For many people, prime rib is the showstopper of any dinner. With its tender, juicy meat and crispy, browned exterior, it’s no wonder why prime rib is a favorite for dinner parties and holidays. But when it comes to cooking prime rib, it can be intimidating. How long do you cook it? What temperature? What herbs to season it with?
Here, we’ll provide all the answers you need to make the perfect prime rib every time. Put on your favorite apron and let’s get started!
Contents
What You’ll Need
Making prime rib is a relatively simple process, but does require some basic supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Prime rib roast
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Meat thermometer
You may also want to have some kitchen twine handy for tying the roast.
How to Choose the Perfect Prime Rib
The first step to making the perfect prime rib is choosing the right cut of meat. You want to look for something that is well-marbled with fat, as this will ensure that the prime rib is tender and juicy. You should also look for a cut that has a thick fat cap so that it will remain moist and flavorful while cooking.
If you can’t find a good cut of prime rib at your local grocery store, you may want to consider buying it online. Many online retailers specialize in high-quality, grass-fed prime rib and other cuts of beef.
How Long to Cook Prime Rib per Pound
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how long to cook prime rib per pound. The cooking time will depend on the size of your prime rib roast, but as a general rule, you should allow about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound.
Cooking Times for Prime Rib Roast
| Size of Roast | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 3 lbs | 45 minutes |
| 4 lbs | 1 hour |
| 5 lbs | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| 6 lbs | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 7 lbs | 1 hour 45 minutes |
Remember that these are just guidelines: the actual cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your roast, as well as the temperature of your oven. The best way to determine when your prime rib is done is to use a meat thermometer.
How to Prepare the Prime Rib
Once you have the right cut of prime rib, it’s time to start preparing it. Begin by removing the fat cap and trimming away any excess fat. Then, season the roast generously with salt and pepper. For additional flavor, you can also add garlic cloves, rosemary, and thyme.
Once the roast is seasoned, coat it with a thin layer of olive oil and butter. This will help to keep the roast moist while it cooks. If you’re using a bone-in roast, you can tie it with kitchen twine to keep the shape intact while cooking.
Cooking the Prime Rib
Now it’s time to cook the prime rib. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the prime rib in a roasting pan and cook it for the recommended time, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. You should cook the prime rib until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
Once the prime rib reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the roast, resulting in a juicy and flavorful cut of meat.
Serving the Prime Rib
Finally, it’s time to serve your prime rib. Slice the roast against the grain and serve it with your favorite side dishes. Or, if you’re feeling festive, try serving it with some mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
And with that, you’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to make the perfect prime rib every time. So, don’t be intimidated by this showstopper of a dish. With a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a juicy, delicious prime rib in no time. As the song says, “Ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no prime rib too tough!”
