Cooking prime rib in a dutch oven is one of the most flavorful and rewarding culinary experiences. Not only does it take some patience and skill, but the end result is guaranteed to deliver mouth-watering, juicy results that will have your guests coming back for more. Dutch ovens are an ideal cooking vessel for prime rib as they can hold all the flavors of a full-bodied, succulent roast.
How to cook prime rib
- When purchasing a Rib Roast, be sure to choose either Choice or Prime, and opt for a boneless cut that is tied back on with twine.
- Before cooking, it is important to bring the Prime Rib up to room temperature for at least 3 hours.
- After drying the meat off with a towel, generously cover the roast in salt, pepper, butter, and herbs.
- Place the roast in an 8 quart Dutch oven and bake at 500F for 5 minutes per pound.
- Once finished baking, turn off the oven but don’t remove the roast just yet – let it rest in the oven for two more hours.
Tools you’ll need:
-Dutch oven
-Sharp knife
-Mixing bowl
-Cutting board
-Meat thermometer
-Paper towels
Why cook a roast in a dutch oven
Cooking a roast in a Dutch oven is a classic and convenient way to prepare a meal. Dutch ovens come in various sizes and materials, making them perfect for any kitchen.
They are great for roasting as they can withstand high temperatures, ensuring that your roast cooks evenly. Additionally, their thick walls help to hold in moisture and flavor, resulting in a juicy, flavorful roast.
Roasting in a Dutch oven also allows you to use the same vessel for both cooking and serving—eliminating the need to transfer your meal from one pot to another. And, because the lid of the Dutch oven traps the heat, it requires less energy to maintain an even temperature throughout the cooking process.
What can you use if you don’t have a Dutch oven?
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, don’t worry! There are plenty of alternatives available to bring the same delicious flavors to your meal without having to purchase a new kitchen appliance.
For starters, you can use a deep oven-safe skillet or pot. It’s important to look for a pot that has a tight fitting lid and is made from a material that can handle high temperatures, like cast iron or stainless steel.
If you’re looking for a solution that will also add moisture to your cooking, try using a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Both of these tools are great for creating flavorful dishes that are sure to impress.
Another great alternative is a roasting pan with a rack, which can also be used in an oven and provide even heat distribution.
Temperature for doneness and safety
Knowing the correct temperature for doneness and safety when it comes to cooking meat is important. When meat is cooked, the temperature will rise and the internal color will change.
Steaks, roasts, and chops of pork, lamb and veal should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F with a three-minute rest time, while poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Prime rib seasoning
The combination of spices and herbs you choose can make a huge difference in the taste of your prime rib. Many just choose to go basic with just salt and pepper.
For a classic flavor, start with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt.
You can also add oregano, thyme, paprika, and cumin for an extra layer of flavor. If you want to mix up the flavor even more, consider adding a pinch of crushed rosemary or mustard powder.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to prime rib seasoning! Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend.
Whatever you choose, the key is to season your roast generously to bring out all the deliciousness of your prime rib.
What is the difference between Prime and Choice?
When it comes to shopping for beef, it’s important to understand the difference between Prime and Choice grade.
Prime grade is the highest grade of beef available and is produced from young, well-fed animals. It has a generous marbling of fat that gives it a high degree of tenderness, flavor, and juiciness.
Choice grade is slightly lower in quality than Prime grade and usually has less marbling. It has good flavor, tenderness, and juiciness.
How long to cook prime rib?
Cooking a prime rib can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right instructions, you can produce a juicy and flavorful roast. The key is to invest in quality meat and to properly follow the instructions.
To cook a prime rib, start by preheating your oven to 500°F (260°C). Take the roast out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Once you’ve seasoned the prime rib, place the roast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and place it in the preheated oven.
At 500°F (260°C), cook for about 15 minutes for browning the roast.
When lowered to 325F, it usually takes 10-12 minutes per pound for rare and 13-15 minutes per pound for medium.
When done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast. Medium-rare should be around 115F, while medium should be around 130F. Let the prime rib rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
How to carve prime rib?
Carving prime rib is an art, but don’t let that intimidate you! Follow these steps and you’ll be carving beautiful roasts in no time. Start by prepping your materials. You’ll need a sharp carving knife, a meat fork, a cutting board and a warm roasted prime rib.
Use the meat fork to steady the roast while you make your slices. For a perfect presentation, try to keep each slice as even as possible about 1 inch thick. If there are any bones, remove them and set aside.
Begin slicing individual portions of prime rib. Make sure your knife is slicing against the grain for maximum tenderness.
When you’ve finished cutting the roast, arrange the slices on your cutting board and serve. With these simple instructions, you can now impress family and friends with your perfect prime rib!
What to serve with prime rib?
When it comes to preparing the perfect prime rib meal, the sides you serve can make or break the night. Prime rib has a robust flavor and requires sides that can balance out its richness.
To make sure your meal is a hit, try these sides to accompany your prime rib:
- Roasted potatoes are an especially great pairing as the potatoes soak up the flavor of the prime rib while they roast.
- Steamed vegetables are a classic and healthy option that will provide color to your plate.
- Creamed spinach brings a creamy texture that pairs nicely with the juiciness of the prime rib.
- For something a little more indulgent, try crispy onion rings or garlic mashed potatoes.
- Green beans almondine and warm yeast rolls are both perfect for adding some crunch to your plate.
No matter what side dishes you choose, you’ll be sure to have a delicious meal when you serve prime rib.
OTHER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
Dutch Oven Prime Rib
Deliciously tender prime rib recipe using a dutch oven. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow, fail-proof recipe!
Ingredients
- 8-10 lbs Prime Rib
- 1 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Sea Salt
- 1/4 cup Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
Before cooking the prime rib roast, it's important to allow it to come up to room temperature for about 3 hours. Once the roast has been allowed to rest, dry it with some paper towels as needed.
Preheat your oven to 500F, and in a mixing bowl cream together room temperature butter. Slather the entire roast, including the bottom, with this buttery mixture and then dust all sides of the roast generously with salt and pepper.
Put the prime rib into a Dutch oven and placed it in the oven that was preheated to 500F. I let it cook for 15 minutes to brown the roast before lowering the heat to 325F. I cooked the roast for 10-12 minutes per pound for medium rare, or 13-15 minutes per pound for medium.
Turn off the oven and do not open the door for 1 hour. Once ready, carefully remove the prime rib from the oven and place onto a cutting board or carving station.
Next, remove the twine from around the ribs and then slice them into 1/2 inch thick slices. Finally, serve and enjoy!