This Roasted Prime Rib Recipe with garlic is full of flavor, tender and juicy. Also known as a Standing Rib Roast, it's one of the best cuts of beef, and usually one of the most expensive too! Once you try it, you'll never want regular roast beef again!
What is Prime Rib?
Roasted Prime Rib is my favorite cut of meat, and is usually cooked medium-rare (like this recipe below) and not well done. It's a very expensive cut of meat, and usually made for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas or Father's Day. You don't want to mess this recipe up! The cooking time is very important!
In the United States, the USDA grades this cut of meat as Prime if it meets certain criteria. The beef cattle needs to be between 9 months and 30 months, and have good marbling (which provides better flavor). The rib cut comes from the 7 ribs before the loin. It's also called a Standing Rib Roast.
How to Season Prime Rib recipe
Prime Rib doesn't need any complicated seasonings, simply garlic, salt and pepper. Maybe a bit of fresh rosemary. You don't want to overpower this prime cut of meat with strong seasonings. I find people try to get too fancy with the spices. You are paying enough for the cost of the meat, it's good quality meat. It won't need lots of heavy spices to hide the flavor of the meat. Oh, I mean to enhance it. 😆 Simple is best.
How to cook Prime Rib Roast
There are a few different ways to cook a Standing Rib Roast. Some people slow roast it for hour and hours, which is amazing. Some people smoke their prime rib, others grill or bbq and there are even crockpot recipes! This oven Roasted Prime Rib Recipe blasts the roast with high heat for about 25 minutes, then reducing to a lower temperature to complete the cooking process. If the Prime Rib cooks on a high temperature, the meat will not be tender.
A non-negotiable is to use a thermometer to check the temperature! You can insert an Instant Read Thermometer which tells you the temperature as you insert it. I prefer to use a wireless thermometer probe, like I use when I make my Smoked Chicken Recipe. You can monitor the temperature the entire time as your Prime Rib cooks.
- Prepare your roast the night before you cook it. Pat it dry with a paper towel, and rub all over with minced garlic, salt and pepper. Place it in the fridge uncovered overnight (or at least 2 hours).
- Bring the Prime Rib to room temperature before cooking, keep it on counter for about 2 hours.
- Place the meat on a tray with the fat side up, and give it a blast for 25 minutes at 450°F/235°C.
- Reduce temp to 325°F/165°C, and continue to cook uncovered for 15 minutes per pound, or 30 minutes per kilogram until you reach your desired internal temperature (as per chart below)
- When done, cover with foil and allow to rest for at least 20 minutes, don't skip this step!
How long to cook Prime Rib Roast?
A few things can change your cooking times. If the roast is cold and straight from the fridge, it slows down the cooking process. I usually take the prime rib roast out of the fridge about 2 hours before, so it warms up to room temperature.
Different ovens also cook at different temperatures too. The thickness of the roast can also impact cooking time. After the initial blast of heat, it takes about 15 minutes per pound to cook the prime rib roast (generally). Here's a handy chart, and as mentioned, always use a cooking thermometer!
Internal Cooking Temperature Guide
- Rare = 110° F (43°C)
- Medium Rare = 115° F (46°C)
- Medium = 120° F (49°C)
- Medium Well = 130° F (55°C)
- Well = 150° F (65°C) *But please don't do this one!
This Prime Rib Internal Cooking Temperature Guide factors in that the roast's temperature will rise at least 5 degrees after you remove it from the oven. Wrap the roast in foil and allow to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. If you choose to make a Well Done Prime Rib, it will produce a tough and chewy roast, so I'd recommend using a cheaper cut of meat.
How Much Prime Rib per Person
Ok, this is probably where I will differ from some people with portion size. Usually a prime rib is sold with 3 or 4 ribs. Many recommend that each rib with feed 2 or even 3 people. I am sorry but I completely disagree! This is a hero recipe that you are serving for a special occasion, and I am a firm believer that each adult sitting at your table needs their own rib. One rib for 2 people? Not in a Russian household! 🤣
Please don't be stingy, and underfeed your guests. Yes, it will be expensive, however, your guests will thank you! Although they might feel like Fred Flinstone! Here is my disclaimer: Some Prime Ribs are larger than others, so you will need to judge the size for yourself. As pictured in photos, 1 rib was what we served per guest. If it's huge like a Tomahawk Steak, then obviously, more people per piece served!
How to Make Au Jus for Prime Rib
Prime Rib is always served with Au Jus made from the pan juices. Strain any roasting pan juices, and place back into a roasting tray. Scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan when cooking the au jus. If you have an induction stove cooktop, you need to have an induction roasting tray saucepan.
Otherwise, just place the juices into a small saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce and a splash of Port Wine, and cook on medium heat for a few minutes until it starts to reduce. If you want to make Au Jus without using pan juices, check out my French Dip Au Jus recipe. That recipe makes about 4 cups of Au Jus, and can be prepared in advance.
What Sauce to Serve with Prime Rib
Alongside the Au Jus, you need to make an easy Horseradish Sauce as the perfect condiment with a kick. Horseradish Sauce only has 3 ingredients, sour cream, horseradish and lemon juice. Store bought doesn't taste the same, and your guests will love this mild wasabi-ish kick with their Prime Rib Roast.
The other condiment I recommend for Prime Rib isn't well known outside of Eastern Europe. It's called Hren. I love making this beet and horseradish condiment. Again, horseradish is the key ingredient for Prime Rib sauces!
Try These Side Dishes with Prime Rib
- Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Asparagus with Garlic
- Honey Soy Roasted Carrots
- Brussel Sprouts with Chorizo
- Potato Bake with French Onion Soup
Roasted Prime Rib Recipe, tender and juicy, cooked perfectly at medium-rare. A Standing Rib Roast that's simple and delicious, ready for your next celebration of family gathering. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Ingredients
- 5 lbs / 2½ kg Standing Rib Roast Prime Rib Bone-in
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- The night before you cook your Prime Rib, Pat it dry, rub meat with salt, pepper and minced garlic. Place roast in fridge uncovered. This allows surface to dry, which helps the roast brown and maintains juiciness.
- Preheat oven to 450°F/235°C. Bring Prime Rib to room temperature (takes about 2 hours)
- Place the meat on a roasting pan, fatty side up.
- Roast the meat for 25 minutes, then reduce temperature to 325°F/165°C. Cook the meat for another 15 minutes per pound, or 30 minutes per kilogram for medium rare. Internal temperature of 115°F (46°C).
- Remove from oven, cover with foil and allow to rest for at least 20 minutes before serving. Serve with creamy horseradish sauce.
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