Prime Rib au Jus: A Perfectly Juicy and Flavorful Roast
Introduction:
There’s something undeniably special about a classic Prime Rib au Jus. Growing up, I remember my grandmother carefully selecting the perfect cut of prime rib, roasting it to perfection, and serving it with a rich, savory jus. This dish has become a timeless favorite in our family, especially during festive occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or preparing an impressive dinner for loved ones, Prime Rib au Jus is sure to deliver that unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth experience. Today, I’ll walk you through how to make this beautiful roast and its complementary au jus, bringing the rich tradition of this recipe into your kitchen.
What is Prime Rib au Jus?
Prime Rib au Jus is an elegant, yet simple dish that showcases the tenderness of the prime rib roast with a flavorful, savory jus. “Au Jus” translates to “with juice,” referring to the natural juices released from the meat as it cooks. These juices are then simmered to create a delicious, slightly reduced sauce that’s served alongside the roast. The result is a juicy, flavorful prime rib that’s rich in flavor and pairs beautifully with the au jus.
Ingredients for Prime Rib au Jus:
For the Prime Rib:
1 (5-6 lbs) bone-in prime rib roast
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Au Jus:
2 cups beef broth
1 cup dry red wine
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This will give the prime rib a lovely sear, locking in all the delicious juices.
Season the Prime Rib: Rub the prime rib roast with olive oil, then generously season it with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed across the surface of the meat.
Roast the Prime Rib: Place the seasoned prime rib on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Roast for 15 minutes at 450°F, then reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and roast for an additional 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 120-125°F (for medium-rare).
Rest the Roast: Once done, remove the roast from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices redistribute inside the meat, making it juicy and tender.
Making the Au Jus:
Deglaze the Pan: After removing the prime rib, place the roasting pan on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the liquid to reduce by about half.
Finish the Au Jus: Once reduced, stir in butter to enrich the jus. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain the jus before serving.
Serving Prime Rib au Jus:
Slice the prime rib into thick slices, and serve each slice with a generous drizzle of the rich au jus. The combination of tender, juicy meat with the flavorful jus will surely make your guests’ taste buds dance with joy. Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for the perfect meal.
Tips for Perfect Prime Rib au Jus:
Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time after roasting. It’s essential to allow the meat to rest, which helps retain its juices and ensures each bite is tender and flavorful.
Bone-In vs. Boneless: While both options are delicious, a bone-in prime rib adds extra flavor and a beautiful presentation. If you opt for boneless, it will cook more evenly and might require slightly less time in the oven.
Adjust for Doneness: Prime rib is best served medium-rare, but feel free to adjust the roasting time based on your preferred level of doneness.
Why Prime Rib au Jus is Perfect for Special Occasions:
Prime Rib au Jus is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Its rich flavor, tender texture, and the stunning presentation make it the perfect dish for special occasions. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a celebratory dinner, Prime Rib au Jus offers a luxurious and comforting dining experience. The au jus elevates the prime rib, adding depth to each bite, and pairs wonderfully with side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Print
Prime Rib au Jus
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Prime Rib au Jus recipe is a rich, mouthwatering dish featuring a perfectly roasted prime rib served with a flavorful and savory jus. Tender slices of prime rib paired with the rich au jus elevate any special occasion or holiday meal. The dish is complemented with fresh herbs and vegetables for an added depth of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Prime Rib:
1 (5-6 lbs) bone-in prime rib roast
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Au Jus:
2 cups beef broth
1 cup dry red wine
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Prime Rib:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Rub the prime rib with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic.
Place the prime rib on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Roast for 15 minutes at 450°F, then reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting for an additional 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 120-125°F for medium-rare.
Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Making the Au Jus:
After removing the roast, place the roasting pan over medium heat and add a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, reducing the liquid by half.
Stir in butter and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Strain the jus if desired for a smooth texture.
Notes
Resting the meat is crucial for retaining its juices, ensuring tender slices.
The cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness. Check the internal temperature for accuracy.
For a richer au jus, add a bit of the roast’s drippings back into the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of prime rib with au jus
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Prime Rib, au Jus, Roast Beef, Holiday Recipes, Beef Roast
Conclusion:
Making Prime Rib au Jus at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few key steps, you can create a roast that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. This recipe brings together the savory, tender meat of the prime rib with a rich and flavorful jus, creating a dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to for family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations for years to come.