Chef John’s Perfect Prime Rib

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By employing my straightforward “mathematical method” to prepare prime rib, you will achieve the most exceptional cut, which is both exquisitely pink and flavorful. At minimum, six hours should pass with the beef at room temperature for the calculation to take effect.

This recipe is for you if you’ve ever carved into a prime rib at a large holiday dinner anticipating a succulent, pink interior only to find a dry, overcooked roast. Here are some starting points provided by Chef John:

Prime Rib Tips

  1. This easy, guaranteed “mathematical method” for preparing the best prime rib can significantly improve your chances of success. Here’s the formula:Multiply the exact weight by five minutes. For me, 5.35 times 5 equals 26.75 minutes, which we round up to 27.
  2. Your room-temperature prime rib will be cooked at 500 degrees Fahrenheit for exactly that amount of time. (For me, it took 27 minutes.) After turning off the oven, wait 2 hours without opening the door. When the time is up, take out the prime rib and slice it into the most ideally medium-rare meat you’ve ever seen. See? That’s all it takes to make failsafe prime rib cooked to a beautiful pink, just a bit below medium rare.
  3. Just be sure you start with prime rib that has been brought to room temperature!This is necessary for the math to function!
  4. Serve your prime rib with Chef John’s Beef Au Jus and Horseradish Sauce.

Chef’s Notes

  • While the procedure is simple, it does require a few items, including a full-size, modern oven with a digital temperature setting that indicates when it is preheated. Older ovens with manual settings might vary substantially, and the doors may not be properly insulated.
  • Here’s another professional tip for you: Because prime rib is pricey, you should always use a probe-style thermometer to monitor the interior temperature of your roast and prevent overcooking. Set the probe alarm (125 F for medium-rare) just in case, and remove the prime rib from the oven even if there is still time on the timer.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 (4 pound) bone-in prime rib roast (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
  • kosher salt to taste

Directions

  1. Place prime rib roast on a plate and bring to room temperature, 2 to 4 hours.

    Chef John's Perfect Prime Rib
     

  2. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).

  3. Combine butter, pepper, and herbes de Provence in a bowl; mix until well blended. Spread butter mixture evenly over entire roast. Season roast generously with kosher salt.

    Chef John's Perfect Prime Rib
     

  4. Roast the 4-pound roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. (If your roast is larger or smaller than 4 pounds, multiply the exact weight times 5 minutes.)

  5. Turn the oven off and, leaving the roast in the oven with the door closed, let the roast sit in the oven for 2 hours.

  6. Remove roast from the oven, slice, and serve

FAQ

1. What is Chef John’s Perfect Prime Rib recipe?

Chef John’s Perfect Prime Rib recipe is a method for cooking prime rib roast to tender, juicy perfection with a beautifully browned crust. It involves seasoning the prime rib generously with salt, pepper, and optional herbs, then roasting it in the oven at a high temperature initially to sear the exterior, followed by a lower temperature to cook the interior evenly.

2. What is the key to achieving the perfect prime rib according to Chef John?

According to Chef John, the key to achieving the perfect prime rib is twofold: proper seasoning and precise cooking temperatures. He emphasizes generously seasoning the prime rib with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the meat to come to room temperature before roasting, and using a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature for desired doneness.

3. What are the recommended cooking temperatures and times for Chef John’s Perfect Prime Rib?

Chef John advises commencing the preparation of the prime rib at an elevated temperature (approximately 450°F or 230°C) for a brief duration, about 15 to 20 minutes, in order to crisp the outer skin and cultivate a palatable coating. Following this, the temperature of the oven is reduced to approximately 325°F (163°C) for the duration of cooking, which differs according to the roast’s dimensions and the intended doneness (e.g., rare, medium-rare, medium).

4. Can Chef John’s Perfect Prime Rib recipe be adapted for different seasonings or flavors?

Indeed, Chef John’s prime rib preparation method is customizable to accommodate individual preferences by incorporating supplementary seasonings or flavor profiles. Although the fundamental recipe emphasizes the use of salt, pepper, and optional herbs such as rosemary or thyme, individuals preparing the prime rib at home may alter its flavor profile by incorporating garlic, onion powder, paprika, or specialty seasoning combinations.

5. What are Chef John’s tips for ensuring a juicy and tender prime rib?

Chef John emphasizes several tips for ensuring a juicy and tender prime rib:

  • Allow the prime rib to come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
  • Use a roasting pan with a rack to elevate the meat and allow air circulation for more even browning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature and avoid overcooking, especially for desired doneness like medium-rare.
  • Let the prime rib rest tented with foil after roasting to allow juices to redistribute before carving, ensuring juicy slices.

By following these tips and Chef John’s instructions closely, home cooks can achieve a delicious and perfectly cooked prime rib roast that will impress family and guests alike.

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