Cooking prime rib to order is an art that requires precision and skill. This is because prime rib needs to be cooked to the exact specifications of the customer in order to achieve optimal flavor and tenderness. Restaurants must pay close attention to the temperature, cooking time, and other key factors in order to serve the perfect prime rib. Preparing this succulent cut of beef requires a combination of experience, technology, and a little bit of luck. With the right tools, techniques, and knowledge, any restaurant can cook an unforgettable prime rib.
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
When it comes to choosing the right cut of beef for your prime rib, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll want to make sure you get a cut that is well-marbled with fat, as this will help keep the meat juicy and tender. You’ll also want to make sure that the cut is large enough for the number of servings you need. Finally, you’ll want to choose a cut that has plenty of marbling throughout the entire roast, as this will help ensure even cooking.
Seasoning the Prime Rib
When seasoning your prime rib, you’ll want to keep it simple. Salt and pepper are all that’s needed to bring out the flavor of this delicious cut of beef. You can also add herbs and spices such as garlic powder, thyme, rosemary or oregano if desired. Additionally, some cooks like to rub butter or olive oil over the outside of the roast before baking it in order to help crisp up the exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Pre-Cooking the Prime Rib
Before cooking your prime rib in an oven or on a grill, it’s important to pre-cook it first. This helps ensure even cooking and can also help create a more flavorful dish overall. Pre-cooking involves searing both sides of the roast over high heat for about 2 minutes each side before transferring it into a hot oven or onto a grill preheated at medium heat. Once pre-cooked, finish cooking according to your recipe instructions until an internal temperature of 130°F is reached for medium rare doneness or 145°F for medium doneness.
Preparing the Prime Rib
Cooking a prime rib roast is not as difficult as it seems. The first step is to prepare the roast. Ideally, the roast should be at room temperature when you begin cooking, so take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit for 1-2 hours before you begin prepping it. Once it’s at room temperature, season all sides of the roast liberally with salt and pepper. Then, lightly rub a few cloves of minced garlic over all sides of the roast for added flavor and aroma. Finally, place the roast in a roasting pan or baking dish fat side up and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to keep it from drying out.
Cooking the Prime Rib
Once the prime rib is prepped and seasoned, you can begin cooking it. Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place your roasting pan in the oven and cook uncovered for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes has passed, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes per pound (for a medium rare finish). As a general rule of thumb, use an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat to ensure that you reach an internal temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare doneness.
Resting & Finishing the Prime Rib
When your prime rib reaches 125 degrees Fahrenheit internally, remove it from your oven and transfer to a cutting board or platter to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Allowing time for resting ensures that all of those delicious juices don’t run out when you start slicing into your prime rib! When ready to serve, carve into slices along grain lines using a sharp carving knife and enjoy hot!