December beckons with the promise of festive feasts and heartwarming gatherings, and what better centerpiece for your holiday table than a juicy prime rib roast? This indulgent dish, with its marbled perfection, is a celebration of flavor that captures the essence of the season.
Prime rib is well-suited for cold weather due to its rich and hearty flavor profile, making it an ideal comfort food during winter. The well-marbled meat and fat content contribute to a satisfying and indulgent dining experience, satisfying the cravings for heartier meals that often accompany colder temperatures. Additionally, the tradition of slow-roasting prime rib not only enhances its taste but also fills the home with inviting aromas, creating a cozy atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the desire for warmth during the cold season. The generous servings of prime rib, often shared among family and friends, further add to its appeal as a communal and celebratory dish, making it a popular choice for festive gatherings in December.
Choosing a prime rib of the finest quality sets the stage for culinary excellence. Select a well-marbled cut with a generous layer of fat for optimal juiciness. Elevate the roast’s taste by crafting a rub that combines kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and fragrant herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Let the roast marinate, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat with delicious complexity.
As the day of your celebration arrives, preheat the oven from 500 to 325°F. Position the prime rib on a roasting rack, fat side up, and let it achieve a delectably seared exterior, resulting in a perfect contrast with its tender, pink interior. Use a meat thermometer for precision, aiming for a medium-rare doneness at around 125-130°F. Post-cooking, grant the roast a moment to rest, allowing the juices to harmonize for an exquisite finish.
Present this culinary masterpiece at your festive table, surrounded by classic accompaniments like creamy horseradish sauce, au jus, and an array of roasted vegetables. As the aroma of perfectly cooked prime rib envelops the space, December’s jubilant spirit will be enhanced, making this dish the star of your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds beef prime rib* (if larger, double the spices/seasonings)
- Sea salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 8 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- horseradish , for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring meat to room temperature: Remove prime rib from the refrigerator one hour before cooking. Season it on all sides with salt and cover it loosely with plastic wrap as it comes to room temperature. Prime rib roast will cook better and more evenly when it’s at room temperature.
- Adjust oven racks: When you are ready to cook the prime rib, lower/adjust your oven rack so the meat will cook in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
- Combine seasonings: In the meantime, mix together 1 ½ teaspoons salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil.
- Prepare roast: Pat the roast with paper towels. Spoon seasoning over it, rubbing it onto all sides. Place bone-in roast with the bones down, inside a roasting cast iron pan. Place a boneless roast on a rack inside the pan.
- Bake prime rib at 500 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees and continue baking until desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the meat:Rare: 120 degrees F (about 10-12 min/pound).Medium Rare: 130 degrees F (about 13-14 min/pound)Medium: 140 degrees F (about 14-15 min/pound)Medium Well:150 degrees FImportant: The meat will continue to cook as it rests out of the oven so remove it from the oven 5-10 degrees before it reaches your optimal temperature.)
- Rest: Remove it from the oven and tent it with foil. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes before carving.
- Carve prime rib roast by slicing against the grain into about ½ inch thick slices. Serve with horseradish, if desired.
- December beckons with the promise of festive feasts and heartwarming gatherings, and what better centerpiece for your holiday table than a juicy prime rib roast? This indulgent dish, with its marbled perfection, is a celebration of flavor that captures the essence of the season.