How to Cook the Perfect Prime Rib

Prime rib is a wonderfully tender and juicy cut of beef, packed with rich flavor that stands on its own. It's also surprisingly simple to prepare. Here's everything you need to know to cook the ultimate prime rib, plus some tried-and-true recipes you'll love.

What Exactly Is Prime Rib?

A cow has 13 ribs on each side, and ribs 6 through 12 are known as the 'rib primal section.' Prime rib comes from this area, and it’s also known as the 'standing rib roast.' Just to clarify, 'prime' in this context doesn't refer to USDA Prime beef, which we’ll explain further below.

How to Choose the Best Prime Rib

Shopping for a roast can be tricky since the same cut of meat often goes by different names. 'Prime rib' is the most common term, but it's important to note that 'prime' can also refer to the meat's quality grade. The top beef grades are Prime, Choice, and Select.

Prime-grade meats are typically reserved for restaurants, so you won't likely find them at your local grocery store. Instead, look for roasts labeled as 'rib roast,' 'eye of the rib roast,' or 'standing rib roast.'

A boneless rib roast may be labeled as 'eye of the rib' roast, while a roast with bones attached is known as a 'standing rib' roast. Roasting with the bones still in place adds more flavor, though a boneless roast is easier to carve. If you choose a bone-in roast, ask your butcher to remove the backbone for easier carving.

How Much Prime Rib to Buy?

Plan on serving at least 6 ounces of cooked, trimmed meat per person. A boneless roast typically yields about two servings per pound, while a bone-in roast provides one to one-and-a-half servings per pound.

How to Season Prime Rib

Most prime rib recipes call for simple seasonings. Prime rib doesn't require a marinade or complex preparations—the meat’s natural flavor does all the talking. For a basic seasoning rub, consider using fresh herbs, lemon zest, garlic, pepper, and Dijon mustard. However, make sure to add salt just before cooking to preserve the roast's moisture.

For an extra burst of flavor, thinly slice some garlic and insert the pieces into small slits made in the roast.

How to Cook Prime Rib

This prime rib cooking method is inspired by Chef John's Perfect Prime Rib recipe.

How Long Should You Cook Prime Rib?

Chef John uses a straightforward method to calculate cooking time. At 500°F, simply multiply the weight of your roast by five and round to the nearest minute. For example, a 4-pound roast will take 20 minutes (4x5=20), a 6.25-pound roast will take 31 minutes (6.25x5=31.25), and so on. Remember, you'll need to let the roast sit at room temperature for at least four hours before cooking and rest in the oven for two hours afterward. Factor these into your total cooking time.

Ingredients:

• 4 lb. prime rib roast (For smaller or larger roasts, refer to the formula above.)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
• kosher salt

1. Bring the rib roast to room temperature.

Place the rib roast in a roasting pan and let it sit at room temperature for at least four hours to ensure even cooking.

2. Preheat your oven.

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).

3. Season the Roast.

In a bowl, combine butter, pepper, and herbes de Provence. Mix well to form a smooth blend. Spread this butter mixture evenly over the entire roast. Generously season the roast with kosher salt.

4. Roast the Prime Rib.

Place the 4-pound prime rib in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes.

5. Let the Roast Rest.

Turn off the oven and leave the roast inside with the door closed. Let it rest for two hours; during this time, the roast will continue to cook. After two hours, remove the roast from the oven, slice, and serve.

How to Check the Temperature of a Prime Rib Roast

A thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure your roast is cooked to perfection. For an accurate reading, insert the thermometer into the center of the roast, making sure the tip does not touch any fat, bone, or the pan.

Medium Rare = 130-140°F (55-60°C)

Medium = 145-155°F (63-68°C)

Keep in mind that the roast's temperature will continue to rise by at least 5°F after removing it from the oven.

Prime rib makes it easy to cater to everyone’s preferred level of doneness. The slices taken from the ends will be the most cooked, while the center remains the least done.

How to Serve Prime Rib

Serve your prime rib with pan drippings turned into a simple au jus, and offer horseradish sauce on the side. For a full meal, explore our selection of side dishes perfect for prime rib.

What to Do with Leftover Prime Rib

One of the best perks of a large beef roast is the chance to enjoy leftovers. Check out our Best Recipes for Leftover Prime Rib & Roast Beef. And don’t throw away the flavorful bones! Toss them into a slow cooker to make a rich calico bean soup or simmer them for homemade beef stock. Just remember to read up on how to reheat prime rib properly—it takes a bit of patience!