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Close-up of a perfectly cooked and sliced Reverse-Sear Prime Rib Roast showing a beautiful pink, medium-rare interior and a savory, dark crust.
Maryam

The Ultimate Reverse-Sear Prime Rib Roast with Herb-Garlic Crust

Achieve a perfectly cooked, edge-to-edge medium-rare prime rib with an irresistible crispy crust by employing the reverse-sear method, guaranteeing a show-stopping centerpiece for any feast.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

For the Prime Rib
  • 1 roast Prime Rib Roast 4-rib, bone-in, about 8-10 lbs
For the Herb-Garlic Crust
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Dried rosemary crushed
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme

Equipment

  • Roasting pan with wire rack
  • Digital instant-read meat thermometer
  • Large cast-iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed oven-safe pan)
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp carving knife

Method
 

Prepare the Roast
  1. Remove the prime rib roast from the refrigerator 3-4 hours before cooking. This allows it to come closer to room temperature for more even cooking. Pat the entire roast thoroughly dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, crushed dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Whisk or stir well to combine.
  3. Rub the entire surface of the prime rib roast with olive oil, then generously coat with the herb-garlic seasoning mix. Ensure all sides are well covered.
Slow Roasting (Reverse-Sear Method)
  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the seasoned prime rib roast, bone-side down, on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan.
  2. Insert the probe of your digital instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding touching any bones.
  3. Roast in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 120-125°F (49-52°C) for medium-rare. This typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the roast's size and your oven's calibration.
  4. Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the roast from the oven. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest on your countertop for at least 20-30 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute and for even cooking.
The Searing Finish
  1. While the roast is resting, increase your oven temperature to 500°F (260°C). If using a cast-iron skillet for searing, place it on the stovetop over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly.
  2. Carefully transfer the rested prime rib roast to the hot cast-iron skillet (you may add an additional tablespoon of high smoke point oil like grapeseed or avocado oil to the skillet if desired, but often the roast fat is enough).
  3. Sear all sides of the roast, including the ends, for 2-3 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown and crispy crust forms. Alternatively, if you don't have a large skillet, you can place the roast back into the 500°F oven for 10-15 minutes until a crust forms.
Final Rest & Serve
  1. Transfer the seared prime rib roast to a clean cutting board. Let it rest for another 10-15 minutes before carving. During this final rest, the internal temperature will likely rise slightly to 130-135°F (54-57°C) for a perfect medium-rare.
  2. Carve the roast by separating the bones (if bone-in) and then slicing against the grain into desired thickness. Serve immediately.

Notes

Doneness Guide: For a medium-rare roast, aim for an internal temperature of 120-125°F (49-52°C) before searing. For medium, target 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium-well, aim for 140-145°F (60-63°C). Remember that the temperature will rise by 5-10 degrees during the resting periods.
Au Jus/Gravy: The drippings in the roasting pan and skillet are packed with flavor. You can use these to make a delicious au jus or gravy to accompany your prime rib.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.