Juicy Christmas Prime Rib Recipe: Holiday Magic on Your Plate

Festive dinners demand showstopping centerpieces, and this Christmas prime rib recipe delivers pure culinary magic with unparalleled elegance.

Tender, juicy meat becomes the star of your holiday table, promising a memorable feast for everyone gathered.

The carefully seasoned prime rib will melt in your mouth, releasing rich, deep flavors that define classic holiday dining.

Perfectly roasted with a golden-brown exterior and succulent interior, this dish transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary celebration.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the simplicity behind creating such an impressive main course.

Salt, pepper, and aromatic herbs create a sublime coating that enhances the natural beef flavor.

Each slice promises a luxurious experience that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Savor every moment of this delectable holiday tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 7

Christmas Prime Rib Recipe Ingredient Guide

• Prime Rib Roast: Select a high-quality, well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and flavor, preferably from a trusted butcher who can recommend the best grade.

• Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme: Fresh herbs create a robust, aromatic coating that enhances the meat's natural richness, selecting herbs with vibrant green color and strong fragrance for optimal taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper provide essential seasoning that intensifies the meat's deep flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps herbs adhere to the meat and promotes beautiful caramelization during roasting, choosing extra virgin variety for superior taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Optional ingredient that adds tangy complexity and helps create a delectable crust on the roast.

• Beef Broth: Adds depth to the roasting environment and prevents meat from drying out, selecting low-sodium versions allows better flavor control.
• Red Wine: Optional liquid that introduces rich, complex undertones to the roasting pan, choosing a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon works best.

Tips for a Juicy, Flavorful Christmas Prime Rib

• Use a digital meat thermometer for accurate doneness and avoid overcooking; even a few degrees can change the entire texture of your roast.
• Let the prime rib sit with salt and herbs for 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor penetration and create a more profound taste profile.
• Swap rosemary and thyme with sage, oregano, or marjoram for different regional flavor experiences without compromising the dish's integrity.
• For low-carb and keto diets, serve with roasted vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini instead of traditional starchy sides; for gluten-sensitive guests, ensure all seasonings and broths are certified gluten-free.
• For non-meat eaters, create a similar herb-crusted roasted cauliflower using identical seasoning techniques, mimicking the prime rib's elegant presentation and flavor complexity.

Serve Prime Rib with Classic Holiday Sides

• Festive Feast Pairings: Elevate your Christmas prime rib with these delightful serving suggestions.
• Wine Wonderland: Pour a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or robust Syrah to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the prime rib.
• Side Dish Symphony: Create a harmonious plate with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon bits.
• Gravy Garden: Whip up a quick au jus or red wine pan gravy using the flavorful drippings, adding depth and moisture to each succulent slice of prime rib.

Store Christmas Prime Rib for Sandwiches or Reheat

• Wrap the leftover prime rib tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for maximum 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
• Slice prime rib before freezing for easier future reheating. Package in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air. Frozen prime rib can last up to 3 months without compromising quality.
• Gently warm slices in a 250F oven, covered with foil to prevent moisture loss. Add a splash of beef broth to keep meat tender and juicy. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent toughening the meat.
• Repurpose leftover prime rib into gourmet sandwiches, salad toppers, or hearty beef stroganoff. Thinly sliced cold meat works wonderfully in various quick lunch and dinner recipes.

FAQs

• Is prime rib expensive to buy?

Prime rib is typically a premium cut of beef and can be costly, ranging from $15-$25 per pound depending on quality and location. For special occasions like Christmas, many people consider it a worthwhile splurge.

• What's the best way to ensure my prime rib is tender?

Letting the meat come to room temperature before cooking, using a meat thermometer, and allowing it to rest after roasting are key to achieving a tender prime rib. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the meat tough and dry.

• Can I prepare the seasoning mix in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the herb and garlic seasoning mixture up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before applying to the prime rib. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

• Do I need special equipment to make prime rib?

A roasting pan, roasting rack, and meat thermometer are helpful but not absolutely essential. A large baking dish and a regular thermometer can work as alternatives. The most important tools are patience and careful temperature monitoring.

Tools That Help You Cook Christmas Prime Rib

• Roasting Pan: Large, sturdy pan to catch drippings and provide even heat distribution.
• Roasting Rack: Elevates meat for perfect air circulation and crispy exterior.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking precise internal temperature and achieving desired doneness.
• Sharp Carving Knife: Needed for slicing prime rib into clean, thick pieces.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For combining seasonings and creating the herb rub.
• Paper Towels: Used to pat meat dry before seasoning.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for preparing and carving the roast.

Roast Christmas Prime Rib Like a Holiday Masterpiece

• Unleash the Oven Heat

Crank up your oven to a blazing 450F. Grab your prime rib and give it a thorough pat-down with paper towels, banishing any moisture for that killer crispy exterior.

• Massage with Flavor

Whip together aal blend of minced garlic, fragrant herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lovingly rub this aromatic mixture all over the meat, making sure every inch gets some flavor love.

• Create Roasting

Nestle the seasoned roast onto a roasting rack inside a pan. Splash some beef broth and wine into the bottom for moisture. Sear the meat at 450F for 15 minutes to lock in those incredible flavors.

• Slow and Low Transformation

Drop the temperature to 325F and continue roasting. For medium-rare perfection, cook about 15-20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to hit that sweet 130F internal temperature.

• Let It Rest and Shine

Pull the roast out and let it chill for 15-20 minutes. This crucial pause lets the juices settle, ensuring each slice is mind-blowingly tender. Slice thick and serve up your masterpiece.

Succulent Christmas Prime Rib Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sumptuous Christmas prime rib delights carnivores with its rich, herb-crusted perfection from classic roasting techniques. Succulent meat promises festive celebrations where guests savor tender, perfectly seasoned slices that elevate holiday dining.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (6-7 lb / 3-3.5 kg) bone-in prime rib roast (3–4 ribs)
• 2 tbsps fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef stock
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry red wine
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat prime rib completely dry with paper towels to maximize roasting potential and achieve crisp exterior crust.
2. Seasoning Fusion: Combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional Dijon mustard into a vibrant flavor-packed rub. Thoroughly massage mixture across entire meat surface ensuring comprehensive coverage.
3. Roasting Setup: Arrange seasoned roast on roasting rack inside pan. Pour beef broth and red wine into pan base to maintain moisture and develop rich flavor foundation.
4. Thermal Progression: Launch initial high-temperature roast at 450F for 15 minutes to develop golden caramelized exterior. Subsequently reduce temperature to 325F, continuing roasting while carefully monitoring internal temperature. Target 130F for medium-rare doneness, estimating 15-20 minutes per pound.
5. Resting Phase: Immediately extract roast from oven upon reaching desired temperature. Allow 15-20 minutes resting period to redistribute internal juices, ensuring maximum tenderness and succulent texture.
6. Presentation: Carve prime rib into generous portions, revealing perfectly cooked centerpiece with crisp exterior and luxuriously tender interior.

Notes

• Patting Meat Dry: Ensure meat is completely dry with paper towels to achieve a perfect golden-brown crispy exterior and enhance roasting results.
• Seasoning Technique: Massage seasonings thoroughly into every surface, allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate and infuse the meat with rich, complex flavors.
• Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to accurately monitor internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining desired medium-rare doneness.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow meat to rest exactly 15-20 minutes after cooking, which redistributes juices and guarantees maximum tenderness and succulence throughout the roast.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg