The Best Prime Rib Roast 🥩
A prime rib roast is tender, juicy, and perfect for special meals. The key is simple seasoning, high heat to start, and slow roasting for a perfect interior.
Ingredients
- 1 prime rib roast (4–6 lbs, bone-in or boneless)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Optional: 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
1. Bring to room temperature
Take the roast out of the refrigerator about 1–2 hours before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
2. Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
3. Season the roast
Mix olive oil (or butter), garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
Rub the mixture all over the roast.
4. Start with high heat
Place roast in a roasting pan (fat side up).
Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes to create a flavorful crust.
5. Slow roast
Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting:
Approximate cooking times:
- Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
- Medium: 135–140°F (57–60°C)
This usually takes 12–15 minutes per pound.
6. Rest the roast
Remove from oven and let rest 15–20 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
Optional Au Jus (Simple Pan Sauce)
- Place roasting pan on stove.
- Add 1 cup beef broth and scrape the browned bits.
- Simmer a few minutes and serve with the meat.
Perfect Side Dishes
Prime rib pairs wonderfully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Yorkshire pudding
- Caesar salad
If you’d like, I can also show you a restaurant trick that makes prime rib incredibly juicy and evenly pink from edge to center.
