Traditional Prime Rib Roast

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you’re aiming to impress without the stress, a traditional prime rib roast is your ticket to culinary success. This classic dish is a staple for special occasions, delivering rich flavors and succulent tenderness that make it a standout centerpiece.

Ingredients for Traditional Prime Rib Roast

Prime rib roast is the star of the show, offering a perfect balance of marbling for flavor and tenderness. Choose a bone-in cut to help distribute heat evenly and add depth to your dish.

Olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the meat and contributes to a beautifully browned crust.

Kosher salt is essential for enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering them. Its coarse texture also aids in forming a nice crust.

Black pepper adds a mild heat that complements the savory notes of the beef.

Garlic infuses a warm, aromatic hint that pairs perfectly with the rich meat.

Fresh rosemary offers a piney, citrusy aroma that elevates the flavor profile of the roast.

Fresh thyme adds subtle earthiness, enhancing the overall herbaceous quality of the crust.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness — aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
  • Let the roast come to room temperature before cooking for even results.
  • Resting time is key; don’t skip it or your meat may dry out.
  • For extra flavor, prepare the rub a day ahead and let the roast marinate overnight in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

This prime rib pairs beautifully with creamy horseradish sauce or a red wine jus. Serve alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad with vinaigrette for a balanced, elegant meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the quantity by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
What if my roast is larger or smaller than 6 pounds?
Adjust the cooking time accordingly, about 15 minutes per pound for medium-rare after the initial sear.

Traditional Prime Rib Roast Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This initial high heat will give your roast a nice sear, locking in all those delicious juices.

While the oven is heating, grab a small bowl and mix together the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. This mixture will form a flavorful paste that’ll coat your roast perfectly.

Next, take your prime rib and rub the mixture all over it. Make sure every inch is covered. This is where the flavor magic happens, so don’t be shy!

Place the roast bone-side down in a sturdy roasting pan. This setup helps the meat cook evenly and the bones act like a natural roasting rack.

Pop the roast into your preheated oven for 15 minutes. This high heat will sear the outside, giving it a beautiful, caramelized crust.

After the initial sear, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Let it roast away for about 2 hours if you’re aiming for medium-rare. Remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer for the best accuracy.

When it’s done, take the roast out and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making for a tender and juicy slice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple yet impressive: Perfect for holiday gatherings or celebratory dinners.
  • Minimal ingredients: Lets the quality of the beef shine through.
  • Foolproof method: Achieve consistent results with ease.
  • Flavor-packed crust: A delightful contrast to the juicy interior.

Ingredients

1 (6-pound) bone-in beef prime rib roast
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Rub the mixture all over the prime rib roast, ensuring an even coating.
4. Place the roast bone-side down in a roasting pan.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to sear the outside.
6. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting until the desired doneness, about 2 hours for medium-rare.
7. Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

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