Hey friends! If you’re reading this, you’re ready for a real, show-stopping main dish. Prime rib is one of those iconic meals—juicy, tender, and full of flavor. And the best part? This garlic and herb crust gives you that perfect, crispy outside while keeping the roast juicy on the inside. It’s pure magic on a plate!
This is the kind of recipe that’ll have people thinking you slaved away in the kitchen for hours, but honestly—it’s way easier than it looks. Trust me, after years as a professional chef, I’ve learned a few tricks to take your prime rib from good to unforgettable.
Oh, and don’t worry if it’s your first time making something this fancy; I’ve got you covered step-by-step. Grab your apron, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegantly Simple: It’s a restaurant-worthy dish without being overly fussy.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic and herb crust adds layers of savory goodness.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday or a family gathering, this recipe never fails to impress.
- Minimal Hands-On Time: Aside from seasoning and putting it in the oven, the hardest thing is waiting for it to cook!
Ingredients Breakdown
- Prime Rib Roast (5-7 pounds) – Look for a well-marbled rib roast with a good cap of fat on top. It helps keep things juicy.
- 10 cloves garlic – Fresh garlic adds that bold flavor that balances out the richness of the meat.
- 2 tbsp rosemary – Fresh is best here for that piney, earthy flavor.
- 2 tbsp thyme – Adds a peppery, fragrant note to balance the rosemary.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps bind the herbs to the roast and gets the crust perfectly crispy.
- Salt & Pepper (generous amount) – Prime rib is a big piece of meat, and it can handle a heavy seasoning hand.
Pro Tip
Let the roast sit at room temp for about 2 hours before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). You want it hot to get that perfect sear while the inside stays juicy.
- Prepare the garlic and herb crust: In a food processor, combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until it becomes a coarse paste.
- Season the prime rib: Generously coat the entire roast with salt and pepper. Then rub the garlic and herb paste all over, focusing on the top fat cap.
- Roast at high heat: Place the prime rib in a roasting pan with the fat side up. Roast in the oven at 450°F for 30 minutes to get that gorgeous crust.
- Lower the heat: After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temp to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for another hour and a half, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (see below for temp guide).
- Let it rest: Once out of the oven, tent with foil and let the roast rest for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
- Carve and Serve: Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the oohs and ahhs from your guests!
Chef’s Tip
When cooking prime rib, the internal temp rises about 5-10 degrees while resting, so pull it from the oven a few degrees under your target temp.
Temperature Guide for Prime Rib
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Herb Swap: No fresh rosemary or thyme? Don’t worry, dried will work in a pinch, but remember dried herbs are more potent, so use a bit less.
- Horseradish Cream Sauce: Serve with a dollop of horseradish cream for an extra tangy kick.
- Pair with sides: Serve your prime rib with classic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the garlic and herb crust a day ahead, but for best results, cook the prime rib fresh and serve immediately after resting.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap any leftovers tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat slowly in the oven to keep that tender texture.
Can I freeze prime rib?
Yes, prime rib freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Prime Rib with Garlic and Herb Crust Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (5-7 pound) prime rib roast
- 10 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a food processor, combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make a paste.
- Rub the garlic and herb paste all over the prime rib, especially the fat cap.
- Roast the prime rib for 30 minutes at 450°F. Then reduce the heat to 325°F and cook for another 1.5 hours or until desired doneness.
- Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Slice and serve with sides!
There you have it—prime rib perfection with a crispy garlic-herb crust! It really is one of those dishes that makes any meal feel like a celebration, whether it’s for a holiday or just because you’re in the mood for something special. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you try this recipe—I’d love to hear from you!
