Prime Rib

This detailed guide helps you cook the perfect prime rib roast by bringing meat to room temperature, starting with high heat for browning, then slow roasting to desired doneness. Includes instructions for making pan gravy from drippings.

Featured in Center of the plate recipes.

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Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:20:21 GMT
A close-up of a juicy raw ribeye steak displaying marbled fat and rich red meat. Save it
A close-up of a juicy raw ribeye steak displaying marbled fat and rich red meat. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Let me share my secrets for creating the perfect prime rib that never fails to impress. After years of holiday dinners I've mastered the technique for achieving that beautifully crusty exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This centerpiece roast is easier than you might think and rewards you with the most incredible flavor.

The Perfect Holiday Roast

What makes prime rib so special is how it naturally caters to everyone's preferences. The ends get nicely done while the center stays beautifully pink. My guests always gather in the kitchen as it roasts; the aroma is absolutely irresistible. And that moment when you slice into it revealing that perfect doneness makes all the preparation worthwhile.

What You'll Need

  • Standing Rib Roast: 10 pounds of pure perfection.
  • Salt: Be generous; it makes all the difference.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground is a must.
  • For the Gravy:
    • Pan Drippings: Liquid gold from your roast.
    • Flour: For the perfect thickness.
    • Liquid: Your choice for amazing gravy.
    • Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.

Let's Start Cooking

Begin with Love
Salt that beautiful roast and give it time to rest.
Create the Crust
That high-heat start is crucial for perfect browning.
Low and Slow
Patience while it roasts to perfection.
The Waiting Game
Resting time is non-negotiable for juicy meat.
Time to Serve
Carve with confidence and watch faces light up.
Gravy Magic
Transform those drippings into liquid gold.

Size Matters

Planning the right size roast is crucial for success. I've found that one rib serves 2-3 people generously. Remember it's better to have leftovers than not enough; everyone will want seconds of this delicious roast.

Temperature Guide

The key to perfect prime rib is knowing your temperatures. I always aim for medium-rare, pulling it out at 120°F. That resting time is crucial, letting the temperature rise naturally while the meat becomes perfectly juicy.

Complete the Feast

A prime rib deserves perfect accompaniments. My family's favorites are creamy mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding to soak up all those wonderful juices. Don't forget the horseradish sauce; it adds such a wonderful kick to each bite.

A perfectly cooked roast beef sits on a wooden cutting board, garnished with herbs and surrounded by fresh cherry tomatoes and spices. Save it
A perfectly cooked roast beef sits on a wooden cutting board, garnished with herbs and surrounded by fresh cherry tomatoes and spices. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why bring the roast to room temperature?

Bringing the roast to room temperature ensures more even cooking. A chilled roast will take longer and may cook less evenly.

→ Why shouldn't I trim the fat?

The fat provides flavor and keeps the meat juicy and tender. Your butcher should have already removed any truly excess fat over an inch thick.

→ How do I know when it's done?

Use a meat thermometer - 115°F for rare, 120°F for medium rare, and 130°F for medium. The temperature will rise during resting.

→ Why let the meat rest?

Resting for 15-30 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicier roast.

→ What if it's cooking too quickly?

If the roast is cooking faster than expected, lower the oven temperature to 200°F to slow the cooking process.

Conclusion

A comprehensive guide to preparing a perfect prime rib roast, covering essential techniques from preparation to serving, ensuring a juicy and flavorful main course.

Prime Rib

A classic prime rib roast with detailed temperature guidance for perfect doneness, served with rich pan gravy made from drippings.

Prep Time
300 Minutes
Cook Time
150 Minutes
Total Time
450 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 (10-pound) roast)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 (10-pound) standing rib roast, 3-7 ribs.
02 Salt.
03 Fresh ground black pepper.
04 1/4 cup fat and drippings from pan.
05 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
06 3-4 cups water, milk, stock, or beer.
07 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Remove from fridge 3 hours before cooking. Salt all over and let sit at room temperature. Ensure bones are cut and tied back.

Step 02

Preheat oven to 500°F. Pat roast dry, season with salt and pepper. Place fat-side up in roasting pan with meat thermometer.

Step 03

Brown at 500°F for 15 minutes.

Step 04

Reduce to 325°F. Cook until thermometer reads 115°F (rare) to 130°F (medium), about 11-15 minutes per pound.

Step 05

Remove from oven, cover with foil, rest 15-30 minutes before carving.

Step 06

Use pan drippings with flour to make gravy, gradually adding liquid while whisking until thickened.

Notes

  1. Plan 2-3 people per rib.
  2. Temperature will rise while resting.
  3. Use meat thermometer for accuracy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Roasting pan.
  • Meat thermometer.
  • Kitchen string.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 677
  • Total Fat: 54 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: 45 g