The Best Prime Rib Recipe

This Prime Rib Recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table with minimal effort. The garlic herb crust and juicy, tender interior will have everyone asking for seconds at your next celebration!

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Quick Recipe Overview

WHAT: A bone-in prime rib roast seasoned with garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, oven-roasted to medium-rare perfection.

WHY: Impressive yet surprisingly simple, this standing rib roast is the ultimate centerpiece for holiday dinners or special gatherings.

HOW: Season, sear at high heat, then slow-roast to your target internal temperature and rest before slicing.

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Why You’ll Love This Prime Rib Recipe

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare most of the recipe in advance, reducing stress on the day of your dinner and allowing you to spend more time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Any Celebration: Whether it's Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's, or a special December dinner, this recipe works perfectly for all major holidays and gatherings
• Impressive Yet Simple: Despite looking and tasting like a complicated dish, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Restaurant-Quality Results: You'll achieve a beautifully caramelized exterior with a perfectly pink, juicy interior that rivals the most expensive steakhouse offerings, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredient Notes

Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley make a significant difference over dried. The aromatic oils infuse the meat beautifully.

Quality Salt: Use coarse sea salt or kosher salt rather than table salt. It seasons more evenly and enhances the meat's natural flavor.

Softened Butter: Room temperature butter spreads easily and helps the garlic and herbs adhere to the roast, creating that gorgeous crust.

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

How to Cook a Prime Rib in the Oven

Step 1: The first thing you’ll want to do is let the prime rib roast come up to room temperature. This will take about 20 minutes. Pat it dry with paper towels and leave it tied together.

Step 2: While the oven preheats, spread butter over the entire prime rib roast. This is why you want the roast to come up to room temperature, if it’s too cold the butter won’t spread.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the garlic and spices, then rub over the entire roast, slightly pressing them into the meat.

Step 4: Place the prime rib roast in a rack set over a roasting pan. You can also use three balls of foil to elevate the roast in the pan if you don’t have a rack.

Step 5: Pour 2 cups of water at the bottom of the roasting pan, but not on the roast. The water just prevents the fats from burning and adds moisture into the oven. Here is a handy list of meat cooking temperatures if you need a quick reference!

Step 6: You’ll cook the prime rib roast for 20 minutes and then you’ll lower the oven temperature to 325ºF and cook for another hour or so.

Step 7: Prime rib roast is finished when the internal temperature reaches 130-135ºF. This will take about 20 minutes per pound. Use a great meat thermometer like the Thermoworks Thermapen or probe thermometer. These are my favorite!

Step 8: When the roast reaches the finished temperature, let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Resting the roast will allow the temperature to rise slightly and allow the juices to redistribute into the meat. Before slicing the roast, cut the strings and remove the bones.

Prime Rib Temperature

Getting the internal temperature right is the key to prime rib perfection. I always keep my instant read thermometer handy because guessing just doesn't cut it with a roast this special.

For medium-rare (my personal favorite), you want to pull the roast when it hits 130-135°F. Keep in mind that the temperature will continue rising about 5-10 degrees while it rests, so don't wait until it's fully cooked to take it out of the oven.

Here's your temperature guide (these temps ensure perfect prime rib):

• Rare prime rib: 120-125°F (cool red center)
• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (warm red center)
• Medium: 140-145°F (warm pink center)

Insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure it's not touching bone. Check the temperature after about an hour of cooking at 325°F, then monitor every 15-20 minutes until you're close to your target.

Prime Rib Rub

The herb rub is where this recipe really shines. I love how the butter acts as a glue, helping all those gorgeous fresh herbs and garlic stick to the roast while creating an incredible crust.

Fresh herbs make all the difference here. Rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring bright, aromatic flavors that complement the rich beef without overpowering it. The garlic gets sweet and mellow as it roasts, infusing every bite with savory goodness.

Here's what goes into the rub:

• Softened Butter: Spreads easily and helps create that golden crust
• Fresh Garlic: Minced fine so it distributes evenly
• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and parsley for classic flavor
• Salt & Pepper: Generous seasoning is key

Press the mixture firmly into the butter coating so the seasoning sticks during roasting. Don't be shy with your hands here - really work it into every surface of the meat. The high initial heat will caramelize everything into a flavorful, aromatic crust that makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.

What to Serve With Prime Rib

When serving prime rib, you'll want side dishes that complement its rich flavor and elegance. Creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth, comforting base that pairs perfectly with the beef, while seasonal vegetables like Instant Pot Brussels sprouts, oven roasted carrots, and airfryer green beans add color and nutrition.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover prime rib in the fridge wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer Storage

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Place slices in a covered dish with a few tablespoons of beef broth. Warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through but not overcooked. Cold leftovers also make an incredible sandwich the next day.

Make Ahead

Season the roast up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Remember to bring it to room temperature before roasting for the best results.

Room Temperature

Don't leave prime rib at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Refrigerate promptly after your meal.

Other Delicious Roast Recipes You Have To Try

• Oven Roasted Brisket: Tender and flavorful, this brisket is slow-roasted to perfection, making it ideal for a comforting family dinner.
• When you’re hosting a special occasion, the slow roasted prime rib recipe is a guaranteed showstopper.
• If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, oven roasted chicken offers perfectly seasoned, juicy meat with crispy skin.
• Best Roasted Turkey Recipe: This foolproof recipe ensures a moist, golden-brown turkey that’s perfect for holidays or gatherings.