Stage 1: Prepare the Prime Rib Roast
- Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator at least 2 hours before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Season the Roast: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the prime rib roast, making sure to coat it evenly. If you have time, you can let the roast sit with the seasoning for an hour to marinate, but it’s not necessary.
Stage 2: Roast the Prime Rib
- Sear the Roast: Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan. If you don’t have a rack, you can use vegetables (such as carrots, onions, and celery) to elevate the roast. Place the prime rib roast in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes at 450°F (230°C). This high heat helps develop a beautiful, flavorful crust on the roast.
- Lower the Temperature: After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Continue roasting for about 15-20 minutes per pound for medium-rare, or 20-25 minutes per pound for medium. For a 5-7 lb roast, this typically takes about 2-3 hours total.
- For Medium-Rare: Aim for an internal temperature of 120-125°F (49-52°C).
- For Medium: Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
- For Well-Done: Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and higher.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure accuracy, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the roast. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
- Rest the Roast: Once the roast reaches your desired temperature, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the roast remains juicy and tender.
Stage 3: Make the Au Jus (Optional)
- Prepare the Au Jus: While the roast rests, place the roasting pan with the drippings over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the beef broth to the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the au jus into a serving dish and discard the solids. You can serve this alongside the prime rib for dipping.
Stage 4: Carve and Serve
- Carve the Roast: After the roast has rested, slice it against the grain into your desired thickness, either in thicker or thinner slices depending on preference.
- Serve: Arrange the sliced prime rib on a platter and drizzle with au jus. You can also serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Roasted Vegetables (Optional)
For a complete holiday meal, you can roast vegetables alongside your prime rib.
Ingredients:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 3-4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme or rosemary. Spread them out on a baking sheet.
- Roast: Place the vegetables in the oven during the last 45 minutes of the roast cooking time, or until they are golden and tender, stirring halfway through.
Additional Tips and Variations:
- Herb Crust: You can create a thicker, more aromatic herb crust by blending fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, garlic, and a bit of olive oil into a paste and spreading it all over the roast before roasting.
- Prime Rib Rub: For a different flavor profile, try using a rub with ingredients like smoked paprika, brown sugar, and freshly cracked black pepper for a sweet and savory crust.
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: A bone-in prime rib roast typically yields a more flavorful result due to the marrow in the bones, but you can use boneless if you prefer a more uniform roast.
- Make-Ahead Gravy: If you want a thicker gravy, you can make a roux with butter and flour and add it to the au jus to thicken.
Conclusion
This Prime Rib Roast for Christmas is the perfect centerpiece for a festive holiday dinner. With its tender meat, flavorful crust, and optional au jus, this recipe will leave your guests in awe. The added roasted vegetables make it a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, this dish is sure to create lasting memories and leave everyone satisfied. Enjoy your delicious holiday feast!