How to Achieve a Perfectly Juicy Medium Rare Prime Rib

Prime rib, or standing rib roast, is the ultimate showpiece for any celebration. Whether roasted or grilled, this rich and flavorful beef cut only needs simple seasonings like salt and pepper to shine. But what is the ideal temperature for cooking prime rib?

For the best flavor and tenderness, cook your prime rib to medium rare, which is an internal temperature of 130-135°F. The key is to pull the meat from the heat source when it hits 120-125°F (for rare) and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This resting period allows the temperature to rise, reaching your perfect doneness.

At this temperature, the meat will be pink throughout, with a rich, red center. While the USDA recommends cooking beef to at least 145°F (well-done) for safety, a tough, gray roast is far less appealing. With proper sourcing from a trusted butcher, you can enjoy a rare or medium-rare roast without worry.

This cannot be emphasized enough: when cooking large cuts like prime rib, a digital meat thermometer is essential. To get the most accurate reading, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. For smaller cuts like New York strip steak, the touch test might work, but it's not reliable for prime rib.

Prime Rib Cooking Temperature

Refer to this quick guide to determine the perfect doneness of your prime rib (or avoid it becoming overcooked and dry).

Rare: 120-125°F

The center is deep red, with the outer edges possibly fading to pink.

Medium Rare: 130-135°F

Pink with a rich, almost red center

Medium: 135-140°F

A uniform, mauve-colored interior throughout

Well-Done: 145°F and beyond

Completely brown, with no pink remaining

No matter how you cook it, you'll achieve the best results for a medium rare prime rib by letting it reach room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout. If you've ever noticed your roast or steak having a gray outer layer with a bright red center, it was probably too cold when it went into the pan, oven, or grill. To avoid this, take the meat out of the fridge at least an hour before cooking.

Now that you're ready, you probably want some prime rib recipes, right? Here are a few to get you started:

• Chef John's Perfect Prime Rib
• Garlic Prime Rib
• Low and Slow Prime Rib

Prime rib might seem intimidating, but don't be put off by its price tag. With the right tools, especially a meat thermometer (which is essential), you'll find it more forgiving than you'd think. The cooking time depends on both the weight of the roast and the heat of your oven or grill, so follow your recipe carefully.