The Juiciest Prime Rib Recipe for Special Family Dinners

A delectable prime rib roast promises to become your next culinary adventure.

Tender, juicy meat gleams with rich, deep flavors that spark excitement at any gathering.

Seasoned chefs and home cooks alike recognize this dish as a showstopper that demands attention.

Robust herbs and careful preparation unlock incredible taste sensations throughout every succulent slice.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum impact on your dinner plate.

The secret lies in understanding precise cooking techniques that guarantee perfection.

You’ll want to follow each step carefully to ensure a mouthwatering result that impresses everyone around the table.

Why Prime Rib Feels Like A Feast

• Create Steakhouse Magic at Home: Transform your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant by mastering this prime rib recipe, delivering restaurant-quality flavors without leaving your house.
• Customize Your Perfect Doneness: Easily control the meat's internal temperature to achieve your ideal level of tenderness, from rare to medium, using a simple meat thermometer trick.
• Impress Holiday Guests Effortlessly: Wow your family and friends with a show-stopping centerpiece dish that looks complicated but requires minimal hands-on cooking time and delivers maximum flavor impact.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Turn basic seasonings and a premium cut of beef into an extraordinary meal that feels luxurious yet surprisingly straightforward to prepare.

Prime Rib Ingredients You Should Know

• Prime Rib: A luxurious cut of beef with rich marbling, perfect for special occasions. Choose a high-quality, well-marbled roast from a reliable butcher..

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic seasonings that enhance the meat's natural flavor. Use fresh, high-quality spices for best results..
• Rosemary, Thyme, Paprika: Aromatic herbs and spices that add depth and complexity to the roast. Fresh herbs provide more intense flavor..

• Olive Oil, Softened Butter: Helps seasonings adhere to the meat and promotes a beautiful golden crust. Use good-quality, flavorful options..

• Beef Broth: Provides a rich, meaty base for the sauce. Low-sodium broth allows better flavor control..
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce. A classic flavor enhancer..
• Red Wine: Brings complexity and richness to the au jus. Choose a dry red wine you'd enjoy drinking..
• Butter: Adds silky texture and richness to the sauce..

• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy base for the sauce. Full-fat version provides best texture..
• Horseradish: Provides a sharp, spicy kick. Fresh grated horseradish has more intense flavor..
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and depth to the sauce..
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce and balances rich flavors..
• Salt, Black.

How To Cook A Juicy Prime Rib

Step 1: Warm Up the Roast

Let the prime rib sit out and relax at room temperature for 1-2 hours before its big cooking adventure.

Fire up the oven to a toasty 450F (230C).

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Paprika

Massage the roast with olive oil or softened butter, then generously coat it with the spice mixture.

Step 2: Transform Into Culinary Magic

Place the roast bone-side down in a roasting pan with a sturdy rack.

Blast it at 450F (230C) for 15-20 minutes to create a gorgeous golden crust.

• For rare lovers: Cook about 12-13 minutes per pound (internal temp 120-125F)
• Medium-rare enthusiasts: Cook about 14-15 minutes per pound (internal temp 130-135F)
• Medium meat fans: Cook about 16-17 minutes per pound (internal temp 140-145F)

Grab a meat thermometer and check the temperature in the thickest part of the roast.

Pull it out when the temperature is 5F below your target temperature.

Step 3: Let the Meat Rest

Drape the roast loosely with foil and let it chill for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Craft Mouthwatering Au Jus

Slide the roasting pan onto the stovetop over medium heat.

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Red wine

Scrape up those delicious browned bits from the pan.

Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then whisk in a knob of butter.

Step 5: Whip Up Zesty Horseradish Sauce

• Sour cream
• Horseradish
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper

Stash in the refrigerator until serving time.

Tips To Master A Tender Prime Rib

• Temper for Tenderness: Bring the prime rib to room temperature for 1-2 hours before cooking to ensure even cooking and maximum juiciness.
• Seasoning Sensation: Create a robust flavor blend by mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs, then generously coat the meat with olive oil or butter before applying the spice mix.
• Thermometer Triumph: Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast to nail the perfect doneness, removing it 5 degrees before your target temperature to prevent overcooking.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the prime rib to rest for 20-30 minutes after cooking, tented with foil, to help juices redistribute and ensure each slice is incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Sauce Success: Whip up a quick au jus or creamy horseradish sauce to elevate the prime rib's rich flavor and add an extra layer of deliciousness to your impressive roast.

Storage Tips For Prime Rib Without Losing Flavor

• Wrap leftover prime rib tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat's tenderness and flavor intact.
• Seal the meat in an airtight container to maintain its quality and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• When reheating, use gentle methods like low-temperature oven warming or microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out the meat.
• Freeze cooked prime rib for maximum 3 months by placing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen prime rib overnight in the refrigerator for best results, and consume within 1-2 days after thawing.
• Pro tip: Slice meat before freezing to make future reheating easier and more convenient.

