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Dinner · Part 2 of 3: Instructions

Classic Garlic Herb Prime Rib Roast for Special Occasions Step-by-step instructions

A perfectly roasted prime rib with a golden garlic herb crust served on a white platter.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
8
Includes 20 min resting

Before you start

Before starting, ensure that all ingredients are measured and ready. Take the prime rib out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before seasoning to ensure it reaches room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure a stable cooking environment. Prepare the mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables ahead of time so they are ready to be heated or served alongside the finished roast.

Ingredients at a glance (6)
  • 5 lb bone-in prime rib roast
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary and thyme, chopped
  • 4 cups potatoes, mashed (made ahead)
  • 1 lb baby carrots, roasted (made ahead)
  • 1 lb green beans, roasted (made ahead)

Instructions

Seasoning the roast

  1. Prepare the herb seasoning
    In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme. Stir these ingredients together until a fragrant paste forms. Ensure the mixture is well-incorporated to create an even crust for the beef.
    Look for The mixture should be a thick, uniform paste.
    Tip Use fresh herbs for the best possible flavor profile.
  2. Season the beef roast
    Pat the bone-in prime rib roast dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres properly. Rub the prepared garlic and herb paste generously over the entire surface of the beef. Place the seasoned roast into a roasting pan, ensuring the fat cap is facing upward for better basting.
    Look for The roast should be evenly coated in the herb paste.
    Tip Bring the meat to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.

The roast should be thoroughly coated with the herb paste, with special attention given to the fat cap.

Ensure the garlic and herbs are pressed firmly into the meat so they do not fall off during the cooking process. The surface of the meat should look vibrant and aromatic, signaling that it is ready for the oven.

Roasting the beef

  1. Roast the beef
    Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the roasting pan in the center of the oven. Roast the beef until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. Let the meat rest at least 3 minutes before carving.
    Look for The crust should be golden brown and the meat should reach 145°F (63°C).
    Safe temperature 145°F (63°C) internal temperature (steaks, chops and roasts)
    Tip Check the temperature in the thickest part of the roast.

Monitor the internal temperature closely as the roast nears the end of the cooking time. The kitchen should smell savory and fragrant, and the roast should have developed a nice, golden-brown crust. Check that the thermometer reads 145°F (63°C) in the thickest section of the meat before removing it from the oven.

Resting and final service

  1. Rest and serve
    Remove the roast from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the meat rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. Once rested, carve the roast into thick slices and serve immediately alongside the warm mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and green beans.
    Look for The juices should settle, and the meat should be easy to slice.
    Tip Cover the roast loosely with foil while it rests.

The roast must rest on a cutting board for at least 20 minutes. During this time, the meat should feel firm yet yielding to the touch. Once rested, the meat will be easier to carve into even, clean slices. Check that your side dishes are hot and ready to be plated alongside the finished beef.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is rushing the roasting process by using a temperature that is too high, which can lead to uneven cooking and a dry crust. Another error is failing to let the meat rest; cutting into the roast too soon will cause the flavorful juices to run out, resulting in dry meat.

Finally, not using a meat thermometer often leads to overcooking the roast, which significantly diminishes its texture and overall quality.

How to tell it’s done

The prime rib is perfectly done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. At this stage, the meat will be tender and juicy with a beautiful pink center.

Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast to verify the temperature. The crust should be fragrant and lightly browned, providing a savory contrast to the succulent, tender beef inside.

  • Steaks, chops and roasts: 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, then a 3-minute rest

Coming up in Part 3: common questions

  • Can this roast be made ahead of time?
  • How is the meat kept from drying out?
  • What if the roast is larger than 5 pounds?

Also in Part 3: variations (Peppercorn Crusted Roast, Garlic Butter Basting), storage and make-ahead, and the printable recipe card.

Up next · Part 3 of 3

2 variations · storage & make-ahead · 3 answers · printable card

Tips, FAQ & printable recipe (Part 3)← Back to the ingredients (Part 1)