Print

Chef John’s Prime Rib: Foolproof & Tender Perfection

Chef Johns Prime Rib

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chef John’s Perfect Prime Rib is a foolproof method for preparing a stunning, tender, and juicy prime rib roast with a beautiful pink center and a delicious crust, using a simple ‘mathematical method’ that eliminates guesswork and stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (4 lb) bone-in prime rib roast, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp herbes de Provence
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Let the prime rib roast sit at room temperature for 6 hours.
  2. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
  3. Mix the softened butter, freshly ground black pepper, and herbes de Provence to form a paste.
  4. Rub this paste all over the prime rib roast.
  5. Season the roast generously with kosher salt.
  6. Place the roast bone-side down in a roasting pan.
  7. Calculate the initial cook time: multiply the roast’s weight in pounds by 5 minutes.
  8. Roast the prime rib at 500°F for the calculated time.
  9. Turn off the oven and leave the roast inside for 2 hours. Do not open the oven door.
  10. After 2 hours, remove the prime rib from the oven, slice, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure the prime rib roast is at room temperature for at least 6 hours before cooking for even results.
  • Pat the roast dry with paper towels before seasoning for a crispier crust.
  • The bones act as a natural roasting rack; if using a boneless roast, place it fat-side up on a wire rack.
  • An instant-read thermometer can be used for final confirmation, aiming for 125-130°F for medium-rare.
  • The ‘5 minutes per pound’ formula scales for different roast sizes.
  • The 2-hour resting period in the turned-off oven is crucial for gentle, even cooking.
  • Flavor variations can include Cajun coffee, garlic and herb, or mustard and thyme crusts.

Nutrition