Herb and Garlic Prime Rib Roast

A large rib roast gets a rosemary, garlic and mustard crust before slow roasting.

Total 3 hr 10 minMakes 8 to 10 servings
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This prime rib roast has a crisp herb-garlic exterior and a juicy center. The source’s fixed two-hour cooking time is unreliable for a 4 to 5 kg roast, so use a probe thermometer and allow time for the roast to rest. Start hot to brown the surface, then reduce the oven temperature. Carve across the grain after resting and serve the pan juices alongside. Take roast from refrigerator 45 to 60 minutes before cooking; pat dry and heat oven to 220°C (425°F). Mix garlic, rosemary, olive oil, mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper; rub over the roast. Set roast bone-side down in a roasting pan and cook 20 minutes to brown.

Recipe card

Herb and Garlic Prime Rib Roast

Prep 20 minCook 2 hr 30 minTotal 3 hr 10 minYield 8 to 10 servings
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Large pot, knife, cutting board and measuring tools

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Temper

    Take roast from refrigerator 45 to 60 minutes before cooking; pat dry and heat oven to 220°C (425°F).

  2. Season

    Mix garlic, rosemary, olive oil, mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper; rub over the roast.

  3. Roast hot

    Set roast bone-side down in a roasting pan and cook 20 minutes to brown.

  4. Finish

    Reduce oven to 160°C (325°F); roast until the thickest center reaches 63°C (145°F), checking early because timing varies with shape and oven.

  5. Rest

    Tent loosely with foil and rest at least 20 minutes before carving between bones into slices.

How to tell when it is ready

Tent loosely with foil and rest at least 20 minutes before carving between bones into slices.

Tips

  • Take roast from refrigerator 45 to 60 minutes before cooking.
  • Mix garlic, rosemary, olive oil, mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
  • Set roast bone-side down in a roasting pan and cook 20 minutes to brown.
  • Reduce oven to 160°C (325°F).

Troubleshooting

  • If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  • If center temperature rises quickly, reduce oven sooner and check often.

Substitutions

  • Use dried rosemary if fresh is unavailable.
  • Use Dijon mustard or omit honey for less sweetness.

Variations

  • Add thyme with rosemary.
  • Serve with pan juices thickened into gravy.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with roasted potatoes.
  • Add Yorkshire puddings or dinner rolls.
  • Offer horseradish sauce.
  • Pair with green vegetables.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate carved leftovers within 2 hours for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a little broth.

Storage

Refrigerate carved leftovers within 2 hours for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a little broth.

Food safety

Use a thermometer in the thickest part without touching bone; rest at least 3 minutes after reaching 63°C (145°F).

Frequently asked questions

How do I know herb and garlic prime rib roast is ready?

Tent loosely with foil and rest at least 20 minutes before carving between bones into slices.

How should I store herb and garlic prime rib roast?

Refrigerate carved leftovers within 2 hours for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a little broth.

Serve with roasted potatoes. Refrigerate carved leftovers within 2 hours for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a little broth.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

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