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A juicy slice of Easy Prime Rib served with mashed potatoes and asparagus on a white plate.

Easy Prime Rib for Busy Hosts — Minimal Prep, Big Flavor

This recipe makes a flavorful prime rib with minimal preparation, perfect for busy hosts who want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

For the Prime Rib
  • 6 cups Kosher salt divided
  • 1 bone-in beef rib roast 6 to 8 pounds
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Cracked black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
For Serving (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 Prepared horseradish sauce optional
  • 1 Au jus optional

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a shallow roasting pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Spread 3 cups of the kosher salt evenly on the foil to create a 1/2-inch layer.
  2. Brush the prime rib roast all over with Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle it evenly with cracked black pepper and garlic powder.
  3. Place the seasoned roast on top of the salt layer in the pan, ensuring the fat side is facing up.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the water with the remaining 3 cups of kosher salt until it forms a paste. Spread this salt paste over the entire roast, covering it completely. This creates a crust.
  5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes at 450°F (230°C).
  6. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for about 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast (not touching bone) registers 120-125°F (49-52°C) for rare, or 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
  7. Carefully remove the roast from the oven. Let it rest, still covered in the salt crust, for 15 minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial for juicy meat.
  8. To serve, crack the salt crust with a mallet or the back of a heavy spoon and carefully remove the pieces. Brush off any excess salt from the meat. Slice and serve with optional prepared horseradish sauce and au jus.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 37gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 900mgSugar: 1g

Notes

This recipe is designed for busy hosts. The salt crust not only seasons the meat but also helps it cook evenly and retain moisture. The minimal prep allows you to spend more time with your guests.

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