Description

This Best Prime Rib Roast Recipe Ever is an exceptional way to impress your guests and indulge in a sumptuous meal that captures the essence of fine dining at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 standing rib roast (4–6 pounds, bone-in preferred)
2 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Start by removing your prime rib roast from the refrigerator. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. This crucial step helps the meat cook more evenly, resulting in a more tender roast.
While the meat is resting, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Then, use paper towels to pat the roast dry—this ensures that the seasoning adheres well and allows for better browning during cooking.
Next, in a medium bowl, combine olive oil (or softened butter), kosher salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. This will form a flavorful rub. Generously apply the mixture all over the roast, pressing it into the meat for better flavor penetration.
Place the roast bone-side down on a rack fitted in a roasting pan. This positioning allows heat to circulate around the roast, producing even cooking. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, ensuring that it does not touch bone, as this will give you an inaccurate temperature reading.
Roast the prime rib uncovered in the preheated oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 118–120°F for rare or 123–125°F for medium-rare. Depending on the size of your roast, this will take roughly 2½ to 3½ hours. Keep an eye on the thermometer for best results.
Once it reaches the desired temperature, remove the roast from the oven. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm, and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting phase is critical; it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, which makes for a more flavorful and tender serving.
After resting, increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C). Return the roast to the oven for 8–10 minutes to develop a gorgeous crust on the outside. During this time, you’ll witness the transformation into the stunning centerpiece your meal deserves.
Let the roast rest for an additional 10 minutes after searing. This final pause will help maintain the juices for beautifully moist slices. Now, you are ready to carve into your prime rib and serve!

Notes

Always use a digital meat thermometer to track the cooking temperature accurately. Consider seasoning the roast up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor. Ensure to let the roast rest after cooking; the resting periods are key for juiciness. If using a different size roast, adjust cooking times accordingly based on the weight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Calories: 610 kcal
Sodium: 530 mg
Protein: 44 g