Michael Symon Prime Rib Recipe

The Perfect Michael Symon Prime Rib Recipe for Sunday Dinner

Michael Symon’s prime rib transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Massive cuts of succulent beef demand respect and careful preparation.

Professional chefs understand the delicate balance between seasoning and technique.

Bold flavors emerge from simple, high-quality ingredients carefully selected and expertly combined.

Seasoned home cooks recognize the importance of temperature control and precise timing.

Fat marbling promises incredible richness and mouth-watering texture throughout each slice.

Weekend gatherings become memorable feasts with this restaurant-quality centerpiece: prepare to impress.

Why Michael Symon’s Prime Rib Impresses Every Time

Why Michael Symon’s Prime Rib Impresses Every Time
  • Unlock Mouthwatering Flavor Explosion: Michael Symon's prime rib recipe delivers an incredible taste experience with a perfectly balanced herb blend that penetrates every inch of the meat, creating a symphony of rosemary, thyme, and garlic that transforms an ordinary roast into a culinary masterpiece.
  • Master Foolproof Cooking Technique: The precise temperature method ensures restaurant-quality results at home, allowing even novice cooks to achieve a perfectly cooked prime rib with minimal stress, thanks to clear instructions on oven temperatures, resting times, and meat doneness.
  • Elevate Your Dining Experience: This recipe turns an impressive cut of meat into a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for special occasions like holiday gatherings, Sunday family dinners, or elegant dinner parties, making you feel like a professional chef with minimal effort.
  • Texture Perfection Guaranteed: By following the careful resting and slicing techniques, you'll create a prime rib with an incredibly tender, juicy interior and a beautifully seasoned, slightly crisp exterior that melts in your mouth with each succulent bite.

What You’ll Need for Prime Rib

Meat:
  • Prime Rib: High-quality beef cut with excellent marbling for rich flavor and tender texture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the meat's natural taste.
  • Rosemary, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that provide earthy and fragrant undertones to the roast.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and classic savory notes to the seasoning mix.
Cooking Auxiliaries:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and promotes even herb adherence to the meat.
  • Aluminum Foil: Used for tenting the meat during resting to maintain temperature and moisture.
  • Horseradish: Optional condiment that provides a sharp, zesty complement to the rich prime rib.

Step-by-Step for Symon’s Prime Rib

Step-by-Step for Symon’s Prime Rib

Step 1: Prepare Prime Rib Temperature

Let the prime rib sit at room temperature for 1 hour to ensure even cooking throughout the meat.

Step 2: Position Oven Rack

Adjust the oven rack to the center position and preheat to 500 degrees F for perfect roasting conditions.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Seasoning

Combine the seasoning ingredients:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Fresh thyme
  • Minced garlic
  • Olive oil

Step 4: Season the Roast

Pat the prime rib completely dry with paper towels, then massage the seasoning mixture thoroughly over all surfaces of the meat.

Step 5: Master the Roasting Technique

Start roasting at 500 degrees F for 15 minutes to create a delicious golden crust, then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F for continued cooking.

Step 6: Check Meat Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to track doneness precisely:
  • Rare: 120°F
  • Medium-rare: 130°F
  • Medium: 140°F
  • Medium-well: 150°F

Step 7: Remove at Perfect Moment

Take the prime rib out of the oven 5-10 degrees before reaching the target temperature, as the meat continues cooking during resting.

Step 8: Let the Meat Rest

Cover the roast loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 30 minutes to preserve juices and maximize tenderness.

Step 9: Slice with Precision

Carve the prime rib against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices for maximum eating enjoyment.

Step 10: Add Final Touch

Serve with a side of zesty horseradish to complement the rich, flavorful meat.

Tips for Juicy, Tender Prime Rib

  • Unlock Flavor Depth: Let spices mingle with meat by applying rub hours before cooking, creating a robust taste profile that penetrates every fiber.
  • Sear for Sealing Success: Use high heat to quickly brown the exterior, locking in natural juices and creating a delectable caramelized crust that adds incredible texture.
  • Thermometer Precision: Choose an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness, avoiding guesswork and ensuring a mouthwatering prime rib every single time.
  • Slice Against the Grain: Cut perpendicular to muscle fibers for maximum tenderness, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth soft and incredibly easy to chew.
  • Fat Cap Protection: Leave a layer of fat on top during roasting to self-baste the meat, adding moisture and creating a rich, succulent final result that impresses dinner guests.

