Easy Prime Rib Recipe
Prime rib is one of the more expensive cuts of beef available to home cooks. However, it is also one of the most versatile and delicious and perfect for various occasions. For example, the prime rib can be slow-roasted in a medium oven or cooked on a grill thanks to its generous marbling; it can also be roasted in the oven with vegetables or grilled over charcoal. Keep reading to learn how to make prime rib at home with no fuss.
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Jump to RecipeWhat Is Prime Rib?
The term prime rib describes meat cut from the rib section of beef carcasses. The main difference between this cut and other steaks cuts is that steaks are often composed primarily of muscles that run along the back; prime ribs are composed primarily of muscles on both sides.
Even though the rib section has a significant amount of meat, it is not as tender as other cuts of beef. A prime rib steak would be considered a “filet” or “tenderloin” steak.
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Shopping For Prime Rib
Purchasing a prime rib is slightly more complicated than buying other cuts, as it is also necessary to buy a bone-in prime rib. The number of bones and their size varies based on the animal’s breed, age, and gender.
Prime rib is one of the more expensive cuts of beef, but it has a generous marbling responsible for its tenderness and flavor. Consequently, it does not have to be trimmed or trimmed as heavily as other steaks. It also has a meaty rib bone with plenty of meat on it and will serve plenty even when cut into multiple pieces.
Some connoisseurs claim to know prime ribs by the thickness of the bone; however, this is typically only available at high-end butcheries or specialty stores.
How Much Prime Rib To Buy?
Because of its thickness, many prime rib roasts come with a “first cut” or “second cut.” The first cut is often referred to as a “short plate,” while the second cut is usually described as the “long plate.” The first cut is generally thinner and is best for pan searing or grilling; eliminate it from any recipes that call for roasting.
There are a couple of ways to determine how much prime rib to buy. The easiest is to buy according to the number of guests expected. For example, a small prime rib will serve approximately three people, while a large prime rib will serve around eight people.
How To Season Prime Rib
Prime rib has a natural beefy flavor. Consequently, it is not normally seasoned heavily and is sometimes served au jus (without extra seasoning) and accompanied by a sauce on the side. However, there are some favorite spices used to season the prime rib to accentuate its flavor. You can also use a special prime rib seasoning. For example, I prefer Traeger Grills Prime Rib Rub with Rosemary and Garlic.
Many of those spices will add plenty of flavor without overpowering the natural beefy flavor of the roast. Seasoned with salt and pepper or your favorite spice blend, prime rib is usually roasted with vegetables such as potatoes or carrots; these vegetables are also cooked with other herbs and seasoning in a foil packet on the floor of the roasting pan.
How Long To Cook Prime Rib?
Food safety experts generally recommend cooking prime rib to an internal temperature of 145-165 F. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer. This temperature range will ensure that the beef is juicy and tender and will kill the potential for harmful bacteria.
The USDA recommends a minimum cooking time of 50 minutes per pound for rare, 55 minutes per pound for medium-rare, and 60 minutes per pound for medium. In general, it is best to start checking the temperature sooner than later to avoid overcooking.
Prime Rib Roast Ingredients
The rib roast is flavorful enough to stand on its own and does not have to be accompanied by a sauce. However, if you decide to add some spices, consider the following. Thyme and rosemary are traditional for prime rib roasts; however, sage and garlic are also added to many recipes. Regardless of which variety of herbs you use, make sure they are fresh.
Easy Prime Rib Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pounds prime rib roast
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Place the rib roast in a roasting pan and allow it to come to temperature for at least 4 hours. This will ensure it cooks more evenly.
- Preheat an oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
- Combine butter, pepper, and herbes de Provence in a bowl; mix until well blended. Spread butter mixture evenly over entire roast. Season roast generously with kosher salt.
- Roast the 4-pound prime rib in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Turn the oven off and, leaving the roast in the oven with the door closed, let the roast sit in the oven for 2 hours. The roast will continue to cook during this time. Once 2 hours are up, remove roast from the oven, slice, and serve.
How To Serve Prime Rib
Prime rib is delicious served medium rare and thinly sliced against the grain; however, it can also be cooked less than medium rare if it is not overcooked. It is usually served with vegetables, flat or whole-grain bread, and a sauce or mustard. Some people like to add horseradish sauce, which is generally made from sour cream and mayonnaise, to go on the side; however, some people find that the horseradish already in the prime rib makes it too strong.
The Bottom Line
Prime rib is a large, luxurious cut of beef that can be cooked in many different ways. The prime rib is one of the most expensive cuts of beef, but it has a generous marbling responsible for its tenderness and flavor. Consequently, it does not have to be trimmed or trimmed as heavily as other steaks.
It also has a meaty rib bone with plenty of meat on it and will serve plenty even when cut into multiple pieces. Most people find that the prime rib tastes best when there are no bones; however, odd bones can be removed when serving if they are to your liking, such as in a steak sandwich or other meal item. I hope this recipe gave you vast information about how to make a prime rib recipe at home.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should A Prime Rib Rest Before Cooking?
A prime rib roast should be rested for about 1 hour or so before cooking in order to reabsorb the natural juices that have dissipated. This will also allow the roast to take in more of your desired seasonings if that is the desired step. Resting time may vary slightly depending on how large the prime rib is and what instructions your recipe gives.
How Long Does It Take To Cook A 4 Lb Prime Rib At 350 Degrees?
The cooking time for a 4 lb roast is 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do You Cover A Prime Rib While Cooking?
No, some people say that you should only cover prime rib with aluminum foil for the last 45 minutes to an hour of cooking time, but the idea is that you should cook low and slow on a low oven temperature to get a beautiful looking roast.
