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### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Prime Rib Roast**
1. **Bring the roast to room temperature:** Before cooking, remove the prime rib from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 2 hours. This ensures the roast cooks evenly throughout.
2. **Preheat your oven:** Set your oven to **450°F (230°C)**. The initial high temperature helps form a nice crust on the roast, which seals in the juices and enhances the flavor.
#### **Step 2: Season the Prime Rib**
1. **Make the herb rub:** In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using Dijon mustard, you can mix that into the rub as well for a tangy kick.
2. **Apply the seasoning:** Rub the seasoning mixture all over the surface of the prime rib roast, making sure it’s evenly coated. Massage the herbs and seasoning into the meat, covering all sides. The more you rub it in, the more flavorful the roast will be.
#### **Step 3: Roast the Prime Rib**
1. **Roast at high heat:** Place the prime rib on a rack in a roasting pan, bone-side down (fat-side up). This allows the fat to render and baste the meat as it cooks. Pour the beef broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to help keep the roast moist during cooking.
2. **Initial high-heat roast:** Place the roast in the preheated oven and cook for **15 minutes** at 450°F (230°C). This high heat will help develop a beautiful, flavorful crust.
3. **Lower the temperature:** After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to **325°F (165°C)** and continue roasting for about **2 to 2.5 hours**. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of **120°F (49°C)** to **125°F (52°C)**. For medium, go for **130°F (54°C)** to **135°F (57°C)**.
4. **Check the temperature:** It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the roast’s internal temperature to ensure you get your desired doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
#### **Step 4: Rest the Prime Rib**
1. **Let it rest:** Once your prime rib reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven. Tent it with foil and let it rest for **15-20 minutes**. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every bite is tender and juicy.
2. **Carve and serve:** After resting, carve the roast into thick slices. Serve with the pan juices or your favorite sides, and enjoy!
#### **Step 5: Make the Horseradish Cream Sauce (Optional)**
1. **Mix the sauce:** In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. The tangy and spicy horseradish sauce perfectly complements the richness of the prime rib.
2. **Serve alongside:** Serve the horseradish cream sauce on the side, allowing your guests to add as much as they like.
### **Serving Suggestions:**
Prime rib is often served with hearty, flavorful side dishes that complement its richness. Here are a few options to elevate your Christmas dinner:
– **Roasted vegetables:** Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips make a colorful and delicious side.
– **Garlic mashed potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic and butter are a classic pairing with prime rib.
– **Yorkshire pudding:** This traditional British side is a perfect match for prime rib and gravy.
– **Crispy Brussels sprouts or green beans:** Add a pop of color and texture with these crispy veggie sides.
– **Dinner rolls or crusty bread:** Serve with warm, buttery rolls to soak up all the delicious juices from the roast.
### **Tips for the Perfect Prime Rib:**
– **Let it rest:** Never skip the resting step! This ensures the prime rib retains all of its juiciness and flavor.
– **Adjust seasoning:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your personal taste. You can add extra garlic, herbs, or mustard to enhance the flavor.
– **Use a meat thermometer:** The key to a perfect prime rib is monitoring the internal temperature closely. Don’t rely solely on time; use a thermometer to get your desired level of doneness.
– **Roast with the bone:** If possible, choose a bone-in prime rib. The bones add flavor, and they help retain the meat’s moisture during cooking.
### **Why This Recipe Works:**
Prime rib is the perfect holiday roast because it’s flavorful, tender, and impressive to serve. The combination of the high-heat initial roasting and the slow, gentle cooking ensures a crispy, flavorful crust and a juicy, tender interior. The addition of garlic, rosemary, and thyme enhances the natural flavors of the meat, and the optional horseradish cream sauce adds a delightful tangy contrast to the richness of the beef.
### **Conclusion: The Ultimate Christmas Feast**
This **Prime Rib recipe for Christmas** is everything you want in a holiday meal: delicious, impressive, and full of rich flavors. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a cozy family dinner, this show-stopping roast will steal the spotlight. With the perfect blend of seasonings and the tender juiciness of the meat, your guests will be talking about this holiday feast long after the meal is over.
So, if you’re looking for a way to make your Christmas dinner extraordinary, this prime rib recipe is your answer. Serve it with your favorite sides and the creamy horseradish sauce for a meal that’s sure to impress and create lasting memories. Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!
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