I have always felt that a holiday dinner just is not complete without a big beautiful centerpiece sitting in the middle of the table. For me it has always been about this specific roast. I have spent years trying to get the method just right because I wanted that perfect juicy pink center and a salty herb crust on the outside. I finally nailed it. I use beef broth instead of wine for the sauce to keep the flavors deep and family friendly. It is the one thing my friends always ask me to make when they come over for the holidays.

Why This Prime Rib Roast Recipe Works

This method works because I do not like to guess when I am cooking something this nice. I use a low and slow approach that stops that weird gray ring from forming around the edges of the meat. You want it to look perfect when you slice into it. It is all about expertise and using a good meat thermometer. This way you get a melt in your mouth texture every single time. The herb rub I use is very simple and it lets the beef be the star of the show.

Ingredients for Your Prime Rib Roast Recipe

One 5 to 7 pound standing beef rib roast with 3 or 4 ribs
4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter
1 tablespoon of kosher salt
1 tablespoon of coarsely ground black pepper
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme
2 cups of high quality beef broth for the sauce

Step-by-Step Guide for This Prime Rib Roast Recipe

Preparing the Meat

Take your roast out of the fridge at least two hours before you plan to cook it. This is a big deal. If the meat is still cold in the middle it will not cook evenly. Use paper towels to pat the surface until it is totally dry. A dry roast gets a much better crust. Mix your butter and garlic and herbs in a bowl. Rub that mixture all over the meat until it is well coated.

The Roasting Process

Get your oven hot at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the meat in a roasting pan with the fat side facing up. Put it in the oven for 15 minutes to sear it. This helps lock in all those good juices. Now turn the oven down to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep roasting until your thermometer says 120 degrees for a medium rare center. This usually takes about 13 to 15 minutes for every pound of meat.

Timing and Tips for Your Prime Rib Roast Recipe

The biggest mistake people make is cutting the meat as soon as it comes out of the oven. You have to let the roast rest for at least 30 minutes. Just cover it loosely with some foil. The temperature will actually go up another 5 or 10 degrees while it sits there. If you cut it too fast all the juice will just run out and the meat will end up dry.

How to Make Au Jus for This Prime Rib Roast Recipe

Put your roasting pan right on the stove over medium heat. Use a spoon to scrape up all those brown bits from the bottom. Pour in two cups of beef broth. Let it simmer until the liquid goes down by about half. Taste it and add a little salt if you think it needs it. This juice is so much better than anything you can buy in a packet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prime Rib Roast Recipe

What temperature is best for medium rare

You should pull the roast out when it hits 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It will keep cooking while it rests and reach 130 degrees which is the perfect spot for medium rare.

Can I use a boneless roast for this prime rib roast recipe

You can definitely use a boneless cut if you prefer. I like the bones because they act like a natural rack and add flavor. If you go boneless just remember to check the temp a little earlier because it might cook faster.

How do I store and reheat leftovers

Keep any leftovers in a sealed container for up to three days. When you want to eat it again put the slices in a dish with a little beef broth. Cover it with foil and warm it up at 250 degrees so it stays tender.

Nutritional Information for Prime Rib Roast Recipe

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Sodium: 650mg