How to make the perfect Prime Rib for Christmas

The holidays are upon us, and if you celebrate Christmas, we are just days away from what is hopefully a day full of love. One of the best parts about Christmas is the dinner spread, and if you've found yourself on meat duty, you should consider a Prime Rib. It sounds intimidating, but we have a perfect recipe with secret tricks like butter and smoked paprika.

What is Prime Rib?

Prime rib, aka standing rib roast, is a top-tier cut from the rib section of a cow. With its marbled fat and tenderness, it’s perfect for roasting and, when cooked right, is juicy, full of flavor, with an amazing texture that will melt in your mouth. When served medium-rare to medium, prime rib is especially tender.

Ingredients

• (6-7 pound) prime rib roast. (If flavor and presentation are at the top of your list, bone-in. If you want something easier to carve and a tad faster to cook, boneless)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• l6-7 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Prime Rib

Prepare the Roast

1. Remove the prime rib from the fridge 2 hours before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
2. Pat the roast dry with paper towels and rub it generously with olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, add Dijon mustard to the mixture.
4. Soften the butter and blend it with half of the garlic-herb mixture to create a compound butter. Spread this buttery mixture evenly over the roast. Massage the remaining seasoning mix into the meat, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Place the roast fat-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.

Sear the Roast

1. Roast the prime rib at 450°F (232°C) for 20-25 minutes to develop a golden, aromatic crust.

Reduce the Temperature

1. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting.
2. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:

• Rare: 120°F (49°C)
• Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
• Medium: 140°F (60°C)

Rest the Meat

1. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the roast and loosely tent it with foil.
2. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure tender, flavorful meat.

Slice and Serve

1. Slice the prime rib against the grain into thick slices.
2. Serve with sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, or horseradish sauce.

FAQs About Prime Rib

What Is the Ideal Cooking Temperature for Prime Rib?

Medium-rare (130°F or 54°C) is the best temperature to ensure a juicy and tender prime rib.

How Much Prime Rib Per Person Should I Serve?

For bone-in prime rib, plan for about 1 pound per person. For boneless, aim for ¾ pound per person.

How Do I Reheat Leftover Prime Rib?

Let the roast cool to room temperature (about 30-60 minutes, depending on the size) before refrigerating. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacteria. 

Wrap the leftover slices in aluminum foil and warm them in a 250°F (121°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.  Leftovers can typically be stored for up to 3-4 days.