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Medium-rare prime rib on a white dinner plate with green beans and mashed potatoes. A fork and knife are also on the plate.

Easy Prime Rib with Garlic Herb Butter

Make the most impressive holiday dinner at home with this Easy Prime Rib recipe where a simple garlic-herb butter transforms into a rich, flavorful crust over a perfectly juicy, tender rib roast.
3.50 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings 10 servings

Equipment

  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients  

  • 1 (8-lb.) bone-in or boneless rib roast
  • 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temp
  • 3 Tablespoons minced fresh garlic
  • 1 Tablespoon minced fresh chives 
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves 

Instructions 

  • Bring the roast to room temperature by setting it out at least 2 hours prior to cooking.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  • Pat down the prime rib with paper towels to ensure it’s as dry as possible.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the softened butter, garlic, chives, rosemary and thyme with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. 
  • Place the prime rib bone side down in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
  • Slather the garlic butter all over the top and sides of the roast.
  • Place the roast in the oven and cook it until a dark crust forms, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and continue cooking the roast until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
    Rare: 10-12 minutes per pound
    Medium Rare: 13-14 minutes per pound
    Medium Well: 14-15 minutes per pound
    The exact cooking time can vary based on factors like the cut of meat, the accuracy of your oven and the starting temperature of the roast. Therefore, it's crucial to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature:
    Rare: 120°F - Remove from the oven at 110°F
    Medium Rare: 130°F - Remove from the oven at 120°F
    Medium: 140°F - Remove from the oven at 130°F 
    Well Done: 160°F - Remove from the oven at 150°F
    Important: The temperature will continue to rise by 5-10 degrees while the prime rib rests outside the oven, so make sure to remove it before it reaches your desired temperature.
  • Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer. This ensures the prime rib is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  • After cooking, let the prime rib rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender roast.
  • When carving, slice against the grain for a more tender serving. 
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