Prime Rib Roast Recipe (2025)

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Prime Rib Roast Recipe – learn how to make a juicy and flavorful, perfectly cooked bone-in prime rib. Perfect for Christmas and the holiday season. Different cooking options and instructional video included.

Prime Rib Roast Recipe (1)

This is seriously the best, foolproofPrime Rib Roast Recipe. Remember that perfectly cooked slice of prime rib, you had at a restaurant? Now you can make it at home and enjoy it with your family and friends.

Bone-n Black Angus Standing Rib Roast, covered in herb butter, roasted at low temperature until rare to medium-rare (120-130F) and then roasted at 500 F for around 10 minutes, until it gets a nice crust.

There are so many things I’d like to share with you about making thisPrime Rib Roast Recipe at home. But if I miss something, make sure you leave a message with your question.

What is Prime Rib?

The most important question, if you are not sure what exactly to buy. Standing rib roast,BeefBone-In Rib Roast, aka “Prime Rib” is. A beef roast or steak cut from the seven ribs immediately before the loin.

In addition to fullprime rib, you can get a loin-endribroast, which is also known as “first cut.” It’s a smaller cut with lessfat.

You can find both boneless and bone-in prime rib roast. While they both taste amazing, today we are about bone-in prime rib roast and how to cook it.

Is prime rib and ribeye the same thing?

IsPrime RibtheSameasRibeye? Bothprime rib and rib eyeare cut from theribof a cow. However,prime ribis generally a large cut of beef that contains a large bone, while arib eyeis a smaller steak that is either boneless or only has a small piece of bone.

What ingredients do you need to make this Prime Rib Roast Recipe?

This flavorful piece of meat does not need a lot of seasoning. Just salt and coarse black pepper is fine.

But you know me, I like to add some herbs and spices to my roasts. I made a herb (compound ) butter with garlic, thyme, oregano and rosemary and rubber it on the fat side and around the sides of the meat. This ensured that the tip is flavorful, juicy and crispy.

  • prime rib roast (with the bones)
  • salt
  • pepper
  • butter
  • garlic
  • thyme
  • oregano
  • rosemary

How to season prime rib?

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Prime rib meat does not need a lot of seasoning. It is already a flavorful cut of meat. Just salt and black pepper will be enough.

I used a combination of butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano and rosemary.

You can also add cumin or paprika.

Any store bought or homemade steak seasoning works on prime rib.

How to choose prime rib roast for the holidays?

Prime Rib Roast Recipe (3)

Choosing the perfect prime rib roast can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for.

Make sure you know what size roast you are looking for.

Look at the meat – the more marbling it has the more juicy and delicious the final product will be.

I’ve heard people recommend that you choose or ask for a piece of meat form the small end (the loin end) not the large end that is closer to the chuck.

Meat from the small end is generally more tender.

Prime Rib Roast Recipe (4)

How to prepare prime rib for cooking?

If you are cooking the prime rib in the morning, I recommend that you sprinkle it generously with salt (Kosher salt preferably) and leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight. This makes the outside of the prime rib dry out and locks in the moisture on the inside.

Before baking (roasting), take it out of the fridge for at least 1.5-2 hours (ideally) to get to room temperature. I’ve had situations where I don’t have any time to wait and have to pop the roast in the oven right away. Don’t worry, it will still cook, but leaving it to get to room temperature ensures that the roast cooks properly and evenly.

Prepare your herb butter and spread it on top (fatty side) and the sides of the meat.

How to tie and bone the roast?

Why do you tie roasts? You certainly don’t have to do it, but tying helps keep the roast’s shape and makes it look pretty.

To tie your prime rib – using a simple knot,tiepieces of string around theroastso that the string runs between the spaces of each of theribbones. Or ask the butcher to do it for you.

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How to make the perfect Prime Rib Roast ?

  1. Choose and purchase the beef roast.
  2. Tie and bone (optional, ask the butcher to do it for you). I did not tie my roast and the fat separated a bit from the meat during baking.
  3. Sprinkle with salt and let it stand uncovered in the fridge overnight.
  4. Take out of the fridge. Do not rinse the salt.
  5. Preheat oven to 230F.
  6. Prepare the herb butter. Spread the butter over the top (fat side) and the sides of the roast.
  7. Place on a baking sheet and boast fat side up for 3-4 hours, until the inside reaches a temperature of 120 F.
  8. Remove from the oven and cover with foil.
  9. Preheat oven to 500 F. Brown the meat (uncovered) for 10 minutes. Rest for 15 minutes before cutting.

At what temperature and how long to cook prime rib roast in the oven for?

Please look at the different methods I’ve mentioned below.

For this particular recipe, I used the reverse sear method.

I cooked the meat at 230 F for 3.5 hours, or until it reached 120 F internal temperature. Then I browned the meat for 10 minutes at 500 F to make the outside crispy.

