Garlic Butter Prime Rib
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a perfectly cooked prime rib filling the house, and that’s exactly what you’ll experience when making Garlic Butter Prime Rib. I remember the first time I attempted this dish; it was a chilly winter evening, and I wanted to impress my family. This was not just any meal; it was a celebration, and I knew that a juicy, tender prime rib would steal the show. As I prepped the ingredients, the anticipation grew. The thought of the rich, savory flavors mingling with the buttery garlic made my mouth water. I was excited to gather around the table with loved ones, sharing laughs, stories, and the delightful experience of a home-cooked feast. This recipe is a labor of love, and that first slice of prime rib, perfectly pink and succulent, was worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Recipe Snapshot
3 hr 10 mins
10 mins
180 mins
Hard
600 kcal
50 g
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
45 g
Frying Pan, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet
What We Adore About This Garlic Butter Prime Rib
Why do I absolutely adore Garlic Butter Prime Rib? Well, let me share a few reasons that make this dish so special:
Rich, Savory Flavor
One bite, and you’ll understand why prime rib is a classic choice for special occasions. The combination of tender meat with a garlic butter rub creates a flavor explosion that’s truly unforgettable.
Impressive Presentation
When it comes to entertaining, nothing says sophistication quite like serving a beautifully roasted prime rib. The sight of it, glistening and perfectly cooked, garners gasps of admiration from your guests.
Perfect for Gatherings
Whether it’s a holiday or a casual family dinner, Garlic Butter Prime Rib is versatile. It’s hearty enough to please a crowd while still allowing for intimate gatherings.
Easy to Make
Don’t let its impressive nature fool you—this dish is easier to make than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to master it in no time!
Leftover Magic
If you happen to have leftovers, they can be transformed into delicious sandwiches or served with eggs for breakfast. The possibilities are endless!
What to Gather for Garlic Butter Prime Rib

The ingredients for Garlic Butter Prime Rib are simple, yet together, they create magic. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the dish’s full-bodied flavor. The star, of course, is the prime rib, which brings tenderness and richness, while the garlic and butter infuse it with delightful depth. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add an aromatic touch that elevates the entire experience.
- 15-pound Bone-In Prime Rib Roast – This impressive cut of meat is well-marbled, ensuring juicy results. It’s the centerpiece of your meal.
- 1 cup unsalted butter – The base for your garlic butter rub, it adds richness and helps create a beautiful crust during roasting.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with a robust flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds an extra punch of garlic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the roast.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For seasoning, it adds slight heat and depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped – This herb brings a fragrant aroma and earthy flavor, perfectly matched with beef.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped – Thyme is another herb that enhances the dish, adding a hint of sweetness that balances the richness of the meat.
- 1 tablespoon sea salt – Essential for seasoning the meat, it helps to enhance all the flavors.
Step by Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Prime Rib

Cooking Garlic Butter Prime Rib is a delightful experience, filled with anticipation and the promise of deliciousness. Follow these steps, and you’ll create a mouthwatering masterpiece!
Start by preheating your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is crucial for creating that perfect crust.
Next, take your 15-pound bone-in prime rib roast and use paper towels to pat off any excess moisture. Transferring it to a large roasting pan or baking dish ensures it has space to cook evenly.
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup unsalted butter, 5 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined, creating that delicious garlic butter mixture.
Rub this garlic butter mixture generously over the entire surface of the prime rib. Make sure to cover all sides, ensuring every bite will be flavorful.
Now, stand your prime rib upright with the fat cap facing up. This positioning is crucial for the cooking process.
Roast in the preheated oven at 500 degrees for 5 minutes per pound. For a 5-pound prime rib, this means about 25 minutes of roasting time to achieve that stunning crust.
After roasting, you can open the oven door momentarily to let out some heat and then lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees F. This step is vital for slow-cooking the prime rib to perfection.
Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness: 120 to 125 degrees F for rare, 130 to 135 degrees F for medium-rare, or 138 to 140 degrees F for medium. For medium-rare, this should take just under two hours for a 5-pound roast.
To check the temperature accurately, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding the bone. Wait until the numbers stabilize for a precise reading.
Once your roast reaches the desired temperature, pull it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
As the prime rib rests, consider preparing an au jus or gravy from the drippings in the bottom of the roasting pan. This will elevate your meal even further.
Transfer the rested prime rib to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into steaks. If you have a bone-in rib roast, slice off the ribs prior to cutting it into steaks for easier serving.
Finally, serve your Garlic Butter Prime Rib with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Things Worth Knowing
- The Importance of Resting: Always let your prime rib rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast.
- Meat Thermometer: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your prime rib is cooked to the perfect doneness. Invest in a good one if you plan to roast meats often.
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in prime rib tends to be more flavorful than boneless. The bones impart flavor during cooking and help keep the meat moist.
- Utilizing Drippings: Don’t forget those flavorful drippings left in the pan! They can be the base for a delicious gravy or au jus, enhancing your meal.
How to Switch It Up

If you’re looking to add your personal touch to Garlic Butter Prime Rib, here are some great ideas to consider!
- Spice It Up: Consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for an added kick.
- Herb Variations: Mix and match fresh herbs! Try adding sage or oregano to your garlic butter rub for a different flavor profile.
- Resting Alternatives: Experiment with resting your prime rib on a bed of fresh herbs or vegetables to infuse additional flavors into the meat.
- Flavorful Marinade: For a different taste, try marinating your prime rib in a herb and garlic blend overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your prime rib with a horseradish sauce or chimichurri for a zesty contrast.
- Side Dishes: Complement your prime rib with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Prime Rib
- Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a traditional side that pairs perfectly with prime rib, soaking up all that rich, flavorful juice.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies not only add color to your plate but also provide a healthy balance to the dish.
- Yorkshire Pudding: A traditional British accompaniment, Yorkshire pudding is a fluffy addition that complements the richness of the prime rib.
- Side Salad: A light green salad can add a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the prime rib, balancing your meal beautifully.
- Gravy or Au Jus: Serve with a side of homemade gravy or au jus made from the drippings for an extra layer of flavor.
- Wine Pairing: While I won’t suggest specific drinks, a nice, non-alcoholic beverage can really enhance the dining experience.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Garlic Butter Prime Rib is a remarkable dish that will impress anyone at your dining table. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy family meal. I encourage you to try making this dish—it’s a rewarding experience that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy cooking and savoring every bite of this delicious roast!

Garlic Butter Prime Rib
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 15 pounds Bone-In Prime Rib Roast
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is crucial for creating that perfect crust.
- Step 2: Next, take your 15-pound bone-in prime rib roast and use paper towels to pat off any excess moisture. Transferring it to a large roasting pan or baking dish ensures it has space to cook evenly.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup unsalted butter, 5 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined, creating that delicious garlic butter mixture.
- Step 4: Rub this garlic butter mixture generously over the entire surface of the prime rib. Make sure to cover all sides, ensuring every bite will be flavorful.
- Step 5: Now, stand your prime rib upright with the fat cap facing up. This positioning is crucial for the cooking process.
- Step 6: Roast in the preheated oven at 500 degrees for 5 minutes per pound. For a 5-pound prime rib, this means about 25 minutes of roasting time to achieve that stunning crust.
- Step 7: After roasting, you can open the oven door momentarily to let out some heat and then lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees F. This step is vital for slow-cooking the prime rib to perfection.
- Step 8: Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness: 120 to 125 degrees F for rare, 130 to 135 degrees F for medium-rare, or 138 to 140 degrees F for medium. For medium-rare, this should take just under two hours for a 5-pound roast.
- Step 9: To check the temperature accurately, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding the bone. Wait until the numbers stabilize for a precise reading.
- Step 10: Once your roast reaches the desired temperature, pull it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Step 11: As the prime rib rests, consider preparing an au jus or gravy from the drippings in the bottom of the roasting pan. This will elevate your meal even further.
- Step 12: Transfer the rested prime rib to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into steaks. If you have a bone-in rib roast, slice off the ribs prior to cutting it into steaks for easier serving.
- Step 13: Finally, serve your Garlic Butter Prime Rib with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Notes
- Quality Butter: I like using a quality grass-fed butter or European-style butter for the best tasting result.
- Herb Options: Use any fresh herbs you like. You can also use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs such as Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence.
- Dry Brining: If you dry brine the prime rib roast before rubbing it with butter, there will be no need to add salt to the garlic herb butter mixture, unless you love salt.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Meat Thermometer: The best way of nailing your target temperature for perfect prime rib is to use a meat thermometer.


