Standing Rib Roast: The Ultimate Recipe for a Perfectly Roasted Feast
There’s something truly magical about a Standing Rib Roast—the tender, juicy meat, the beautifully browned exterior, and the deep, rich flavor that only slow roasting can bring out. This classic dish is the centerpiece of many family celebrations, from holidays to special dinners, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re cooking it for a Christmas dinner, a Thanksgiving feast, or just because you want to impress your guests, this Standing Rib Roast recipe will guide you through the process, ensuring every bite is absolutely perfect.
In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of preparing, cooking, and carving a Standing Rib Roast so that you can serve it with confidence and style. From selecting the right cut of meat to seasoning and roasting it to perfection, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!
How to Prepare a Standing Rib Roast: A Step-by-Step Guide
What You’ll Need:
A Standing Rib Roast (also known as a prime rib) is a luxurious cut of meat. It comes from the rib section of the cow, and it’s a showstopper in both flavor and presentation. When preparing this dish, quality ingredients make all the difference.
Ingredients for the Roast:
1 Standing Rib Roast (about 6-8 pounds)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
Step 1: Seasoning Your Standing Rib Roast for Maximum Flavor
Before we get to cooking, let’s focus on making sure the Standing Rib Roast is full of flavor. Start by trimming any excess fat (but leave some for flavor) and placing the roast on a roasting pan with the bone side down. Pat the meat dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and gives the roast a better sear during cooking.
Now, it’s time to season! Here’s the magic combination that will take your roast to the next level:
Olive oil: Brush the roast generously with olive oil to create a beautiful sear.
Garlic, rosemary, and thyme: Combine minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, and thyme in a small bowl. These herbs infuse the meat with a deep, earthy flavor.
Salt and pepper: Don’t be shy with the salt! Season the roast liberally on all sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Mustard (optional): If you want an added layer of flavor, rub the roast with a thin layer of Dijon mustard before applying the herbs and spices. This will help form a flavorful crust as it roasts.
Once your roast is seasoned, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. This allows the roast to cook more evenly and ensures that the meat stays juicy.
Step 2: Roasting the Standing Rib Roast to Perfection
Now that the roast is prepped and seasoned, it’s time to cook it to perfection.
Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature will help create a beautiful brown crust on the outside of the roast.
Roast at High Temperature:
Place your seasoned Standing Rib Roast in the oven at the 450°F temperature for 15 minutes. This initial high-heat phase is crucial for developing the delicious brown crust.
Lower the Heat and Continue Roasting:
After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Continue roasting the meat for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the size of your roast and your preferred level of doneness. Here’s a general guideline for cooking times:
Rare: 120-125°F (50-52°C) internal temperature
Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) internal temperature
Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C) internal temperature
Medium-well: 150-155°F (65-68°C) internal temperature
For the most accurate results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remember, the roast will continue cooking slightly while it rests.
Step 3: Resting the Standing Rib Roast
After you’ve removed the roast from the oven, it’s important to let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy roast.
While the roast rests, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to retain heat. Resist the temptation to cut into it immediately—the rest period makes all the difference.
Step 4: Carving the Standing Rib Roast to Perfection
Once your Standing Rib Roast has rested, it’s time to carve. Here’s how to do it:
Place the roast on a cutting board: Make sure the bone side is facing down so the roast doesn’t slide around while you carve.
Remove the bones: Use a sharp carving knife to cut between the bones. These bones can be served alongside the roast, or saved for a delicious stock later.
Slice the meat: Slice the meat against the grain into ¾-inch to 1-inch thick slices. Be sure to cut each slice so that the tender meat remains juicy and perfectly cooked.
Tips for Pairing with Side Dishes
A Standing Rib Roast is a rich and hearty dish, so it pairs beautifully with sides that complement its flavor and texture. Here are some classic sides to serve alongside:
Roasted Vegetables: Try a combination of carrots, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes, all tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic, creamy mashed potato recipe is the perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavorful juices from the roast.
Yorkshire Pudding: This British favorite is light, airy, and perfect for dipping into the savory drippings of the roast.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes: The crispy texture of roasted potatoes adds a wonderful contrast to the tenderness of the roast.
Standing Rib Roast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic and elegant dish, the Standing Rib Roast is a tender and flavorful centerpiece perfect for any special occasion or holiday gathering. Seasoned with aromatic herbs and roasted to perfection, this dish offers a perfect balance of crispy, savory crust and juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Serve it with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
1 Standing rib roast (about 5–7 lbs)
3 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
1 cup beef broth (for roasting pan)
2 tbsp butter (for basting)
Instructions
Prepare the roast: Remove the Standing Rib Roast from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Season: Rub the roast generously with olive oil, then coat it with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. If using, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the roast before applying the seasonings.
Roast the meat: Place the seasoned roast bone-side down in a roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast (avoiding bones). Roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes to create a nice sear.
Reduce heat: After 15 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting for approximately 1.5-2 hours, or until the thermometer reads 125°F (51°C) for medium-rare, or 130°F (54°C) for medium. Remember, the roast will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
Baste and rest: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, you can baste the roast with melted butter to enhance its flavor and juiciness. Once done, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest, covered loosely with foil, for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Carve and serve: Slice the roast into thick cuts, serve, and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Notes
You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Adding a touch of garlic powder or onion powder can offer an extra layer of flavor.
Make sure to use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the roast and ensure it’s at your desired doneness.
If you prefer your roast more well-done, leave it in the oven a bit longer, but be careful not to dry it out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (6 oz)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Standing Rib Roast, Holiday Roast, Beef Roast, Christmas Roast, Special Occasion Roast
Final Thoughts on the Perfect Standing Rib Roast
A Standing Rib Roast is a meal that’s bound to impress, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to an unforgettable meal. By following these simple steps—seasoning, roasting, resting, and carving—you’ll create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. With the right sides and a glass of red wine, you’ll have a feast that will leave everyone at the table talking.
If you’ve tried this Standing Rib Roast recipe, share your thoughts with us! Have any tips of your own? Feel free to leave a comment below and let us know how your roast turned out!