How to Store Prime Rib Like a Chef

  • Vacuum Sealing: Lock in moisture and flavor by using a vacuum sealer for leftover prime rib. Wrap meat tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve its tender texture. This method extends storage life and maintains the meat's original quality for future enjoyment.
  • Refrigerator Layering: Place sliced prime rib in a shallow container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour a thin layer of beef broth over the meat to prevent drying out. Stack slices carefully, adding a splash of broth between layers to keep the meat succulent and prevent sticking.
  • Freezer Preparation: Wrap individual portions of prime rib in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe zipper bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to minimize ice crystals and flavor loss. Label the bag with the date and cut type for easy meal planning and tracking.

Flavor Variations to Elevate Prime Rib

  • Herb Garden Fusion: Replace traditional rosemary and thyme with fresh basil, oregano, and parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired seasoning blend that brings vibrant green notes to the prime rib.
  • Smoky Southwest Approach: Mix in chipotle powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin with the original seasoning to create a spicy southwestern flavor profile that adds depth and warmth to the meat.
  • Asian-Inspired Marinade: Swap olive oil with sesame oil and incorporate ginger, five-spice powder, and a touch of soy sauce to transform the prime rib into an umami-rich experience with complex Asian undertones.
  • Cajun Pepper Celebration: Blend Cajun seasoning with the original salt and pepper mix, adding cayenne and dried oregano to deliver a bold, spicy kick that elevates the prime rib's traditional flavor profile.

An Impressive Close to Symon’s Prime Rib

Prime rib magic emerges from Michael Symon’s masterful technique, transforming ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary journey.

Salt, herbs, and precise temperature control unlock succulent meat perfection with professional chef finesse.

Careful preparation ensures each slice melts like buttery silk across eager palates.

Professional chefs understand meat’s delicate science, respecting temperature nuances that guarantee exceptional results.

Kitchen prowess shines through calculated steps and passionate attention to detail.

You’ll discover restaurant-quality dining right at home, impressing guests with seemingly effortless elegance.

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Michael Symon Prime Rib Recipe

Michael Symon Prime Rib Recipe


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4.5 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Michael Symon’s prime rib celebrates robust beef flavors with a perfect herb-seasoned crust. Slow-roasted to succulent perfection, this masterpiece promises a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor with every tender, richly seasoned slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 5 pounds (2.27 kilograms) beef prime rib*

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • Sea salt

Cooking Components:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
  • Horseradish, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the prime rib from refrigeration and allow it to reach ambient temperature for approximately 60 minutes, ensuring uniform heat distribution during cooking.
  2. Position the oven rack precisely in the center and preheat to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) for optimal roasting conditions.
  3. Create a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, finely chopped rosemary, crushed thyme leaves, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
  4. Meticulously pat the roast dry using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, then massage the aromatic herb mixture comprehensively across all meat surfaces.
  5. Initiate roasting at high temperature (500 degrees Fahrenheit/260 degrees Celsius) for 15 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
  6. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches desired doneness.
  7. Monitor meat temperature precisely: rare (120°F/49°C), medium-rare (130°F/54°C), medium (140°F/60°C), and medium-well (150°F/66°C).
  8. Extract roast from oven 5-10 degrees below target temperature, acknowledging residual heat will continue cooking the meat.
  9. Loosely tent prime rib with aluminum foil and rest for 30 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
  10. Carve against the muscle grain, creating elegant ½-inch (1.27 centimeters) thick slices for enhanced texture and presentation.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality, well-marbled prime rib from a trusted butcher for the most succulent and flavorful roast.
  • Trimming Wisdom: Carefully trim excess fat, leaving a thin layer to enhance moisture and rich beefy taste during roasting.
  • Salt Science: Generously season with kosher salt at least an hour before cooking, allowing the meat to absorb flavors deeply and naturally.
  • Temperature Transformation: Let the roast sit at room temperature for about an hour, promoting even cooking and optimal heat distribution.
  • Herb Heaven: Create a robust herb rub using fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic to elevate the meat’s natural richness and aroma.
  • Drying Technique: Thoroughly pat the surface with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect crispy exterior.
  • Seasoning Strategy: Press herbs and spices firmly into the meat, creating a flavorful crust that seals in delicious juices.
  • Resting Ritual: Cover the cooked roast loosely with foil and let it rest for 20-30 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and meat to reach peak tenderness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 561
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 54 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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