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Prime Rib (A Perfect Christmas Roast!)

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

A classic and elegant recipe for a perfectly cooked Prime Rib, or standing rib roast, a showstopper main course for a holiday meal. The recipe features a simple preparation where a 4-bone prime rib is generously seasoned with salt and pepper and refrigerated overnight. A key technique involves using the reserved rib bones as a natural roasting rack for the meat, which is roasted with rosemary and garlic. The roast is cooked to a perfect medium-rare and then rested before slicing to ensure it is juicy and tender.

Ingredients

  • 1 (4-bone) prime rib roast, bones and excess fat removed and reserved
  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled and smashed
  • 4 ounces arugula (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Liberally season the prime rib all over with the salt and some pepper. Refrigerate overnight.
  2. One hour before cooking, remove the roast from the refrigerator to allow it to come to room temperature.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  4. Place the reserved rib bones in a roasting pan, bowed-side up, to act as a roasting rack. Scatter any fat trimmings in the pan around the bones. Roast the bones for about 30 minutes, until the fat starts to render.
  5. Remove the pan from the oven. Place the rosemary sprigs on top of the bones, then top with the prime rib roast. Place the smashed garlic in the bottom of the pan.
  6. Baste the beef with the fat drippings from the pan and return it to the oven. Cook for 30 minutes.
  7. Baste the roast again, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
  8. Continue to cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting every 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 125°F to 130°F for medium-rare.
  9. Remove the roast from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest, uncovered, for at least 20 minutes.
  10. Slice the prime rib to your desired thickness and serve, garnished with arugula and olive oil if desired.

Notes

  • This is a showstopper main course that is perfect for a special holiday dinner like Christmas.
  • Seasoning the roast and letting it rest in the refrigerator overnight is a key step that acts as a dry brine, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product.
  • Using the rib bones as a natural roasting rack elevates the meat, allowing for even cooking and creating a flavorful base in the pan.
  • Resting the roast for a full 20 minutes before carving is crucial to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender.
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