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Classic Prime Rib (A Foolproof Holiday Recipe!)

The whole, homemade, impressive, and crusted Prime Rib being carved as the centerpiece at a fun and sophisticated Christmas party.

A classic and impressive recipe for a standing rib roast (prime rib), perfect for a holiday centerpiece. The roast is seasoned with a simple herb rub, then cooked using a two-temperature method: first seared at high heat (500°F) and then slow-roasted at a lower temperature. A key technique involves detaching the rib bones and using them as a natural roasting rack for the meat. The dish is served with a simple, from-scratch, no-cook creamy horseradish sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-lb.) 4-rib standing rib roast, chine bone removed
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 2 tsp. black pepper, divided
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 5 Tbsp. prepared horseradish
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • Thyme sprigs, for garnish
  • Kitchen twine

Instructions

  1. Let the roast rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
  2. Prepare the Roast: Pat the rib roast dry. Place it on a cutting board, fat side up. Carefully cut the ribs away from the roast, following the curve of the bone. Place the roast back on the detached ribs (which act as a rack) and tie them together with kitchen twine.
  3. Place the trussed roast on a wire rack set in a large roasting pan. Rub the dried thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of pepper all over the roast.
  4. Make the Sauce: Meanwhile, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, Worcestershire, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Roast the Beef: Preheat the oven to 500°F with the rack in the lowest setting. Bake the roast for 25 minutes.
  6. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Continue to bake for about 2 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the roast registers 115°F.
  7. Remove the roast from the oven, loosely cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes. (The temperature will continue to rise to 130°F for medium-rare).
  8. Serve: Remove and discard the kitchen twine and the rib bones. Thinly slice the roast against the grain and serve with the prepared horseradish dipping sauce, garnished with thyme sprigs.

Notes

  • This is a showstopper main course that is perfect for a special holiday dinner like Christmas.
  • Letting the roast sit at room temperature for 2 hours before cooking is a crucial step that helps it to cook more evenly.
  • The two-temperature roasting method—starting high and then finishing low—is a key technique for developing a flavorful crust while ensuring a tender interior.
  • Resting the roast for a full 30 minutes before carving is essential for the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender when sliced.
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