2020 has been a difficult year for most Americans, so if you’re looking to indulge during your quiet holiday celebrations, this might be the year to splurge on prime rib. Nothing says “special occasion” like a pristine prime rib roast. Before you head to your local grocery store for meat bundles in Alexandria, IN, read on. We can help you prepare, cook and serve this delicious cut of beef—and if you’re only cooking for a few people this year, it’s the perfect time to give it a try.

What is prime rib?

Bone-in prime rib is also known as a “standing rib roast,” and both boneless and bone-in prime rib come in both “prime” and “choice” grades. It’s always important to talk to your butcher about what kind of roast you’re getting, as well as any tips and tricks they might have for cooking this particular cut of meat. Prime rib, as the name suggests, is cut directly from the primal rib. It’s usually roasted “standing” on those rib bones so the meat doesn’t actually touch the roasting pan.

Prime rib includes the “eye” of the rib (where your ribeye steaks come from) as well as the outer cap, which is full of fat-marbled muscle.

How to prepare prime rib

Often, the butcher at your local grocery store in Alexandria, IN will be more than happy to tie off your prime rib roast for you. If your butcher doesn’t do that for you, you can do it yourself: you cut away the bones, then reattach them with string at one-inch intervals. This allows you to enjoy the flavor of the bones (and their natural roasting-rack structure) without having to struggle when it’s time to carve the roast.

Next, it’s time to prepare the rub. Before cooking, let your prime rib roast come to room temperature. Sprinkle it with salt and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Depending on the size, this process can take as long as three hours. While it rests, prepare the rub using one of our favorite recipes: combine “6 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1/2 Tbsp salt, 1/2 Tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves, 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves and 3 Tbsp olive oil” together in a bowl.

How to cook prime rib (boneless and bone-in)

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and pat your prime rib dry with a paper towel. Rub it all over with the dry rub above.

If you’re using boneless prime rib, the cooking times and temperature are a bit less than a bone-in rub. Follow these instructions to cook a perfect roast—with the garlic herb rub described above, of course.

If you’re using bone-in prime rib, cook 13 to 14 minutes per pound for medium rare, and let it rest for about half an hour before carving. Keep it warm by loosely tenting foil over the meat as it rests.

For premium cuts of beef, including meat bundles in Alexandria, IN, visit Horner’s Midtown Market today.