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Christmas Prime Rib

Christmas Prime Rib

Perfectly roasted prime rib with golden herb crust, featuring garlic, rosemary, and thyme with optional red wine au jus
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Rest Time 3 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1129

Ingredients
  

  • 6 lbs bone-in prime rib bones cut off and tied back on
  • 0.5 cup softened butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered optional, for au jus
  • 0.25 cup pan drippings fat removed, for au jus
  • 2 cups beef broth for au jus
  • 1.5 cups red wine for au jus
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder slurry optional, to thicken au jus

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • meat thermometer
  • mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sharp carving knife

Method
 

  1. Remove prime rib from refrigerator 2 to 3 hours before cooking to bring to room temperature.
  2. Preheat oven to 450°F. Mix softened butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper in a bowl.
  3. Pat dry the prime rib with paper towels and coat fully with the herb butter mixture.
  4. Place bone-side down in a roasting pan. Add quartered onions if making au jus.
  5. Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes to sear and create a golden crust.
  6. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 120°F for medium-rare (use meat thermometer for accuracy).
  7. Remove from oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
  8. Slice off bones if tied on, then cut into 1/2-inch thick slices and serve.
  9. For Red Wine Au Jus (optional): After removing excess fat, add up to 1/4 cup pan drippings, beef broth, red wine, and leftover herbs to the roasting pan. Simmer for about 15 minutes to reduce by half. Add cornstarch slurry if you want to thicken. Strain and serve alongside prime rib.

Notes

Ask your butcher to cut bones off and tie them back on for easy carving. Always rest the meat for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Use a meat thermometer instead of relying on cooking time for accuracy. Room temperature meat ensures even roasting throughout. Internal temp guide: 120°F = medium-rare, 130°F = medium, 140°F = medium-well. Cooking time varies based on size; plan approximately 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F.
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