The prime rib is a cut of beef from the mid rib section and is a wonderful meat to prepare for having a delicious meal. It is also known as a standing rib roast because it is mostly cooked in a standing position with rib bones used in place of a rack. Since prime ribs are expensive, you do not want to mess up the preparation. Although, cooking a prime rib is not too difficult, it requires proper and continuous attention during the cooking process. A perfectly cooked prime rib would be tender, moist and yummy and would pair well with a red wine. It can be served as a main course on any festive occasions. Here’s a guide on how to cook prime rib to perfection with the help of which you can impress your guests who you have called over for a meal.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
Resources Required:
1. One standing rib roast, with about 3 to 4 ribs
2. Salt
3. Freshly ground pepper
4. Meat thermometer
5. Roasting pan
6. Other seasoning if required
Instructions:
1. Preparation
- Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator at least 3 hours prior to roasting. It is important that the ribs are at room temperature.
- If there is an excess amount of fat around the cut i.e. more than an inch, then slice them gently.
- Once the ribs have come to room temperature, generously rub salt and pepper on to them as evenly as possible.
2. Roasting
- Pre-heat the oven to the maximum temperature possible, about 500F.
- Place the prime ribs on to a roasting pan with the fat side up and rib side down.
- Put the roasting pan into the oven and after about 15 minutes take it out.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375F.
- Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, taking care to avoid the bones.
- Return the roast to the oven and continue to cook till the meat is done.
- To figure out how long the cooking time would be, allow about 14 to 15 minutes per pound of meat for a rare consistency and 15 to 17 minutes for a medium rare.
- The time also depends on the shape of the roast and of course oven temperature. But if you have a thermometer, determining it is easy. When the temperature shows about 115 to 120F, then you would get meat cooked to rare and for medium rare the temperature should register 125 to 130F.
3. Serving
- Once the meat thermometer shows the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and leave it to rest for about 20 minutes or so.
- Cover the roast with aluminium foil so that the roast retains its moisture, remains warm, and also cooks while resting.
- Then transfer the prime rib to a carving board, remove the bones and save them for making stock.
- Using a sharp carving knife, slice the cooked meat across the grain, about 1/2 inch thick and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What can I serve with prime ribs?
Pairing the delicious prime ribs with a dry red wine would be a great idea. Also, a Yorkshire pudding, oven roasted potatoes or even a simple salad would go well with the meat. If you want a heavier side dish, then asparagus with hollandaise sauce or green beans almondine would be perfect.
2. How do I select the meat?
Head to a butcher and ask for the top grade of meat which is USDA Prime. If he doesn’t have it then a USDA Choice should be ok. But make sure you select a piece that is well marbled which would help the meat in retaining moisture and flavor. Get the first cut from the small end of the roast which is meat that is leaner and more thicker, as there are less bones in that area. If there aren’t enough trimming on your cut meat, you can ask your butcher for extra to prepare gravy.
Quick Tips:
1. While the roast is in the oven make sure you do not keep opening it to check on the roast. It increases the cooking time.
2. It is advisable to not use table salt for this recipe. Use kosher salt or rock salt instead.
3. You can use any marinade of choice like a garlic rub, orange rub or even and onion prime rub would give out more stronger flavors.
Things To Watch Out For:
- If you use a non-stick pan, then you wouldn’t have any delicious trimmings to devour.
- Meat that is not cooked well is prone to bacteria attack which is harmful to health.
