cooking process! This will make it full of flavour and super tender. Don’t cut into it straight away – leave it in a warm spot for 15 minutes. After that, grab a sharp knife and cut perfect slices. Serve with some pan drippings if you want! Yum!

Carve and serve

Check the internal temperature of the prime rib with several readings. When it reaches 140°F, take the roast out of the oven and let it rest for 20 mins.

Heat a skillet on high heat and add 1tbsp of butter or olive oil. Caramelize the cooked garlic cloves for 2 mins per side.

Tilt the roasting pan so the fat and juices run to one corner. Remove the fat with a spoon or baster. Transfer the juices to a saucepan over low heat or a flame on an outdoor grill burner.

Add the following ingredients to the saucepan:

  • ½tsp black pepper
  • ¼tsp white pepper
  • 1tsp sea salt
  • 1tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2tbsp honey (optional)

Simmer – don’t boil – until flavors blend. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Serve with your prime rib dinner!

Serving

Serve up a delish prime rib roast for the holidays! It’s no easy feat, so we’ve got the recipe for the perfect one here. Prep and cook it just right for a juicy and flavorful prime rib that’ll be a hit. Here’s the secret: follow our instructions – and voila! Enjoy the perfect prime rib roast during the holidays.

Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables

Accompanying a prime rib with savory sides is a great way to complete a holiday dinner. Mashed potatoes are ideal – mix butter, cream, salt and pepper according to taste. To make it extra decadent, replace some or all of the half-and-half with sour cream or cream cheese. Add garlic and freshly chopped herbs like chives or parsley.

Gravy is a popular accompaniment for prime rib – it cuts through the richness. Make a traditional beef gravy from roux and stock (or chicken) flavored with herbs like rosemary or thyme. If you’re short on time, store-bought products work too – just keep it simple so their ingredients don’t overpower the flavor.

Vegetables are essential for holiday meals. Balance out the flavors and add color with roasted vegetables like carrots and onions in melted butter spiced with thyme or rosemary. Alternatively, serve steamed vegetables like squash or green beans lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!

Now your prime rib is cooked to perfection. Take it out of the oven and serve. Let it rest for 15 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle and make cutting easier. Plus, it will stay warm.

Carve the roast into thin slices across the grain to get maximum tenderness. Serve with roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes, green beans or broccoli, mac & cheese or a side salad. Put mustards and horseradish on the tray.

For the holidays, this classic dish will impress loved ones and guests! Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the best temperature to cook a prime rib?

A1: The best temperature to cook a prime rib is 350°F.

Q2: How long should I cook a prime rib?

A2: You should cook a prime rib for approximately 20 minutes per pound of meat at 350°F.

Q3: What is the best way to season a prime rib?

A3: The best way to season a prime rib is with a dry rub or marinade of herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.

Penelope Rossi
Penelope Rossi

Hello! I'm Penny, a creative recipe developer and food stylist with a love for vegetarian and plant-based cuisine. When not gardening or hiking, you can find me in the kitchen, transforming classic dishes into healthier, veggie-packed versions. Let's embark on a delectable journey of colorful, plant-based delights together!