Skip to content
LumaxisLumaxis
All recipes

American·Main Course

Low-and-Slow Prime Rib

A foolproof technique for cooking prime rib using a constant low temperature of 300°F, resulting in a perfectly uniform rosy-pink interior from edge to edge without the stress of high-heat searing.

Prep

15m

Cook

120m

Total

155m

Serves

6

Method

  1. 01

    Place the prime rib on a plate and salt generously on all surfaces. For best results, place the roast on a rack (or crumpled aluminum foil) and refrigerate uncovered for 24 to 48 hours to dry out the surface and concentrate the flavor.

    Step 1
    Watch · 1:25
  2. 02

    Remove the roast from the refrigerator several hours before cooking and let it sit on the counter to warm up toward room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.

    Step 2
    Watch · 2:18
  3. 03

    In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Smear the seasoned butter mixture all over the surface of the roast. If the butter is too cold and clumping, microwave it for a few seconds until it is easily spreadable.

    Step 3
    Watch · 2:35
  4. 04

    Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the roast in a roasting pan with a rack. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the pan to maintain humidity and roast until the internal temperature reaches 115-120°F for a medium-rare finish.

    Step 4
    Watch · 3:50
  5. 05

    Remove the roast from the oven once it reaches your target internal temperature. Transfer to a cutting board, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. The temperature will rise 5-10 degrees during this time.

    Step 5
    Watch · 4:12
  6. 06

    While the meat rests, place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add a splash of water, beef broth, or wine and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Slice the roast and serve with the pan juices or your favorite gravy.

    Step 6
    Watch · 5:04

From Chef John

  • “You are after all the chief of what's in the butter you smear on your beef.”
  • “According to recent made-up studies, 25 percent of people will forget to do that, and that number jumps up to 87 percent if they've been drinking.”
  • “Lost art is the worst art.”