How to Cook Prime Rib: The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Roast

Prime rib is a holiday centerpiece for many, a dish synonymous with celebration and indulgence. Often perceived as intimidating, cooking prime rib at home is actually quite straightforward. This guide will show you How To Cook Prime Rib perfectly every time, making it easier than ever to impress your guests with this show-stopping roast.

For many families, prime rib is the highlight of the holiday season. It’s a tradition, a comforting and luxurious meal that brings everyone to the table. My family is no exception, and the anticipation for prime rib dinner is always high. The rich flavor and tender texture of a perfectly cooked prime rib are truly unmatched. While dining at a high-end steakhouse like House of Prime Rib in San Francisco is a treat, enjoying a delicious prime rib at home is both more personal and budget-friendly. If you share the love for prime rib but are concerned about the cost or complexity, this guide is designed for you.

This is truly the ultimate guide on how to cook prime rib with ease. This recipe provides a simple, foolproof method to achieve a restaurant-quality prime rib roast right in your own kitchen. With rising food costs, especially during the holidays, mastering prime rib at home is a valuable skill. By following these instructions carefully, you can avoid any cooking mishaps and create a memorable meal.

For sourcing your prime rib, consider Costco. They often offer prime-grade beef at competitive prices, especially for this cut. In my area, San Francisco, their prime rib is typically around $10.99 per pound, making it an accessible option. The key to a fantastic prime rib is not just the quality of the meat but also the seasoning and cooking technique. Serve your perfectly cooked prime rib with classic side dishes like Yorkshire Pudding, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh kale salad for a complete and satisfying holiday feast.

To embark on this culinary journey, you’ll need a prime rib roast, kosher salt, olive oil, fresh garlic, aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, onion powder, and ground black pepper. These simple ingredients combine to create a flavorful marinade that enhances the natural richness of the beef.

Begin by preparing the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together kosher salt, olive oil, freshly chopped rosemary and thyme, onion powder, and ground black pepper. This aromatic mixture will infuse the prime rib with incredible flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Your Simple Prime Rib and Marinade

🍖 Prime Rib Roast: The star of the show! This recipe is designed for a 5-pound prime rib, which generously serves 8-10 people. Adjust the size based on your needs, keeping in mind that leftovers are always welcome!
🧂 Kosher Salt: Crucial for both seasoning the roast directly and for the marinade. Kosher salt’s larger crystals help to draw out moisture and enhance flavor penetration.
🫒 Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness and helps the marinade adhere to the prime rib. Avocado oil is a suitable alternative if you prefer.
🧄 Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for the best flavor. Don’t substitute with garlic powder; the fresh cloves provide a pungent aroma that is essential to the marinade.
🌿 Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are classic pairings with beef. Their fresh, earthy notes complement the richness of the prime rib beautifully.
🧅 Onion Powder: A touch of onion powder adds depth and savory notes to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides a subtle spice and rounds out the seasoning.

Before applying the marinade, it’s vital to let the prime rib come to room temperature for about two hours. This step ensures more even cooking. Once the prime rib has rested, generously rub it with kosher salt and then brush the prepared marinade all over the surface.

Mastering Prime Rib Cooking Temperature: Your Guide to Doneness

Achieving the perfect level of doneness is often the most challenging aspect of how to cook prime rib. Many home cooks struggle to get that ideal medium-rare center. Given the expense of prime rib, precision is key to avoid disappointment. To ensure success every time, a meat thermometer is your best friend. While a traditional meat thermometer will work, a smart thermometer like the Yummly Smart Thermometer can be a game-changer. These thermometers connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to set your desired doneness and receive notifications when the roast reaches the target temperature. This eliminates guesswork and allows for perfectly cooked prime rib with minimal effort.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, a general guideline is to start by searing the prime rib at a high temperature of 500°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and cook for approximately 20 minutes per pound for medium-rare. For a 5-pound prime rib cooked to medium-rare, this translates to about 1 hour of cooking at the lower temperature after the initial sear. However, cooking times can vary, and a thermometer is always recommended for accuracy. For different levels of doneness, refer to the temperature and time guidelines below:

Rare: 10-12 minutes per pound / 115-120°F
Medium Rare: 13-14 minutes per pound / 135-140°F
Medium: 15-18 minutes per pound / 140-145°F
Medium Well: 20-22 minutes per pound / 145-150°F
Well Done: 25-27 minutes per pound / 155+°F (Not recommended for prime rib to maintain tenderness)

Begin the roasting process by cooking the prime rib at 500°F for the initial 20 minutes to develop a flavorful crust. After searing, lower the oven temperature to 325°F and continue cooking for approximately 1.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers your desired internal temperature for doneness.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Holiday Prime Rib

To create this holiday-worthy prime rib, proper preparation is key. Start by bringing your prime rib roast to room temperature approximately two hours before you plan to cook it. This is a critical step for even cooking.

Once the meat has rested, preheat your oven to 500°F. Prepare the prime rib by generously rubbing sea salt all over its surface. Set it aside while you prepare the flavorful marinade. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, mashed garlic cloves, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, onion powder, black pepper, and another generous pinch of salt.

Thoroughly mix the marinade and then rub it all over the prime rib, ensuring every surface is coated. Place the marinated prime rib in a cast iron skillet. (Note: Preheating the skillet is not necessary). Transfer the skillet with the prime rib to the preheated oven and cook for 20 minutes at 500°F. After 20 minutes, remove the prime rib from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the prime rib, ensuring the tip reaches the center. If you are not using a meat thermometer, refer to the time guidelines mentioned earlier, but a thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy. For a medium-rare finish, continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 135°F, which typically takes about 1.5 hours for a 5-pound roast.

Once the prime rib reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven. Create a foil tent by loosely covering the roast with aluminum foil and let it rest for approximately 40 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. Finally, after resting, slice the prime rib and serve immediately to enjoy its exquisite taste and texture.

After the crucial resting period of 40 minutes under a foil tent, slice the prime rib against the grain. Serve it immediately with your favorite creamy mashed potatoes or other desired side dishes, and savor every delicious bite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Prime Rib

What is the best cut of prime rib for this recipe?
For optimal flavor and tenderness, I recommend using a bone-in prime rib roast. The bone adds richness and depth of flavor during cooking. If you choose a bone-in roast, ask your butcher to “French” the bones (remove meat from the bone ends for presentation) and tie the roast. Cooking with the bone-in enhances the flavor significantly.

How much prime rib should I buy per person?
A general guideline is to estimate about 1/2 to 3/4 pound of prime rib per person. Since this recipe uses a 5-pound prime rib, it comfortably serves approximately 8-10 servings. Adjust the size of the roast based on your guest count and desired leftovers.

How do I accurately determine when my prime rib is cooked to the desired doneness?
As emphasized earlier, a meat thermometer is invaluable for ensuring perfectly cooked prime rib. Refer to the cooking temperature guide provided above for target internal temperatures for different levels of doneness.

What are some excellent side dishes to serve with prime rib?
Prime rib pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Classic accompaniments include Yorkshire Pudding (or Easy 5-Ingredient Popovers), creamy mashed potatoes (like Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes), au gratin potatoes, roasted vegetables, creamed spinach, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the meat.

Can I prepare prime rib ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook prime rib ahead of time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, gently warm the prime rib in an oven set to 300°F for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Reheating slowly at a low temperature helps prevent drying out the meat.

If you try this recipe for how to cook prime rib, please leave a review and rating below! For more recipes and cooking inspiration, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube! You can also find me on Pinterest for more culinary ideas.

** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim

Dairy Free/gluten-free/Grain Free/Nut Free/Paleo/Refined Sugar Free

The Ultimate Easy Prime Rib

5 from 7 votes

By Nicole Modic

Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Serves: 10 Servings

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If your holiday isn’t complete without prime rib, you’re in good company. This hearty cut of meat is a holiday staple in many households. While often considered complex, it’s simpler to make than you might think. This is The Ultimate Easy Prime Rib, the easiest way to enjoy this comforting holiday classic at home.

Ingredients

5 Pounds Prime Rib bone-in
3 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
½ Cup Olive Oil
8 Cloves Garlic mashed
3 Tablespoons Fresh Rosemary finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Fresh Thyme finely chopped
2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

Begin by preparing the meat. Allow the prime rib to sit at room temperature for approximately two hours before cooking. This step is crucial for even cooking.
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 500°F.
Prepare the meat by rubbing sea salt generously all over the prime rib. Set aside while you prepare the marinade.
To make the marinade, combine olive oil, mashed garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, onion powder, black pepper, and another generous pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Mix the marinade thoroughly, then rub it all over the prime rib, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Place the prime rib in a cast iron skillet (preheating the skillet is not necessary) and put it in the oven to cook for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the prime rib from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the prime rib, making sure the tip is in the center. If you are not using a meat thermometer, refer to the notes below for cook times.
For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F, approximately 1.5 hours.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and tent loosely with tin foil. Allow the prime rib to rest for about 40 minutes.
Finally, slice and serve!

Notes

For perfectly cooked prime rib, a meat thermometer is highly recommended. The Yummly Smart Thermometer is a great option, connecting to your phone and notifying you when your desired temperature is reached. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, a general guideline is to sear at 500°F for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 325°F and cook for 20 minutes per pound for medium-rare (for a 5-pound roast, about 1 hour). Adjust cooking times based on desired doneness using the guide below:

Rare: 10-12 minutes per pound / 115-120°F
Medium Rare: 13-14 minutes per pound / 135-140°F
Medium: 15-18 minutes per pound / 140-145°F
Medium Well: 20-22 minutes per pound / 145-150°F

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