Horseradish and Salt Crusted Prime Rib

Prime rib, also known as standing rib roast, is a classic, luxurious cut of beef that's renowned for its tenderness, rich flavor, and impressive presentation. It comes from the rib section of the cow, specifically from ribs six through twelve, and typically includes several ribs, making it a large and hearty roast.

Key Characteristics of Prime Rib:

1. Tenderness: Prime rib is one of the most tender cuts of beef, with a generous amount of marbling (fat running through the meat) that melts during cooking, keeping the roast juicy and flavorful.
2. Flavor: The prime rib has a bold, beefy flavor that comes from its marbling and the bones that are left in. The fat in this cut is key to its rich, succulent taste, which is why it's often seasoned simply to allow the natural beef flavor to shine through.
3. Appearance: Prime rib is a large, cylindrical roast that can be left bone-in or boneless. When left with the bones, the roast "stands" upright (hence the name "standing rib roast"), which adds to its visual appeal. The outer crust is often beautifully browned, while the interior can range from rare to well-done, depending on how it's cooked.
4. Bones: A bone-in prime rib roast typically includes anywhere from two to seven ribs, and the bones add both flavor and structure. The bones help insulate the meat during cooking, resulting in a juicier, more evenly cooked roast. The bones also contribute to the roast's presentation, making it a showstopper on the dining table.
5. Size and Servings: Prime rib roasts can vary in size, typically ranging from about 3 to 7 ribs. A 3-rib roast will generally serve about 6-8 people, while a 7-rib roast is perfect for larger gatherings, serving 14 or more. Since it's a rich and indulgent cut, smaller servings are usually more than enough.

Cuts within Prime Rib:

• Bone-In Standing Rib Roast: The most traditional form of prime rib, where the roast is left with its bones, offering the best flavor and appearance.
• Boneless Prime Rib Roast: The bones are removed for easier carving and sometimes a slightly more even cook, but it can lack the visual drama of the bone-in version.
• Ribeye Steak: When the prime rib roast is sliced into individual steaks, they’re called ribeye steaks. These cuts are prized for their tenderness and flavor, particularly the rich fat marbling.

Cooking Prime Rib:

Prime rib is often roasted at a low temperature for a long time, which allows the meat to cook evenly while retaining moisture. The key to a great prime rib is achieving a perfect crust (through searing or roasting at a high temperature initially) and cooking the interior to the desired doneness.

When properly cooked, prime rib can be sliced into thick, juicy portions, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a tender, pink interior (if cooked medium-rare).

Prime rib is a fantastic choice for a holiday meal! It's rich, flavorful, and makes for an impressive centerpiece. Here are some reasons why prime rib is perfect for special occasions and tips on how to prepare it:

Why Prime Rib is Great for the Holidays:

1. Impressive Presentation: Prime rib, also known as standing rib roast, looks magnificent on the table. It's a showstopper that adds a touch of luxury to any celebration.
2. Tender and Flavorful: The prime rib cut comes from the rib section, making it particularly tender with plenty of marbling. When cooked properly, the fat melts into the meat, making it juicy and full of flavor.
3. Feeds a Crowd: A prime rib roast is large enough to serve several people, making it ideal for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or festive dinner parties.
4. Versatile Pairings: It pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and rich gravies. You can also complement it with sauces like horseradish cream, au jus, or béarnaise.

How to Prepare Prime Rib for the Holidays:

1. Choose the Right Cut:

• Look for a bone-in standing rib roast for the most flavor and visual appeal. A 3-bone roast (about 6-7 pounds) serves 6-8 people.
• You can also get a boneless prime rib roast, which is easier to carve but might be a little less dramatic in appearance.

2. Seasoning:

• Simple and Classic: We are making a simple rub of kosher salt, horseradish, minced garlic, cracked black pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
• Herb Butter: Another option is to coat the roast with a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, herbs, and a bit of lemon zest for added richness.

3. Roasting Method:

• High-Temperature Start: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Roast the prime rib at this high temperature for the first 15-20 minutes to create a nice sear and develop a flavorful crust.
• Lower the Heat: After the initial high-heat phase, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and roast until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness (see guide below).
  • Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
  • Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
  • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)

Note: The roast will continue to cook a little while it rests, so aim for 5°F below your target temperature.

4. Rest Before Carving:

• After removing the roast from the oven, let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy.

Holiday Side Dish Ideas:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, buttery side to complement the richness of the prime rib.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized with a touch of balsamic vinegar or crispy bacon.
• Yorkshire Pudding: A traditional British side, perfect for soaking up the drippings from the roast.
• Roasted Carrots or Parsnips: Sweet, savory, and roasted with herbs.
• Cauliflower Gratin: A decadent, cheesy vegetable side.

Tips:

• Leave the Bone In: It adds flavor and makes for a beautiful presentation, but you can ask your butcher to "french" the bones (expose them) for an even more elegant look.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To get your prime rib cooked perfectly to your liking, use an instant-read thermometer.
• Resting Time: Don't rush this step! Letting the meat rest after roasting helps the juices redistribute and results in a more tender, flavorful roast.

Prime rib is a dish that elevates any holiday meal and creates lasting memories around the table. It’s all about the flavors, the presentation, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones!

✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.