Prime Rib Recipe
A Prime Rib Recipe is perfect for special occasions, elevating any gathering with its rich flavors and tender texture. This recipe showcases how to achieve a beautifully slow-roasted prime rib, seasoned with garlic and herbs, ensuring a juicy and flavorful centerpiece for your table. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is user-friendly for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Flavorful Seasoning: The combination of garlic and fresh herbs infuses the meat with an irresistible aroma and taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a stunning main course or slice it thin for delicious sandwiches the next day.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe serves 10 people, making it ideal for family dinners or festive celebrations.
- Impressive Presentation: A beautifully roasted prime rib makes an eye-catching centerpiece that will wow your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your prime rib, gather your essential tools. These items will help you prepare the roast perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp carving knife
- Cutting board
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Roasting pan: Provides even heat distribution during cooking, ensuring your prime rib roasts evenly.
- Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking doneness, preventing overcooking and ensuring the perfect level of juiciness.
- Sharp carving knife: Aids in cleanly slicing the meat against the grain, resulting in tender servings.
Ingredients
A slow roasted Prime Rib recipe, seasoned with garlic and herbs, with step-by-step instructions and tips for making perfect boneless or bone-in prime rib.
For the Prime Rib
- 5 pounds beef prime rib (if larger, double the spices/seasonings)
- Sea salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Horseradish, for serving (optional)
How to Make Prime Rib Recipe
Step 1: Bring Meat to Room Temperature
Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator one hour before cooking. Season it on all sides with salt and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. This allows the meat to cook better and more evenly.
Step 2: Adjust Oven Racks
Lower or adjust your oven rack so that the meat will cook in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
Step 3: Combine Seasonings
In a bowl, mix together 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, and olive oil until well combined.
Step 4: Prepare Roast
Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Spoon the seasoning mixture over it, rubbing it into all sides. Place a bone-in roast bone side down in a roasting pan or set a boneless roast on a rack inside the pan.
Step 5: Bake Prime Rib
Bake at 500 degrees F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F and continue baking until reaching your desired doneness:
– Rare: 120 degrees F (about 10-12 min/pound)
– Medium Rare: 130 degrees F (about 13-14 min/pound)
– Medium: 140 degrees F (about 14-15 min/pound)
– Medium Well:150 degrees F
Important note: The meat will continue to cook as it rests out of the oven. Remove it from the oven when it’s about 5-10 degrees below your target temperature.
Step 6: Rest
After baking, remove the roast from the oven and tent it with foil. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
Step 7: Carve Prime Rib Roast
Slice against the grain into about 1/2 inch thick slices. Serve with horseradish on the side if desired. Enjoy your mouthwatering Prime Rib!
How to Serve Prime Rib Recipe
Serving prime rib is an opportunity to impress your guests with this delicious cut of meat. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance the dining experience.
Classic Accompaniments
- Horseradish Sauce: A traditional pairing that adds a spicy kick to the rich flavor of prime rib.
- Au Jus: A savory sauce made from the drippings of the roast, perfect for dipping or drizzling over the meat.
Fresh Sides
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of prime rib.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized complement the meat’s flavors beautifully.
Starchy Additions
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base and soak up delicious juices.
- Yorkshire Pudding: This British classic is a delightful addition, made from batter and baked until golden.
Unique Touches
- Pickled Vegetables: They add a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the beef.
- Herbed Butter: Spread this on warm rolls served alongside for an extra flavor dimension.

How to Perfect Prime Rib Recipe
To achieve the perfect prime rib, careful preparation is key. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking game.
- Start at Room Temperature: Allowing your meat to come to room temperature ensures even cooking throughout.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This tool is essential for checking doneness without cutting into the meat too early.
- Let it Rest: Resting after cooking locks in juices and enhances flavor before slicing.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and spices; they’re crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of beef.
- Cook Low and Slow After Initial High Heat: Starting at a high temperature helps create a beautiful crust while finishing at a lower temp keeps it juicy inside.
- Slice Against the Grain: Cutting against the grain results in tender slices that are easier to chew.
Best Side Dishes for Prime Rib Recipe
Complementing your prime rib with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make for a classic pairing with prime rib.
- Creamed Spinach: This rich dish adds a deliciously creamy texture and flavor balance to your meal.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized bites provide crunch and earthiness that pairs well with beef.
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A comfort food favorite, cheesy pasta makes for an indulgent side option.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds freshness and color to your plate, enhancing visual appeal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements savory prime rib perfectly, especially when grilled or roasted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing a prime rib recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
-
Ignoring room temperature: Failing to bring the prime rib to room temperature before cooking can lead to uneven cooking. Always let it sit out for about an hour before roasting.
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Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the meat properly can result in bland flavor. Make sure to rub your prime rib generously with salt and herbs for enhanced taste.
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Overcooking: Cooking the prime rib too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and remember that the meat continues to cook while resting.
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Carving against the grain: Slicing with the grain can make your prime rib tough. Always cut against the grain for tender, juicy slices.
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Neglecting rest time: Cutting into the prime rib too soon after roasting can cause juices to run out. Let it rest covered with foil for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover prime rib in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Prime Rib Recipe
- Wrap the prime rib tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 6 months for best quality.
Reheating Prime Rib Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 250°F (120°C) and heat until warm, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use low power settings and cover with a damp paper towel; heat in short intervals.
- Stovetop: Sear slices over medium heat in a skillet until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious prime rib recipe:
What is the best way to season my Prime Rib Recipe?
The best way is to use a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. This combination enhances the natural flavors of the meat beautifully.
How do I know when my Prime Rib is done?
Use a meat thermometer! Rare should reach 120°F, medium-rare 130°F, and medium 140°F. Remember that it continues cooking while resting.
Can I use a boneless Prime Rib Recipe?
Absolutely! A boneless prime rib cooks similarly but may require slightly less time. Follow the same seasoning and preparation steps.
How should I serve my Prime Rib Recipe?
Serve it sliced against the grain with horseradish on the side for an extra kick. It pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This prime rib recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and tender texture. Whether you choose boneless or bone-in, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize your seasonings or serve it alongside your favorite sides!

Prime Rib Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
Description
Indulge in a succulent Prime Rib Recipe that promises to be the star of any gathering. This dish features a perfectly slow-roasted prime rib, seasoned with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, creating a tender and juicy centerpiece that will impress your guests. Ideal for holidays, celebrations, or family dinners, this recipe is not only straightforward but also ensures a mouthwatering experience that everyone will remember.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds beef prime rib
- Sea salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Allow the prime rib to sit at room temperature for one hour before cooking. Season generously with salt and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and adjust the rack to the center position.
- In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, and olive oil.
- Pat the roast dry and rub the seasoning mixture over it.
- Place the roast in a roasting pan (bone-side down for bone-in) and bake at 500°F for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue baking until desired doneness is reached: Rare (120°F), Medium Rare (130°F), Medium (140°F).
- Once done, remove from oven and let it rest covered with foil for at least 30 minutes before carving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg