How to Cook Prime Rib (2024)

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If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking prime rib, my guide for how to cook prime rib is here for you! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef to prime rib recipes, try out my tips, tricks, and recipes for 5-star restaurant-grade prime rib. Trust me- it’s so much easier than it seems.

Cooking Prime Rib

Bringing home prime rib is intimidating. Prime grade beef is one of the most expensive and luxurious cuts of beef you can get, so the pressure is on to make sure you cook it just right. If you’re not experienced with how to prepare prime rib, it can be difficult to know where to start. I know, I’ve been there!

That’s where this guide comes in! I’m just obsessed with prime rib. It’s my favorite centerpiece for Christmas dinner every year, and I love serving it for big celebrations, too. I promise you, it’s so much easier than it sounds!

Ready to serve a dinner no one will forget? Scroll on to find all my tips and tricks for prime rib cooking! Plus, I’ll share my slow-roasted prime rib recipe, which is hands-down the best way to cook prime rib for beginners.

If you want to cook the perfect prime rib, you need an Instant Read Meat Thermometer to check the internal temperature. You cannot tell the doneness of a prime rib by sight alone, and the last thing you want to do is overcook the meat. If you don’t have one and don’t have time to order one, you can find them at your local grocery store.

I also recommend you pick up a proper carving knife for slicing prime rib. It makes all the difference and will make the roast easier to serve.

Prime Rib 500 Rule

The prime rib 500 rule is a cooking method where you cook prime rib roast at 500°F for 5-6 minutes per pound, then turn off your oven and let it cook for 2 hours without opening the oven door.

Rather than follow the 500 rule, my prime rib is reverse seared. First, it cooks at 200°F for about 4 hours. Then, you turn the temperature up to 500°F and sear the beef so it’s nicely browned and crisp on the outside, about 10-15 minutes.

I find this gives the best results! The prime rib turns out so juicy and flavorful. Although you can use the 500 rule if you prefer, my method is as foolproof and so tasty.

Boneless or Bone-In Prime Rib Roast

There are two main ways to buy a prime rib beef roast: boneless or bone-in. The bone-in cut, also often known as a standing rib roast, tends to be heavier and harder to carve, but the bones infuse it with tons of flavor. Boneless benefits from being very easy to serve!

Which you choose is up to you! Both will cook up similarly, and you can even buy boneless roasts with the ribs tied back on to the meat to preserve the appearance without the inconvenience. Both cuts will be delicious.

Prepping Prime Rib Roast

Prepping a prime rib to get it ready to cook is one of the most important steps of cooking prime rib. Don’t skip these steps!

• Salt the prime rib the night before and set it in the fridge, uncovered. If you have enough time, you can also try dry-aging it at home.
• Set the prime rib out on the counter to come to room temperature at least two hours before cooking. This is vital!
• Use a good, flavorful dry rub, or try out a butter rub. This will add tons of flavor and help a crust form. Add this right before cooking the meat, but make sure the salt is added the night before, as recommended above.

Prime Rib Temp

The most important part of any prime rib roast recipe is cooking prime rib to the right temperature! It’s critical to always check with a meat thermometer. Remove the meat from the heat within 5 degrees of the target temperature and let it rest; it will reach the desired temperature as it sits.

How to Cook Prime Rib

Roasting prime rib is the classic way to cook prime rib for a reason! This method is easy, reliable, and lets you easily adjust the cook time so the prime rib can be cooked just right.

Slow-Roasted Prime Rib

One of my very favorite ways to cook prime rib is slow-roasting. This method renders the fat into juicy perfection, forms a perfect crust, and leaves the interior tender and succulent. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe!

Smoking Prime Rib

Smoking prime rib is a method I’ve tried only recently, and let me tell you- I’m hooked! This method is similar to slow-roasting, but infuses the meat with incredible smoky flavor that enhances the natural earthiness of beef.

Grilling Prime Rib

Isn’t every meat better when grilled? Grilling prime rib can be a little fussier if you’re not used to grilling, but with my recipe, it’ll come out crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. This is the perfect recipe for an outdoor celebration!

Cooking Prime Rib Sous Vide

If you have access to a sous vide machine, you need to try sous vide prime rib. Flawlessly cooked and with a delicious crust, this is the easiest, most reliable cooking method for prime rib.

Cooking Prime Rib Tips

• Always use a meat thermometer! The only way to truly know how long to cook prime rib is by using a meat thermometer to check. This will ensure perfectly cooked rib roast!
• Let the meat rest after taking it off the heat. Rib roast should rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the meat to finish cooking and soak in juices.
• Slice against the grain. This results in the most tender slices of beef!
• Serve it with sauce. I recommend horseradish sauce, a simple au jus, or a flavorful red wine reduction.

How to Cook a Prime Rib Roast FAQ

What to Serve with Prime Rib

• Yorkshire Pudding
• Au Gratin Potatoes
• Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
• Or check out my guide of 50+ incredible sides for prime rib!

Got leftovers? Try out my delicious Creamy Penne Pasta with Prime Rib. It’s so good, you’ll be craving it too!

If you enjoyed the recipe, leave a comment and a rating below!

Recipe