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Simple Prime Rib (A Foolproof Holiday Recipe!)

The whole, homemade, impressive, and crusted Prime Rib being carved as the centerpiece at a fun and sophisticated Christmas party.

A classic and impressive recipe for a ‘Simple Standing Rib Roast,’ a perfect showstopper for a holiday dinner. This dish features a large, 5-bone prime rib that is coated in a simple yet flavorful rub of cracked peppercorns and salt. The roast is cooked using a two-temperature method—starting at a high heat to create a crust, then finishing at a lower temperature until perfectly medium-rare. It’s roasted with potatoes and fresh rosemary, and served with a bright, herby Italian-style Salmoriglio sauce made with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.

Ingredients

  • For the Roast:
  • One 5-bone standing rib roast (about 11 pounds), frenched
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon cracked black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon crushed pink peppercorns
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or quartered
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Leaves of 4 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • For the Salmoriglio Sauce:
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • For the Optional Blistered Baby Pepper Salad:
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • One 1-pound bag baby bell peppers, halved
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pitted green olives, halved
  • 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Roast: Let the roast sit at room temperature for about an hour. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  2. Season the roast evenly on all sides with 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt and both types of peppers, rubbing it into the meat.
  3. Place the roast, bone-side down, on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 30 minutes.
  4. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. In a small bowl, toss the potatoes with the olive oil, rosemary, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Scatter the potatoes in the roasting pan around the roast.
  5. Continue to cook for an additional 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the roast reads 120°F for medium-rare.
  6. Let the roast rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
  7. Make the Salmoriglio Sauce: While the roast is cooking, warm 1 cup of olive oil and the smashed garlic in a small skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes, until the garlic is golden. Let it cool.
  8. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, rosemary, thyme, and salt. Drizzle in the cooled garlic-infused olive oil.
  9. Serve the sliced prime rib with the roasted potatoes and the Salmoriglio sauce on the side.

Notes

  • This is a showstopper main course that is perfect for a special holiday dinner like Christmas.
  • Letting the roast come to room temperature before cooking is a crucial step that helps it to cook more evenly.
  • The two-temperature roasting method—starting high and then finishing low—is a key technique for developing a flavorful crust while ensuring a tender interior.
  • Resting the roast for 20 minutes before carving is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender when sliced.
  • The recipe includes an optional side salad of blistered peppers.