From the Kitchens of Amy & JJ

Amy’s husband and I took a Prime Rib class last year and both tried the methods discussed below to amazing success. If prime rib is part of any holiday celebration, we have some suggestions on how to get the perfect crust, the perfect doneness and the perfect tool to ensure your success!

Purchase your prime rib from your preferred source at least two days before you are planning to cook. Trim the fat cap off the top of the meat (below that fat cap is a membrane, remove that as well) and set the cap to the side (in the refrigerator). Liberally salt the entire prime rib on all sides. Place into the refrigerator on a baking sheet with a wire rack so the meat is slightly elevated from the pan. Let sit for 24 hours. This method will give you a delicious prime rib. The tip comes from a professional pit boss, Scott Thomasson from Pigtamer BBQ.

To cook, take out the prime rib and let it rest on the counter for 90 minutes. Pat dry any liquid on the outside of the meat (there shouldn’t be any after the dry brine, but just in case). Set your oven to 500 degrees. Prepare a rub of:

1 1/2 teaspoons Salt (coarse if possible)- Black Pepper – Rosemary – Thyme
1 clove of garlic (minced)
1 Tablespoon of olive oil

Rub the outside of the meat with the mixture. Adding additional mixes if you have a large roast.
Add the fat cap you saved to the top of the prime rib and tie it with butcher’s twine.

Put the prime rib into the oven at 500 degrees for 15 minutes and then, without opening the oven, drop the temperature to 325 degrees for roughly 11 minutes per pound. Test with a meat thermometer try make sure you have your desired doneness.

PRO TIP! The roast will continue to cook once you remove it from the heat, so do not wait until you hit the desired temperature inside the oven. Remove when the temp is 10 degrees below the desired doneness. Tent with foil and wait for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Double check with the meat thermometer – this device is the best friend of the chef looking for the perfect prime rib!