Best Prime Rib (Garlic Herb Crust)

If you want the best prime rib with a garlic herb crust, start by bringing the meat to room temperature. Season it generously with salt and pepper, then rub a garlic herb butter mixture all over. Roast it at 450°F for 20 minutes before lowering the temperature to 325°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for perfect doneness at 120°F. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes to keep it juicy. You’ll discover more tips for a delicious meal ahead.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

When it comes to cooking prime rib, you’ll love this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s simple and doesn’t require many ingredients. You’ll need just a quality prime rib, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Second, the garlic herb butter adds rich flavor that enhances the meat’s natural taste.

Third, resting the roast after cooking guarantees it stays juicy and tender.

Finally, using a meat thermometer helps you achieve the perfect doneness without guesswork.

This recipe makes prime rib approachable, turning a potentially intimidating dish into a rewarding cooking experience that you can confidently serve to family and friends.

Recipe

Cooking prime rib can seem intimidating, but with a few straightforward steps, you can achieve a flavorful and tender roast that will impress your guests. This recipe focuses on a bone-in prime rib, which not only enhances the flavor but also helps with even cooking. The blend of simple seasonings and the addition of garlic herb butter brings out the best in this cut of meat.

The key to a delicious prime rib is to allow it to rest after cooking, ensuring that the juices are retained for a succulent bite. Before you begin, it’s important to select the right size of prime rib based on your guest count. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about 1 pound per person, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied.

With the right preparation, cooking techniques, and a little patience, you’ll create a show-stopping centerpiece for your next festive gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in prime rib roast (4.5 to 9 pounds, depending on servings)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 cup unsalted butter or ghee, softened
• 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

Cooking Instructions:

1. Allow the prime rib to come to room temperature by removing it from the refrigerator about 2-3 hours before cooking.
2. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your garlic herb butter by mixing the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Season the prime rib generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, covering all sides. Then, rub the garlic herb butter all over the roast, ensuring even coverage.
4. Place the prime rib bone-side down on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast without touching the bone.
5. Roast the prime rib in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this initial high-temperature roast, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue cooking. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C), which will take approximately 12 minutes per pound.
6. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the roast from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Extra Tips:

When cooking prime rib, using a meat thermometer is essential for achieving the perfect level of doneness. Remember that the temperature will continue to rise slightly while it rests, so aim for a few degrees below your target temperature.

Additionally, consider serving with a selection of sauces, like horseradish or red wine au jus, to elevate the meal. Leftovers can be stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prep as well!

Final Thoughts

After following the steps to prepare and cook your prime rib, it’s time to wrap up with some final thoughts that can help guarantee your meal is a success.

1. Always rest your roast for 20-30 minutes before slicing; this keeps it juicy.

2. Use a meat thermometer to confirm you reach your desired doneness.

3. Pair your prime rib with sides like garlic herb roasted potatoes or green beans for a complete meal.

4. Store leftovers properly; refrigerate for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy sharing this delicious dish with family and friends during your next special occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Boneless Prime Rib for This Recipe?

If you’re seeking a tender treasure, boneless prime rib can absolutely shine in this recipe! I’ve found it cooks evenly, though I still recommend a garlic herb crust for that flavorful magic. Enjoy!

What Is the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Prime Rib?

When reheating leftover prime rib, I gently warm it in the oven at 250°F until it reaches about 120°F. This keeps it juicy without overcooking. Enjoy the tender meat just as delicious as before!

How Do I Know When the Prime Rib Is Done Cooking?

Did you know that 117°F typically indicates perfect medium-rare? I always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of my prime rib, ensuring it’s juicy and cooked just right before resting.

Can I Prepare the Garlic Herb Crust in Advance?

I prepare the garlic herb crust in advance, storing it in the fridge. It saves time on cooking day, and the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the prime rib’s taste when it’s finally roasted.

What Internal Temperature Should I Aim for Medium-Well Prime Rib?

When I cook prime rib, I aim for an internal temperature of 150°F for medium-well. I remember a dinner party where everyone loved my juicy roast, proving that attention to temperature really matters!