The Juiciest Chef John’s Perfect Prime Rib Recipe Ever

Crafting a mouthwatering Chef John’s perfect prime rib requires more than just culinary skills – it demands passion and precision.

Seasoned cooks know this cut demands respect and careful attention.

Each slice promises a journey of rich, tender flavors that melt in your mouth.

Salt and herbs become magical transformative agents when applied with intention.

Professional chefs understand the delicate balance between technique and intuition.

Perfectly roasted meat emerges as a centerpiece that sparks conversation and delight.

Let this recipe be your guide to creating an unforgettable dining experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Chef John’s Prime Rib Turns Any Dinner Into a Special Occasion

• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Requires basic seasoning skills with foolproof steps that guarantee restaurant-quality results every single time.
• No-Stress Cooking Strategy: Low and slow roasting method ensures perfectly tender meat without constant monitoring, making it ideal for home cooks who want impressive dinner centerpieces.
• Special Occasion Showstopper: Delivers luxurious dining experience perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or elegant dinner parties where you want to create memorable culinary moments.
• Time-Smart Technique: Total cooking time around 4-5 hours includes preparation and resting, allowing flexibility for advanced meal planning with minimal active cooking required.

Prime Rib (Chef John’s Way) Ingredient List

• Prime Rib: Premium beef cut with incredible marbling, perfect for special occasions, best when sourced from a quality butcher.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning combination that enhances meat's natural flavor, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that complement beef's rich taste, fresh herbs provide more intense flavor than dried.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Helps create golden crust and adds richness, provides moisture and helps herbs adhere to meat's surface.

Chef John’s Prime Rib Roasting Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Take the prime rib out of the refrigerator two hours before cooking.

This helps the meat cook evenly and ensures a deliciously tender result.

Use clean paper towels to thoroughly dry the entire surface of the roast, removing any excess moisture.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Chopped rosemary
• Crumbled thyme leaves

Massage the herbs and spices into the meat, working them deep into every crevice.

Drizzle with olive oil or rub with softened butter to help the seasonings stick and create an incredible flavor crust.

Step 3: Slow and Steady Cooking Magic

Fire up the oven to a low 250°F.

Position the roast on a wire rack inside a roasting pan, allowing air to circulate completely around the meat.

Slide the pan into the oven and let it cook slowly.

This low-temperature method ensures a perfectly even cook.

Monitor the internal temperature until it reaches 120°F for a beautiful medium-rare finish.

Total cooking time typically runs 3 to 4 hours.

Step 4: Letting the Juices Settle

Carefully remove the roast from the oven.

Gently tent with aluminum foil and let it rest for 30 to 40 minutes.

This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing each slice is supremely juicy and flavorful.

Step 5: Creating a Crispy Exterior

Crank the oven temperature up to a scorching 500°F.

Once fully preheated, return the rested roast to the oven.

Watch carefully as it develops a gorgeous, deep brown crust that will make mouths water.

This final sear typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 6: Slice and Serve with Flair

Using a sharp carving knife, slice the prime rib into thick, generous portions.

Serve immediately while the meat is hot and the crust is crisp.

Watch as your guests marvel at the perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful centerpiece of your meal.

Prime Rib Success Tips from Chef John

• Let the prime rib sit at room temperature for 2 hours to guarantee even cooking and tender results.
• Massage herbs and butter into the meat to create a flavorful, aromatic crust that locks in moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to nail the perfect doneness, avoiding overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
• Allow the roast to rest after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and ensures each slice remains incredibly tender.
• The final high-heat sear creates a delicious golden-brown exterior that adds incredible texture and flavor to the prime rib.

Store Prime Rib Without Drying Out

• Store leftover prime rib in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap slices tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
• Let prime rib cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm slices at 250°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil. Add a splash of beef broth to keep meat juicy and prevent drying out.
• Consume refrigerated prime rib within 3-4 days for best quality and safety. Avoid repeated reheating to preserve tenderness and flavor.

