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Consider serving prime rib on your next special occasion. It looks fancy but is easier to pull off than you think.
By
Ananda Eidelstein
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Ananda Eidelstein
Ananda Eidelstein is a vegetable-loving food writer, recipe developer, and editor with nearly a decade of culinary and food media experience.
Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on July 31, 2023
Fact checked by
Marcus Reeves
Fact checked byMarcus Reeves
Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact checker.
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In This Article
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In This Article
- Overview
- Serving Size
- Ideal Temperature
- Cooking
- Recipes for Sides
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Succulent and juicy, a prime rib roast is a crowd-pleaser on any occasion. It makes for an eye-catching centerpiece that will have guests thinking you're a pro. And although a prime rib roast looks elegant and grand, it's relatively simple to cook. Learn how to cook prime rib and present this showstopper at your next dinner party. We even suggest what to serve with it!
What Is Prime Rib, Exactly?
The term "prime" is directly related to the USDA beef grade given, which is the highest standard. Prime rib is renowned for its even and abundant marbling (the amount of fat weaved with lean meat) and is most commonly found in restaurants, hotels, and prestige butchers.
In most supermarkets, the best grade of beef is typically USDA Choice, which exhibits less marbling yet still has high quality, flavor, and tenderness. What we normally find as prime rib in supermarkets is more likely a USDA Choice rib roast, unless you have a very nice butcher or place a special order.
How Much Prime Rib to Buy
As a rule of thumb, plan on 1 pound per guest for a bone-in roast. Our prime rib recipe calls for a 10-pound, bone-in, standing rib roast for 10 servings. If cooking for a smaller gathering or a bigger feast, adjust accordingly.
Ideal Prime Rib Temperature
If you don't have a digital kitchen thermometer, this is the time to get one. A digital kitchen thermometer helps to avoid undercooked or overcooked meat, which is crucial when cooking for guests. Plus, you don't want to jeopardize your meal—and potentially waste hard-earned cash on a nice piece of meat—just because you don't have a digital thermometer. Here are the prime rib temperatures you want to see on the thermometer readout:
Medium-Rare
For medium-rare, the roast is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 125°F. The temperature climbs 5 to 10 degrees as the roast rests, so it's fine to pull it from the oven at 120°F.
Medium
For medium, an instant-read thermometer should indicate 135°F, so you can remove the roast from the oven at 130°F. Avoid touching the bone when inserting the thermometer because bones are generally hotter, resulting in a misleading temperature reading.
Make a small investment and get yourself an oven thermometer too. It's really the only way to know your oven is heating at the temperature you intend.
Equipment / Tools
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Wire rack (optional)
- Instant-read meat thermometer
Materials
- 10-poundstanding rib roast
- Kitchen twine (optional)
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground pepper
Instructions
How to Cook Prime Rib
Follow this simple prime rib recipe that implements the reverse-sear method, which simply means starting low and slow, and then blasting the meat with heat toward the end of the cooking process for an irresistible crispy crust.
Prep (Optional)
If you choose to, you can tie the roast to give it more structure. To get extra fancy, you can also "french" the bones, which means cutting the meat away to expose the bones.
Refrigerate Overnight
For an extra crispy crust, place the roast bone-side-down on a rimmed baking sheet—preferably fitted with a wire rack—and refrigerate uncovered overnight.
Season and Set Out
Generously season the roast all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and let it come to room temperature, between 1 and 2 hours. This allows for even cooking and juicy, tender meat.
Preheat and Roast
Preheat the oven to 250°F with a rack fitted in the lower third of the oven.
Place the roast on a clean, rimmed baking sheet bone-side-down. Alternatively, use a roasting dish or a roasting pan fitted with a roasting rack.
Check Temperature and Rest
The roast is done to medium-rare when an instant-read thermometer registers 120°F, about 3½ hours.
Let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes. Its internal temperature will rise to 125°F (for medium-rare) as the roast rests.
Sear and Rest Again
Increase the oven temperature to 500°F and then return the roast to the oven until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Let the meat rest for about 15 minutes before carving.
What Sides to Serve With Prime Rib
A gorgeously cooked prime rib deserves equally wonderful sides. Here are seven delicious picks for a five-star dinner.
Horseradish Potato Gratin
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This easy, creamy gratin is made with spicy and mighty horseradish. The root's piquancy pairs perfectly with rich, juicy meat like prime rib.
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Maple-Roasted Vegetables
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You can never go wrong with a side of roasted vegetables, and this Brussels sprouts-and-carrot mixture is full of flavor.
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Creamy Mascarpone-Mashed Potatoes
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Not your standard mashed potatoes, this luscious whipped rendition is guaranteed to make any dinner extra special.
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Hanger Steak With Worcestershire Butter
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Take a page from this recipe and whip up its umami-rich Worcestershire butter to luxuriously spoon over slices of prime rib.
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Garlicky Herb-Butter Layered Potatoes
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A creamy center and crispy outside make this impressive yet simple side dish a wow-worthy addition to any table.
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Brussels Sprouts Salad
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This crisp, make-ahead salad is guaranteed to make entertaining a breeze. Its tart apple cider vinegar dressing stands up to the richness of a thick cut of meat.
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Green Bean Salad with Crispy Bread Crumbs
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Crisp-tender green beans are dressed in a bright dressing and sprinkled with a savory bread crumb topping for a refreshing side.
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How to Grill the Perfect Steak, According to a Professional Chef
Sources
Real Simple is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. What do beef grades mean? Accessed July 14, 2023.
