Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is crucial for forming a beautiful crust on the prime rib. The initial blast of heat helps seal in the juices, creating a flavorful outer layer. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before moving on to the next step.
Use paper towels to pat any excess moisture off of the prime rib. This step is essential for achieving that golden-brown crust. Transferring it to a large roasting pan or baking dish ensures that it has enough space to cook evenly without touching other ingredients.
Combine the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and fresh herbs in a small bowl. Stir well until combined to form a delicious garlic butter mixture. This blend will not only provide flavor but also keep the meat moist during cooking.
Rub the garlic butter mixture generously over the entire prime rib. Don’t be shy; the butter will melt into the meat as it cooks, enhancing its flavor. Stand the prime rib upright so that the fat cap is pointing up, allowing the flavorful juices to baste the meat as it roasts.
Roast at 500 degrees for 5 minutes per pound. For a 5-pound prime rib, this will take about 25 minutes. This initial cooking time at a high temperature is vital for developing the crust.
Open the oven door to let out some heat, and lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will allow the meat to roast slowly, ensuring it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 120 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit for rare, 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, or 138 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium. For a 5-pound prime rib, this usually requires just under two hours of roasting for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
Once the meat has reached your desired level of doneness, carefully pull it out of the oven. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing its flavor and tenderness.
As the prime rib rests, you can prepare an au jus or gravy from the drippings in the bottom of the roasting pan. This step adds an additional layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the roast.
Transfer the meat to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into steaks. If you have a bone-in rib roast, slice the ribs off of the roast before cutting it into steaks. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy this delicious creation!
