Prime Rib is the ultimate indulgence when it comes to a Holiday feast. Known for its tenderness, marbling, and rich flavor, it has become a holiday favorite around the world. Its popularity surged during the Industrial Revolution, when improvements in butchering allowed families in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and the United States to enjoy high-quality beef dinners. Since then, it's become a traditional and highly anticipated dish, especially for festive meals like Christmas dinner.
At Whitefeather Meats, it's a holiday tradition for The Bearded Butchers to cut themselves a nice beef prime rib section for Christmas, but, more often than not, they end up selling it last minute when a customer needs one in the shop. Prime rib has earned its reputation as one of the best cuts of beef, and it's easy to see why!
What is Prime Rib?
Many people often confuse the name "Prime Rib" with the quality grade of the meat, but in reality, the term "prime" refers to the primal rib section of the cow, not the grade of the meat. It’s one of the few cuts in which the name “prime” refers to the cut itself, not the quality. However, it's important to note that Prime Rib can be found in various grades, such as Choice or Select, not necessarily "Prime" grade. This cut can also be called a "Standing Rib Roast" or "Prime Roast." Regardless of the name, Prime Rib is undeniably the best beef you'll ever have!
The Prime Rib Section
Prime Rib comes from the upper portion of the cow, between the fifth and sixth ribs on the chuck (near the shoulder) and the twelfth and thirteenth ribs closer to the hindquarter. When purchasing a whole prime rib section, it typically has seven bones. However, you can also buy a smaller portion, such as a 3-bone, 4-bone, or 5-bone roast, depending on your needs.
When you order your prime rib, you’ll also have a few options regarding preparation. You can request that the bone remain on (which is ideal for presentation), or you can have the bones removed and tied back on for easier carving. Another option is a completely boneless ribeye roast, for those who prefer a smooth, easier-to-slice roast.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Prime Rib
Want to watch an expert butcher break down and prepare a beef prime rib roast? The Bearded Butchers have a fantastic YouTube video titled “The Best Way to Cook Prime Rib,” where Seth Perkins takes you through the entire process.
- Cutting the Prime Rib: Seth starts by cutting the prime rib section using a Butcher Boy Bandsaw. He leaves a 2" chunk of bone for a beautiful presentation.
- Trimming the Roast: Next, Seth uses a meat hook to remove the membrane off the rib section. This speeds up the process, making it more efficient. After that, he removes the feather bones with a Victorinox 6" Boning Knife. Once the bones are cleaned up, he removes the fat cap and the yellow chord, also known as the paddywack. The paddywack is an elastic ligament in the neck of cattle that helps support the weight of the head.
- Presentation and Cutting: Seth then removes any trimmings between the bones to give the roast a clean, "Tomahawk" look. For the video, he cuts the roast into a four-bone section, keeping the larger end near the chuck. This section has more fat and marbling, which results in a richer flavor. After cutting, Seth ties the bones back onto the roast using butcher string, so the roast can easily be carved once it's finished cooking.
How to Cook the Perfect Beef Prime Rib
Now that your beef prime rib is prepared, it's time to cook it to perfection. The Bearded Butchers use a Big Green Egg charcoal grill, which adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Here's how to cook the perfect prime rib:
- Lighting the Grill: Start by lighting your Big Green Egg with some hickory wood chunks for flavor. Once the fire begins to spread, adjust the temperature to 225-250°F (107-121°C).
- Seasoning the Prime Rib: The Bearded Butchers use their own seasoning blends to ensure the roast is full of flavor. First, they generously coat the meat with the Bearded Butcher Butter Blend Seasoning, which gives a rich, buttery flavor. Then, they finish it off with the Bearded Butcher Black Blend Seasoning. This blend contains coffee and molasses, which creates an excellent, rich bark on the roast. You can also substitute the Butter Blend for the Bearded Butcher Bold Blend, which is delicious used on red meat.
- Cooking the Prime Rib: Once the grill temperature is stable between 225-250°F, place the prime rib roast in the center of the grate. For accurate temperature monitoring, The Bearded Butchers use the MEATER Meat Probe thermometer, which tracks both the core temperature of the meat and the temperature of the grill. It connects to your phone and sends real-time updates. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the prime rib. For best results, check the internal temperature regularly with an instant-read digital thermometer. When the roast reaches around 110°F (43°C), remove it from the grill to rest, covering it with foil.
- Finishing with a Sear: Now, heat up the grill to around 500°F (260°C) for a high-heat sear. Remove the thermometer and place the prime rib back on the grill. Rotate the roast to sear all sides, using heat-resistant gloves to handle the hot grill. This step ensures a deliciously crispy exterior.
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Resting and Serving: Once the roast reaches about 125°F (52°C) for a medium-rare finish, remove it from the grill. Tent it with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
After resting, remove the butcher strings, and the rib portion will easily come off. Use a Victorinox 10” Breaking Knife to slice the prime rib to your desired thickness.
Enjoy!
Now you’re ready to carve and enjoy the juiciest, most tender beef prime rib you’ve ever had! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a festive holiday dinner, this method guarantees a mouth-watering roast every time.
For more detailed steps and tips, be sure to check out The Bearded Butchers YouTube video and enjoy the delicious holiday meal of your dreams!