What are the different methods for cooking Prime Rib Roast

  • roasting
  • grilling
  • smoking
  • slow cooker
  • sous vide

When it comes to roasting, there are three different methods I’ve tried so far.

Here is the time to mention that while I eat meat that is cooked rare, I prefer my prime rib more on the medium-rare to medium side of doneness.

Different ways to roast prime rib

Prime Rib Roast Recipe (6)
  1. The first method is the most popular one, where you roast the prime rib in the oven at 500 F to brown it. Calculate the time to brown the roast allowing 5 minutes for each pound of meat. For example a 6 pound roast, will require 30 minutes browning time. Turn the oven off and don’t open the door. After 2 hours, the center of the roast will be 135, which is medium-rare. If you’d like to cook it more, leave it in the oven longer. Rest for 15 minutes, before cutting.
  2. The second method is cooking (browning) the prime rib roast in the oven for 15 minutes until browned and then reducing the temperature to 325-350 and roasting to finish, it takes approximately 11 minutes per pound for rare and 14 minutes for medium-rare. Take out of the oven and rest for 15 minutes, before cutting.
  3. The third method for making the best prime rib is the one I used to make the prime rib roast on the photos. It is called the reverse sear technique. Why do I like it? It does not result in a overly dry outside part of the meat. The transition from medium to rare throughout the meat is perfect. For someone like me, who doesn’t like extremely red rare prime rib inside this technique allows you to cook the inside to medium-rare, without drying out the outside. It is basically roasting the meat at 130 F for 2.5-4.5 hours, depending on the size, until it reaches 120 F. Then take it out and cover with foil. Preheat oven to 500 F. Roast for 10 minutes, to achieve a brown exterior. The prime rib on the pictures was cooked to 125 F and then browned for 12 minutes, because we generally prefer medium prime rib. If you aim for more rare inside, cook to 120 F and brown for 6-8 minutes.

Roasting time varies depending on the shape and weight of the roast, roasting pan and oven. It is best if you have an oven safe thermometer to insert in the roast while cooking. This will prevent overcooking it.

How to reheat prime rib?

Cooked, leftover prime rib roast is best reheated in the oven at low temperature (around 300 F), in a pan, with some beef broth or au jus for 20-25 minutes.

Grilled Prime Rib

Looking for a different cooking method for Prime Rib?

This Rotisserie Prime Rib from Heartbeet Kitchen is made on the grill for a tender, flavorful and smoky result.

What to serve this juicy home baked prime rib with?

  • Feta mashed potatoes
  • Balsamic Grilled Vegetables
  • Baked Brussel Sprouts With Bacon
  • 15 Salads You Need To Try

Prime Rib Roast Recipe (7)

5 from 2 votes

Prime Rib Roast Recipe

The best Prime Rib Roast Recipe – learn how to make aperfectly cooked bone-in prime rib. Perfect for Christmas and the holiday season.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 5 hours hrs

15 minutes mins

Total: 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12

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Ingredients

  • 1 standing rib roast 3-7 ribs, I used a 3 rib roast
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp rosemary, fresh =, chopped
  • 1 tsp oregano, fresh or dry (use 2/3 tsp if dry)
  • 1 tsp thyme, fresh

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Choose and purchase the beef roast.

    Tie and bone (optional, ask the butcher to do it for you). I did not tie my roast and the fat separated a bit from the meat during baking.

  • Sprinkle with salt (1 1/2 tbsp Kosher salt) and let it stand uncovered in the fridge overnight.

    Take out of the fridge. Do not rinse the salt.

  • Preheat oven to 230F.

  • Prepare the herb butter by combining softened butter, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme and rosemary. Spread the butter over the top (fat side) and the sides of the roast. Insert an oven safe meat thermometer if you have one.

  • Place on a baking sheet and boast fat side up for 3-4 hours or more, until the inside reaches a temperature of 120 F for rare. I cook mine to 125-130 F for medium.

  • Remove from the oven and cover with foil.

    Preheat oven to 500 F. Brown the meat (uncovered) for 6-10 minutes. Rest for 15 minutes before cutting.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 645kcal, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 906mg, Vitamin A: 120IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @cookinglsl or tag #cookinglsl!

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Prime Rib Roast Recipe (12)

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Prime Rib Roast Recipe (2025)

FAQs

What is the most important thing to do before roasting a prime rib roast? ›

Remove the beef roast from the refrigerator 3 hours before you start to cook it. Sprinkle it with salt all over and let it sit, loosely wrapped in butcher paper. Roasts should be brought close to room temperature before they go into the oven to ensure more even cooking.

What is the trick to cooking prime rib? ›

It's no secret that roasts need to cook slow and slow, but for that killer crust on a prime rib the secret is to hit it with a lot of heat first. Like our other prime rib recipes, this rosemary-rubbed prime rib cooks at 450F for 20 minutes before cooking for another 60 to 90 minutes at 350F.

Is it better to cook prime rib at 325 or 350? ›

Start by cooking your prime rib at 500°F for 15 minutes and then lower the oven temperature to 325° F and cook for 10-12 min per pound for rare, or 13-14 min per pound for medium rare, or 14-15 min per pound for medium well. A meat thermometer is essential to ensure you cook it perfectly!

How long to cook a 8 lb prime rib at 325? ›

In a 325 degree F oven:
  1. Medium-rare: 20 to 25 minutes per pound.
  2. Medium: 25 to 30 minutes per pound.
  3. Medium-well: 30 to 35 minutes per pound.
Dec 20, 2023

Should I put water in the bottom of my prime rib roast? ›

Put the roast on a rack (or on top of some carrots, celery and sliced onion, which will flavor the drippings nicely) in the roasting pan, and add just a little water to the bottom of the pan — it shouldn't touch the meat.

Do you season prime rib before cooking? ›

Rule #7: Season Well, and Season in Advance

For best results, salt your prime rib on all surfaces with kosher salt at least 45 minutes before you start cooking it, and preferably the day before, leaving it in the fridge uncovered overnight. Initially, the salt will draw out some moisture and end up dissolving in it.

What is the best temperature to cook a prime rib roast? ›

Roast in oven: Place roasting pan in hot 450°F oven for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 115 to 120°F for medium rare (125 to 130°F after resting), or 125 to 130°F for medium (135 to 140°F after resting).

What's the best temperature to cook a prime rib? ›

The easiest way to cook prime rib is to skip all of the preparation steps and the last-minute crisp. Simply season the roast with salt and pepper, cook it at 250°F, and remove it when the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.

Should I sear prime rib before roasting? ›

Searing is an important part of roasting a prime rib. Searing the roast first will kill the surface bacteria, which is a nice touch, especially when you are roasting at lower temperatures.

Do you put butter or olive oil on prime rib? ›

Season the Prime Rib

You can also use olive oil instead of butter and any dried herbs that you like. Spread the soft butter mixture all over the surface of the prime rib and then season the top generously with more fresh black pepper and salt. Don't be shy when seasoning the prime rib before roasting.

How long to cook a 7lb prime rib at 325? ›

Cook Time and Temperature:

Start by cooking your prime rib at 500°F for 15 minutes and then lower the oven temperature to 325° F and cook for 10-12 min per pound for rare, or 13-14 min per pound for medium rare, or 14-15 min per pound for medium well. A meat thermometer is essential to ensure you cook it perfectly!

How long should prime rib sit at room temperature before cooking? ›

Start on the right foot by letting your prime rib sit at room temperature for a full 3 hours before roasting it.

Should you sear prime rib before or after cooking? ›

Reverse Sear Prime Rib is the absolute best way to cook this gloriously delicious beef roast, with an evenly warmed interior and a browned flavorful crust. The secret is the reverse sear method, where we cook the beef low and slow, let it rest, then blast it with high heat at the end to brown the exterior.

How long to cook 9 lb prime rib at 350? ›

Prime Rib Cooking Time Per Pound Chart
Prime Rib Cooking Time Per Pound Chart ~Perfect Prime Rib Temperature Chart~
Internal TemperatureCooking Time at 350°FInternal Temp
Rare15 – 16 minutes per lb125°F / 51.6°C
Medium Rare16 – 17 minutes per lb132°F / 55.5°C
Medium18 minutes per lb140°F / 60°C
2 more rows
Jun 16, 2021

How many people will an 8 lb bone in prime rib feed? ›

Plan to have one pound of bone-in prime rib per person, or one rib for every two diners. If you're ordering from a butcher, you can either request by pound or number of ribs. To order by pound, ask for an eight-pound prime rib for eight people, or a 10-pound cut for 10 people.

How do you prepare a rib roast for cooking? ›

Remove the roast from the fridge 2 hours before cooking and season with salt. Pat 1 (about 7-pound) standing rib roast dry with paper towels and season generously with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, being sure to coat the sides, ends, and the ribs below. Don't worry about using all the salt.

Should you oil prime rib before cooking? ›

Rub the Prime Rib with Oil and Garlic: Given the fattiness of this cut of meat, you can actually skip using the olive oil, but then you should also skip the fresh garlic. Make the Prime Rib Rub: In a small bowl combine salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning and rub it into the roast.

How long to rest prime rib before roasting? ›

Preparing the Prime Rib Roast

Pull the rib roast out of the fridge and let temper on the counter for three hours. USDA guidelines requires food not be held above 33°F (1°C) for more than 4 hours. A three-hour rest on the counter is well within time constraints.

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