If you want a show-stopping dinner that feels impressive yet surprisingly simple to make, this prime rib roast recipe is the perfect choice. The roast turns out incredibly juicy with a tender, buttery texture and a rich beefy flavor that melts in your mouth. A crisp herb crust on the outside adds the perfect balance to the succulent center. Although prime rib looks restaurant-worthy, this recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together with simple preparation and careful roasting.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Prime Rib Roast
- 1 bone-in prime rib roast (5 to 6 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Prime Rib Roast Recipe
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 230°C or 450°F. Place a rack in the center of the oven so the roast cooks evenly and develops a golden crust.
- Prepare the roast: Pat the prime rib completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the exterior become crisp and flavorful during roasting.
- Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika until fully mixed.
- Season the meat: Rub the herb mixture generously over the entire roast, making sure every side is coated well.
- Start roasting: Place the roast fat-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Roast at 230°C or 450°F for 20 minutes to build a rich crust.
- Lower the heat: Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C or 325°F and continue roasting for about 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your preferred doneness.
- Rest the roast: Remove the roast from the oven and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing so the juices stay inside the meat.
- Slice and serve: Cut into thick slices and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Tips for the Best Prime Rib Roast
How do I keep prime rib juicy?
Always let the roast rest after cooking. Cutting too early allows the juices to escape and can dry out the meat.
Should prime rib be room temperature before roasting?
Yes. Letting the roast sit at room temperature for about 1 hour helps it cook more evenly from edge to center.
What is the best internal temperature for prime rib?
For medium-rare, remove the roast at 52°C to 54°C or 125°F to 130°F. The temperature will continue rising slightly while resting.
Do I need a roasting rack?
A roasting rack helps air circulate around the meat and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy while roasting.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes
- Pair with roasted vegetables
- Add Yorkshire pudding for a classic dinner
- Serve alongside horseradish sauce or au jus
- Pair with garlic butter green beans
Storage
Room Temperature
Do not leave cooked prime rib at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Wrap slices tightly in foil and place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 780mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs
How long should I cook prime rib roast per pound?
Prime rib generally takes about 15 to 18 minutes per pound at 325°F for medium-rare doneness.
Should prime rib be covered while roasting?
No, roasting uncovered helps develop a crisp and flavorful crust on the outside of the meat.
Can I prepare prime rib seasoning ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the herb butter mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What is the difference between ribeye and prime rib?
Prime rib is a larger roast cut from the rib section, while ribeye is sliced into individual steaks from the same area.
Prime Rib Roast Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium8
servings20
minutes2
hours15
minutes155
minutes620
kcal2
hours35
minutesJuicy and tender prime rib roast with garlic herb seasoning and a beautifully crisp crust. Perfect for holidays, special dinners, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
1 bone-in prime rib roast (5 to 6 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F). Place the oven rack in the center position.
- Pat the prime rib roast dry with paper towels to help the crust develop properly.
- Mix olive oil, butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the roast, coating every side evenly.
- Place the roast fat-side up in a roasting pan fitted with a rack.
- Roast at 230°C (450°F) for 20 minutes to create a flavorful crust.
- Reduce oven temperature to 160°C (325°F) and continue roasting for 1 hour 45 minutes or until desired doneness.
- Remove from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Allowing the roast to rest keeps it juicy.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches and wraps.
