When it comes to celebrating life’s special moments, nothing says “let’s indulge” quite like a perfectly cooked Prime Rib Roast. This dish is the crown jewel of the dinner table, boasting a mouthwatering crust and a tender, juicy center that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, an anniversary, or just a day you want to elevate, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into making this show-stopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly easier to prepare than you might think.
Prime Rib Roast is a timeless classic for good reason. It delivers a combination of flavors and textures that’s hard to beat. The slow roasting process ensures every bite is bursting with juicy tenderness, while the seasoning creates a crust that’s crispy and full of flavor. Paired with a creamy horseradish sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies on every level. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a wide variety of side dishes, making it a fantastic choice for feeding a crowd or impressing guests.
Ingredients
For the Roast:
- 4 – 8 lb. beef bone-in rib roast
- 2 Tablespoons coarse Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon AB’s B Rub
For the Horseradish Cream:
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 Tablespoons prepared horseradish*
- Salt (to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
(*adjust horseradish based on your preferred level of heat)
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Prime Rib Roast
Step 1: Prep the Roast the Night Before
Optional: The night before cooking, remove the roast from its packaging. Make a note of its weight—this will determine the cooking time later. Place the roast on a plate and let it rest uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.
Step 2: Bring It to Room Temperature
Two hours before cooking, remove the roast from the fridge. Mix the Kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and AB’s B Rub in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning blend all over the roast, ensuring an even coating. Let the roast rest at room temperature for two hours.
Step 3: Preheat and Calculate Cooking Time
Preheat your oven to 500°F about 30 minutes before cooking. Calculate your roasting time by multiplying the roast’s weight in pounds by five. For instance, a 5-lb roast will cook for 25 minutes (5 x 5 = 25).
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place the seasoned roast in a roasting pan, fat side up. Use a roasting rack or let the ribs act as a natural rack. Put the roast in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for the calculated time.
Step 5: Turn Off the Oven and Wait
After the initial cooking time, turn the oven off. Set a timer for two hours and resist the urge to open the oven door. This “no-peek” method allows the roast to continue cooking in the residual heat, resulting in a perfect medium-rare doneness.
Step 6: Check Temperature and Rest
After two hours, check the roast’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 120-125°F for rare or 130-135°F for medium-rare. If needed, turn the oven back on to 375°F and cook until the desired temperature is reached. Remove the roast, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Step 7: Make the Horseradish Cream
While the roast cooks, combine the heavy cream, mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, and chives in a bowl. Season with salt to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Start with Quality Meat: Choose a well-marbled rib roast for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Room Temperature Matters: Allowing the meat to come to room temperature ensures even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This guarantees precision and avoids overcooking.
- Season Generously: The blend of AB’s B Rub and other spices forms a flavorful crust.
- Keep the Oven Closed: Opening the door during the resting period will let out heat and impact the cooking process.
Variations
- Herb-Crusted Prime Rib: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley to the seasoning mix.
- Spicy Cajun Style: Replace AB’s B Rub with Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Garlic and Herb Butter: Slather garlic herb butter over the roast before cooking.
- Coffee-Crusted: Add finely ground coffee to the rub for a smoky flavor.
- Smoked Prime Rib: Use a smoker instead of the oven for a rich, smoky taste.
- Dijon Mustard Crust: Coat the roast with Dijon mustard before adding the seasoning.
- Horseradish Crust: Mix prepared horseradish into the seasoning blend.
- Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the marinade.
- Peppercorn Crust: Use coarsely cracked black pepper for a bold crust.
- Truffle-Infused: Drizzle truffle oil over the roast before serving.
- Lemon and Garlic: Add fresh lemon zest and minced garlic to the rub.
- Italian Style: Use Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese in the crust.
- Smoky Paprika: Add smoked paprika to the seasoning for a deeper flavor.
- Mexican-Inspired: Rub with chili powder, cumin, and lime zest.
- Maple Glazed: Brush with maple syrup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
What to Serve with Prime Rib Roast
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Creamed Spinach
- Yorkshire Pudding
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Green Bean Almondine
- Caesar Salad
- Wild Rice Pilaf
- Honey-Glazed Carrots
- Sauteed Mushrooms
- Parmesan Asparagus
- Mac and Cheese
- Cranberry Sauce
- Cornbread
- Artisan Bread Rolls
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat slices in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to retain moisture.
How Much Prime Rib Roast Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
Plan for about 1 pound of bone-in roast per person for generous servings. For smaller portions, 3/4 pound per person is sufficient.
How Far in Advance Can I Make the Prime Rib Roast?
You can season the roast and let it rest in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking. Cooked prime rib can be prepared a day ahead and gently reheated, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Prime Rib Roast
Ingredients
For the Horseradish Cream:
Instructions
- The night before cooking, remove the roast from its packaging. Make a note of its weight—this will determine the cooking time later. Place the roast on a plate and let it rest uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. This step dries out the surface, which helps create a beautiful crust during roasting.
- Two hours before cooking, remove the roast from the fridge. Mix the Kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and AB’s B Rub in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning blend all over the roast, ensuring an even coating. Let the roast rest at room temperature for two hours.
- Preheat your oven to 500°F about 30 minutes before cooking. Calculate your roasting time by multiplying the roast’s weight in pounds by five. For instance, a 5-lb roast will cook for 25 minutes (5 x 5 = 25).
- Place the seasoned roast in a roasting pan, fat side up. Use a roasting rack or let the ribs act as a natural rack. Put the roast in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for the calculated time.
- After the initial cooking time, turn the oven off. Set a timer for two hours and resist the urge to open the oven door. This “no-peek” method allows the roast to continue cooking in the residual heat, resulting in a perfect medium-rare doneness.
- After two hours, check the roast’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 120-125°F for rare or 130-135°F for medium-rare. If needed, turn the oven back on to 375°F and cook until the desired temperature is reached. Remove the roast, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
- While the roast cooks, combine the heavy cream, mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, and chives in a bowl. Season with salt to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
