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Perfect Prime Rib Roast with Garlic Herb Butter – Easy & Juicy

prime rib roast with garlic herb butter - featured image

This perfect prime rib roast with garlic herb butter is incredibly juicy, simple to make, and perfect for holidays. The butter creates a protective crust that locks in juices while infusing the meat with incredible flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in prime rib roast (45 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the roast out of the fridge 2 hours before cooking to bring to room temperature.
  2. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  3. Make the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Pat the roast dry with paper towels.
  5. Season the roast generously with 1 tablespoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper on all sides.
  6. Spread the garlic herb butter all over the roast, covering every surface with a thick, even layer.
  7. Place the roast bone-side down on a rack in your roasting pan.
  8. Pour the beef broth and wine (if using) into the bottom of the pan, avoiding the roast.
  9. Roast at 250°F for about 25-30 minutes per pound (about 2 to 2.5 hours for a 4-5 pound roast). Start checking internal temperature after 1.5 hours; target 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
  10. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding the bone.
  11. When the internal temperature hits 120°F (49°C), remove the roast from the oven.
  12. Increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C). Tent the roast loosely with foil and let it rest on the counter for 15-20 minutes.
  13. Remove the foil and return the roast to the 500°F oven. Roast for 8-12 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
  14. Remove from the oven and tent again with fresh foil. Let it rest for another 15 minutes before slicing.
  15. Slice against the grain into thick pieces. Serve immediately with pan drippings as au jus.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting periods—they are crucial for juicy meat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Let the butter soften properly for even spreading. Season the roast the night before if possible for deeper flavor. Watch the final sear carefully to avoid burning. Save the bones for making beef stock.

Nutrition

Keywords: prime rib, garlic herb butter, roast beef, holiday dinner, Christmas dinner, New Year's dinner, beef roast, prime rib roast