Perfect Pairings For Prime Rib Dinner

• Pair with Bold Red Wines: Select full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux blends that complement the rich, meaty flavor of prime rib. These robust wines match the beef's intense taste and cut through its fattiness.
• Create Harmonious Side Dishes: Roasted root vegetables like parsnips and carrots bring earthy sweetness that balances the prime rib's savory profile. Creamy mashed potatoes or a decadent gratin offer luxurious textures that enhance the main course.
• Elevate with Horseradish Sauce Companions: Serve the zesty horseradish sauce alongside pickled vegetables or crisp cucumber salad. These tangy, refreshing sides provide a bright contrast to the rich, tender meat and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Craft Beer Options: Choose strong, malty dark beers like Belgian quadrupels or robust stouts. Their complex flavor profiles and slight bitterness wonderfully complement the prime rib's deep, caramelized exterior and juicy interior.

Bold Variations Of Prime Rib To Try

• Herb-Crusted Sensation: Swap traditional seasonings with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, tarragon, and chervil for a bright, aromatic profile that elevates the prime rib's rich flavor.
• Smoky Southwest Strategy: Incorporate chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and cumin into the spice rub to create a bold, southwestern-inspired crust with deep, complex undertones.
• Mediterranean Masterpiece: Replace rosemary and thyme with oregano, za'atar spice blend, and lemon zest to infuse the prime rib with Mediterranean warmth and tangy notes.
• Asian-Inspired Edge: Blend five-spice powder, ginger, and soy sauce into the seasoning mix for a unique umami-rich coating that transforms the traditional prime rib experience.

FAQs About Cooking Prime Rib

• What makes prime rib so special compared to other beef cuts?

Prime rib comes from the most tender and flavorful part of the cow’s rib section. Its marbling and rich flavor make it a luxurious cut that’s perfect for special occasions, delivering incredible taste and tenderness when prepared correctly.

• How do I choose the best prime rib at the butcher?

Look for a roast with white fat marbling throughout the meat, a bright red color, and a good layer of fat on the outside. Choose a cut with the bones still attached, as this helps keep the meat moist and adds extra flavor during cooking.

• Can I prepare the seasoning mix in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix your dry seasonings and store them in an airtight container for up to a month. This makes preparation quicker and allows the spices to blend together, creating an even more robust flavor profile for your prime rib.

• Why is it important to let the meat rest after cooking?

Resting allows the meat’s juices to redistribute throughout the roast, ensuring each slice is incredibly juicy and tender. Cutting too soon will cause the flavorful juices to run out, resulting in a drier piece of meat.

Prime Rib Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 3.5 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Prime Rib roast brings classic American comfort to dinner tables with robust beef flavor and perfect medium-rare tenderness. Rich herb crust and slow-roasting technique guarantee a memorable centerpiece that will delight you at first luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 (5-7 pounds or 2.3-3.2 kilograms) bone-in prime rib roast (standing rib roast, preferably USDA Prime or Choice)

Dry Seasonings and Herbs:

• 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

Liquid and Preparation Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup red wine (optional, for richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Elevate the prime rib to room temperature, allowing it to rest outside the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, ensuring even cooking and optimal tenderness.
2. Fire up the oven to a scorching 450F (230C), preparing for an initial high-heat sear that will create a magnificent golden crust.
3. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, and paprika in a mixing vessel.
4. Massage the roast thoroughly with olive oil or softened butter, creating a luxurious base for the seasoning mixture to adhere to.
5. Generously coat the entire roast with the aromatic spice blend, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
6. Position the roast bone-side down in a roasting pan fitted with a rack, promoting optimal air circulation and even heat distribution.
7. Initiate the cooking process with a high-temperature sear at 450F (230C) for 15-20 minutes, developing a rich, caramelized exterior.
8. Dramatically reduce the oven temperature to 250F (120C) for the remaining cooking time, allowing for gentle, precise internal cooking.
9. Monitor the internal temperature meticulously using a meat thermometer, targeting your preferred doneness: rare at 120-125F, medium-rare at 130-135F, or medium at 140-145F.
10. Remove the roast when it registers 5F below the desired temperature, accounting for residual heat during resting.
11. Loosely tent the meat with foil, allowing it to rest for 20-30 minutes, which enables juice redistribution and ensures maximum succulence.
12. For an optional flavor enhancement, transform the roasting pan drippings into a rich au jus by deglazing with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine.
13. Simmer the pan sauce, scraping up the flavorful browned bits, and finish with a whisked-in pat of butter for luxurious depth.
14. Prepare a zesty horseradish sauce by combining sour cream, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
15. Refrigerate the sauce until serving, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, creating a perfect accompaniment to the succulent prime rib.

Notes

• Let the prime rib sit at room temperature to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness throughout the meat.
• Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend that can be customized with additional herbs like dried oregano or smoked paprika for extra depth.
• Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness without cutting into the roast and losing precious juices.
• Consider preparing the horseradish sauce a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more complex condiment.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg