Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Looking to impress with minimal fuss? This Herb-Crusted Prime Rib is your ticket to culinary success. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, it combines the classic richness of prime rib with a fresh, aromatic herb crust.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

The star of this dish is, of course, the prime rib roast. Its natural marbling ensures juicy, tender slices. Olive oil acts as a binder for the herb paste and adds a subtle richness. Fresh rosemary and thyme bring aromatic, earthy notes that complement the beef beautifully. Garlic adds a pungent depth, while kosher salt enhances the natural flavors. Black pepper brings a touch of heat. Dijon mustard and horseradish add a slight tanginess and heat, cutting through the richness of the meat. Finally, unsalted butter helps in creating a smooth, velvety au jus when combined with beef broth.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your prime rib is at room temperature before you start cooking for even heat distribution.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; it's the best way to ensure perfect doneness.
  • Let the roast rest; this is crucial for a juicy result.

Serving Suggestions

This prime rib pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty potato gratin. Round out the meal with roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, which can be cooked in the same oven while the meat rests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the quantity to about a third as dried herbs are more potent.
What if I want my roast medium or well-done?
Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium, or 160°F for well-done. Adjust the resting time accordingly.

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. This high heat will help create a nice crust on your roast. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and horseradish to form a paste. This mixture will serve as the flavorful crust for your prime rib.

Generously rub this herb paste all over your prime rib, making sure to cover every inch. Allow the roast to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat. This step also helps the roast cook more evenly.

Place the roast rib side down in a roasting pan. Pop it in the preheated oven for an initial 25-minute roast. This high-temperature blast will sear the outside, locking in juices. After 25 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Continue roasting for about 15 minutes per pound, aiming for an internal temperature of 130°F for a perfect medium-rare.

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the roast from the oven. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.

While the roast is resting, add beef broth to the roasting pan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring to incorporate the flavorful bits from the pan into your au jus. Slice the roast and serve with this simple yet delicious au jus on the side.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare yet elegant enough to impress guests.
  • Rich, juicy prime rib with a flavorful herb crust.
  • A great centerpiece for holiday dinners or special gatherings.
  • The homemade au jus is simple but elevates the dish.

Ingredients

1 prime rib roast (5 pounds)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup horseradish
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup beef broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and horseradish to form a paste.
3. Rub the herb paste generously over the entire surface of the prime rib.
4. Let the roast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5. Place the roast in a roasting pan with the rib side down.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and continue roasting for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
8. Remove the roast from the oven, cover with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
9. While the roast rests, add beef broth to the roasting pan and simmer over medium heat to create a simple au jus.
10. Slice the prime rib and serve with au jus on the side.

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