Perfect Matches for Prime Rib

• Elevate Flavor with Bold Red Wine Pairing: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah perfectly complements the rich, succulent prime rib with their full-bodied tannins and deep fruit notes.
• Create Herbal Herb Sauce Companion: Whip up a fresh chimichurri or classic béarnaise sauce to add vibrant, zesty flavors that highlight the meat's herbal seasonings and enhance overall taste experience.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Sides: Prepare garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts or caramelized root vegetables like parsnips and carrots to provide earthy, caramelized accompaniments that balance the prime rib's intense meaty character.
• Craft Decadent Potato Complement: Serve creamy horseradish mashed potatoes or crispy rosemary roasted potatoes to create a luxurious side that echoes the prime rib's herbaceous and rich flavor profile.

Prime Rib With Simple Flavor Swaps

• Herb-Crusted Lean Version: Replace traditional prime rib with grass-fed beef tenderloin, using same herb mixture but reducing salt content for heart-healthy option.
• Mediterranean Transformation: Swap rosemary and thyme with oregano, za'atar, and mint. Add olive oil and lemon zest for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Keep original cooking method but enhance with grass-fed butter and a spice rub featuring smoked paprika, cayenne, and coarse sea salt to boost fat content.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace meat with large portobello mushroom roast, maintaining identical seasoning and slow-cooking technique for rich, meaty texture.

FAQs

• What's the science behind resting the prime rib after cooking?

Resting allows the meat’s internal juices to redistribute evenly throughout the roast, ensuring each slice remains incredibly moist and tender when you cut into it.

• Why is it important to bring the prime rib to room temperature before cooking?

Room temperature meat cooks more evenly, preventing uneven cooking where the exterior becomes overcooked while the center remains undercooked. This helps achieve a consistent doneness throughout the roast.

• Can I substitute dried herbs if I don't have fresh ones?

Yes, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by about two-thirds since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor compared to fresh herbs.

• How do I know if I've seasoned the prime rib correctly?

A good rule of thumb is to coat the entire surface with a visible layer of seasoning, ensuring every part of the meat is well-covered with the salt, pepper, and herb mixture.

Chef Johns Perfect Prime Rib Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Chef John’s Perfect Prime Rib elevates classic roast beef to extraordinary culinary heights. Perfectly seasoned and expertly roasted, this mouthwatering centerpiece promises a luxurious dining experience that will delight discerning palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 (6-7 lb/2.7-3.2 kg) bone-in prime rib roast (about 3 bones)

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasoning and Fat:

• Kosher salt (for seasoning)
• Black pepper (for seasoning)
• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil, for crust)

Optional Accompaniment:

• Horseradish cream (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Unwrap the prime rib and allow it to reach room temperature over 2 hours, ensuring uniform heat distribution. Use paper towels to meticulously dry the meat’s surface, promoting a superior sear.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend combining kosher salt, cracked black pepper, minced garlic, crushed rosemary, and finely chopped thyme. Thoroughly massage the mixture into every crevice of the roast, simultaneously working in olive oil or softened butter to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Configure the oven to a low 250°F, positioning a wire rack inside a roasting pan to elevate the meat. Gently place the seasoned roast onto the rack, allowing warm air to circulate completely around the cut.
4. Monitor the roasting process carefully, cooking approximately 3-4 hours until the internal temperature precisely reaches 120°F for a perfect medium-rare texture. Use a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy.
5. Immediately remove the roast from the oven and loosely tent with aluminum foil. Let the meat rest undisturbed for 30-40 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and tenderize the protein.
6. Dramatically increase oven temperature to 500°F. Once fully preheated, return the rested roast to create a stunning caramelized exterior, watching carefully for 5-10 minutes until a deep mahogany crust forms.
7. Transfer the prime rib to a cutting board, slice into generous portions against the grain, and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and succulence.

Notes

• Select high-quality, well-marbled prime rib with a thick fat cap for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to accurately track internal temperature during slow roasting process.
• Consider applying herb rub the night before cooking to allow seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like sage, oregano, or smoked paprika for unique flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free diets, ensure all herb and seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian alternative: Replace meat with large portobello mushrooms using similar seasoning techniques.
• Allow extra resting time for larger roasts to ensure even juice distribution and optimal tenderness.
• Leftover prime rib can be transformed into delicious sandwiches, salads, or beef hash for future meals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg