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A beautifully roasted rib roast, perfectly browned with herbs, resting on a cutting board, ready to be carved.

Perfect Holiday Rib Roast

A foolproof rib roast recipe for a tender, juicy, and flavorful centerpiece meal, ideal for special occasions. This rib roast recipe guarantees a golden crust and a succulent interior.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours (includes prep, dry brining, and resting)
  • Yield: 8-10 servings (for a 6-8 lb roast) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 (6-8 pound) bone-in or boneless rib roast
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
8–10 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the rib roast from its packaging and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the seasoned roast on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Allow it to air dry, uncovered, in the refrigerator for at least 6-12 hours, or even up to 24 hours. Remove the roast from the refrigerator at least 2-3 hours before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, and olive oil. Mix well to form a paste.
Step 3: Generously spread the herb-garlic paste all over the surface of the rib roast, massaging it into the meat.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 450°F (232°C).
Step 5: Place the prepared rib roast, fat-side up, on the wire rack in the roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes to sear the exterior. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting.
Step 6: Insert a reliable meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding bones. Cook until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness: 120-125°F (49-52°C) for rare, 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium-rare, 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium.
Step 7: Once the rib roast reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest on the cutting board for at least 20-30 minutes (up to an hour for larger roasts). This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute.
Step 8: After resting, carve the rib roast against the grain into thick slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, allow the roast to come to room temperature and air dry for at least 6-12 hours before cooking. A reliable meat thermometer is essential for perfect doneness.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours resting/air drying)
  • Cook Time: 2-3 hours (depending on size and desired doneness)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: rib roast, prime rib, holiday roast, beef roast, special occasion meal, roasted beef, rib roast recipe rib roast recipe rib roast recipe

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