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Best Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast Recipe for a Perfect Dinner

herb-crusted prime rib - featured image

This foolproof herb-crusted prime rib roast delivers a perfectly cooked, juicy, medium-rare center with a gorgeous, flavorful crust. Made with simple ingredients like fresh herbs, garlic, and butter, it’s the ultimate showstopper for any special family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (4-5 pound) bone-in prime rib roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

  1. Take the roast out of the fridge 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
  2. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with the rack in the middle position.
  3. Make the herb butter paste: In a small bowl, combine chopped rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, softened butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix with a fork until it forms a thick paste.
  4. Pat the roast dry with paper towels.
  5. Sear the roast: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the roast on all sides for about 2 minutes per side until deeply browned.
  6. Transfer the seared roast to a wire rack in a roasting pan. Using your hands, spread the herb butter paste all over the roast, covering every inch.
  7. Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) without opening the door.
  8. Continue roasting at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes per pound for medium-rare. For a 4.5-pound roast, this is roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes total after the initial sear. Start checking internal temperature after 45 minutes.
  9. For medium-rare, remove the roast at 125°F (52°C). The temperature will rise another 5-10°F during resting.
  10. Rest the roast: Transfer to a cutting board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  11. While the roast rests, make the pan jus: Place the roasting pan over two burners on medium heat. Add 1 cup beef broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then strain into a small pitcher.
  12. After resting, remove twine (if used) and slice the roast between the bones. For boneless, slice against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with jus, and serve.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it creates a flavor base the oven alone can’t match. Use a thermometer, not a timer, for perfect doneness. Let the roast come to room temperature before cooking. Don’t open the oven door during roasting. Rest the roast for a full 30 minutes under foil—this is non-negotiable for juicy meat. Make extra herb butter to spread on French bread and toast alongside the roast.

Nutrition

Keywords: prime rib, herb crust, roast beef, Christmas dinner, special occasion, beef roast, garlic herb crust