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Close-up of a sliced, bone-in Prime Rib roast cooked medium-rare with a dark crust and roasted potatoes.

Juiciest Reverse-Sear Prime Rib Roast

Master the art of reverse-searing for an incredibly tender, perfectly cooked prime rib with a spectacular crust. This method guarantees juicy, edge-to-edge medium-rare perfection every time.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

For the Prime Rib
  • 8-10 lbs Bone-in Prime Rib Roast 4-5 ribs, chine bone removed but ribs left attached
  • 2 tbsp Kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
For the Optional Au Jus
  • 4 cups Beef broth
  • 1/2 cup Dry red wine e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
  • 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs Fresh thyme

Equipment

  • Large roasting pan with rack
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Carving knife
  • Large cutting board with a well

Method
 

Prepare the Roast
  1. Remove the prime rib from its packaging and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good crust.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Rub the entire roast with olive oil, then generously coat all sides with the seasoning mixture, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Place the seasoned roast on a rack in a large roasting pan. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, before cooking. This helps the roast cook more evenly.
Low Temperature Roasting
  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Insert an oven-safe, instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding bone.
  3. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (for medium-rare, aim for 120-125°F / 49-52°C). This will typically take 2.5 to 3.5 hours for an 8-10 lb roast. The reverse-sear method focuses on achieving the ideal internal temperature first, not a specific time. Check periodically, especially after 2 hours.
  4. Once the roast reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 30-45 minutes. DO NOT skip this step; it's essential for juiciness. During this rest, the temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees.
High Temperature Sear
  1. After the first rest, increase your oven temperature to 500°F (260°C). If you made Au Jus, keep the roasting pan with the drippings for later.
  2. Return the roast to the hot oven (without the thermometer) and sear for 10-15 minutes, or until a beautiful, deep brown crust has formed on the exterior. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Final Rest & Carving
  1. Remove the roast from the oven once seared. Tent it again loosely with foil and let it rest for another 15-20 minutes. This final rest allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
  2. Using a sharp carving knife, carefully separate the bones from the meat. Then, slice the prime rib into desired thickness against the grain.
Make Optional Au Jus (while roast rests)
  1. While the roast is on its first rest, place the roasting pan (with drippings and any accumulated fat) over two stovetop burners set to medium-high heat. Add the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  2. Add the beef broth, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors. Strain the Au Jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving bowl, discarding the solids. Serve alongside the carved prime rib.

Notes

For best results, invest in a good instant-read meat thermometer; it's the key to perfectly cooked prime rib. Keep in mind that different ovens can vary, so always trust the internal temperature over exact cooking times. For doneness: Rare (115-120°F), Medium-Rare (120-125°F), Medium (125-130°F), Medium-Well (130-135°F). Remember, the temperature will rise by 5-10 degrees during resting.