How to cook a prime rib?

If you really want to impress someone over dinner, or to show off your cooking skills, there’s nothing better than the look of a luscious, lip-smacking prime rib dominating the place of the guest-of-honor on your table. Now, that’s really something to look forward to.

Here are a few tips to help you through the process.

Prime Ribs are flavorful and rich, and as a result, pretty expensive too and usually set aside for a special occasion. A good Prime Rib depends mainly on two factors: the grade, and the cut of the meat.

How to Buy a Prime Rib

Always make sure you ask your butcher for a USDA grade prime rib, which is known as the ‘Prime’; it contains the most flecks of fat in between the meat, and therefore makes the juiciest roast. Below this grade is ‘Choice’ which is found in most supermarkets. If you are adamant about a ‘Prime’ grade prime rib, you may have to seek out a good butcher or look through a number of supermarkets for one.

How to Cut a Prime Rib

A Prime Rib is cut from the back of the upper rib section of the steer and it generally consists of seven ribs. If you are using your home oven to cook the Prime rib, it is better to purchase a three-bone rib, cut from either the chuck end or the rib end.

When you are cooking for a small dinner or a private party, ask the butcher or the attendant at the supermarket to cut a three-bone piece from the loin end.

How to Cook a Prime Rib

One special tool that you will need for this is a good instant-read meat thermometer to ensure that the meat has reached the perfect temperature before cooking it. A Prime rib needs to sit 2 hours in room temperature to ensure that it has come to a desirable cooking temperature.

Then:

Preheat your oven to 450°.
Pat the roast dry with a paper towel.
Rub butter on both ends of the roast.
Rub your preferred seasoning all over the meat.
Place the roast in a heavy roasting pan.
Cook your roast in the oven, depending on the size.
Baste the ends of the roast with dripping every half an hour.
Half an hour before the roast is supposed to be done, use your meat thermometer.
If the temperature reaches 120°, take the roast out of the oven and cover it up with foil.
Let the roast sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
Serve.