A standard standing rib roast is essentially several unsliced bone-in rib eye steaks, standing on end alongside one another in an impressive formation worthy of the most special of occasions. And the taste? Trust us, there are far worse things to tuck into for dinner, whether Sunday supper or a Christmas feast. Here’s how to cook it.–Renee Schettler Rossi

Is there a difference between standing rib roast and prime rib?

Not really. They’re the same luxuriously indulgent cut of meat, which is also, confusingly, sometimes labeled “prime rib roast” or “rib roast.” It’s the same cut of beef that, when sliced into steaks, is known as rib eye, whether it’s left on the bone or boneless.

A standing rib roast on a cutting board with caramelized onions

Standing Rib Roast

5 / 3 votes
This standing rib roast is worthy of a special occasion, whether Christmas or Sunday dinner. And it’s so simple it’s practically foolproof. Here’s how to cook it.
David Leite
CourseMains
CuisineAmerican
Servings4 servings
Calories1256 kcal
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 standing rib roast with 4 bones (at least 3 1/2 lbs [1.6 kg] and quite possibly more), frenched, if desired
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 1/2 tablespoons (2 1/4 oz) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 12 small fresh pearl onions, peeled
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • Handful flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped

Instructions 

  • Remove the standing rib roast from the refrigerator and place it on a wire rack set on a plate. In a small bowl, combine the salt and pepper and rub it all over the beef. Let rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 300°F (148°C).
  • In a large, ovenproof skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat, heat half the butter and half the oil until almost but not quite smoking. Add the beef, top-side down, and sear, without moving, for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Carefully turn it over and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the meat from the pan and carefully pour off the hot fat that’s in the pan.
  • Carefully add the remaining butter and oil to the pan and return it to medium-high heat, tilting the pan and swirling the butter so it sizzles. Add the onions and garlic and toss to coat in the butter.
  • Nudge the onions and garlic to the side of the pan and place the standing rib roast in the center, top-side up. Place the pan in the oven and roast, stirring the onions from time to time, until the roast reaches the desired doneness, about 1 hour for medium-rare, or 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
  • Move the standing rib roast to a cutting board, set it in a warm place, and let it rest, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, if desired, spoon any excess fat from the surface of the pan juices and discard. Add the parsley to the onions in the pan and stir to coat with the juices. Return the pan to the turned-off oven to keep the juices warm while the roast rests. Tip any juices from the cutting board into the pan with the onions and stir to combine.
  • Carve the roast between the ribs to yield 4 portions of meat with a bone in each. Spoon the onions and juices over the meat or pass them on the side.

Video

Grillhouse Gastropub at Home

Adapted From

Grillhouse: Gastropub at Home

Buy On Amazon

Nutrition

Serving: 1 portionCalories: 1256 kcalCarbohydrates: 10 gProtein: 48 gFat: 113 gSaturated Fat: 49 gMonounsaturated Fat: 49 gTrans Fat: 1 gCholesterol: 247 mgSodium: 1902 mgFiber: 2 gSugar: 4 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @leitesculinaria or tag #leitesculinaria!
Recipe © 2011 Ross Dobson. Photo © 2011 Brett Stevens. All rights reserved.

Recipe Testers’ Reviews

This standing rib roast recipe knocked our socks off. It’s so simple and yet prepares a perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned piece of meat. I added small potatoes to the pan with the onions and they came out perfectly cooked. Are you sensing a theme here? This recipe is perfection!

Let me start by saying that I was unable to find a standing rib roast so I got 3 nice-size bone-in rib eyes. I followed the recipe to a T, apart from a slightly shorter time in the oven. The final product was outstanding. Simple in taste and the beef was cooked to perfection.

It’s very easy to make and will definitely wow your family and/or guests. I can see this being the perfect meal for a special occasion such as Thanksgiving (if you’re not into turkey) or Christmas.




About David Leite

I count myself lucky to have received three James Beard Awards for my writing as well as for Leite’s Culinaria. My work has also appeared in The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Saveur, Bon Appétit, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Yankee, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, and more.


Hungry For More?

5 Exceptional Lemon Curd Desserts

Whether you’re craving a rich and creamy citrus dessert, or simply need to use up a bottle of lemon curd, there’s a recipe for you.

Apple and Celery Salad

A simple and elegant salad that brightens up whatever you serve it alongside. Crisp, tangy, and refreshing, it’s a perfect accompaniment.

15 mins

Rosemary Chicken

This one-pot meal of roasted chicken thighs with leeks, rosemary, and cannellini beans in a creamy sauce just snatched a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation. Try it and find out why.

1 hr 30 mins


Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




27 Comments

  1. Made this today for our Christmas dinner. Had to improvise because ours turned out being 7 pounds and no French trimming was done but, after cooking it an extra hour we let it rest for half an hour and it was delicious.

    1. Wonderful, Jennifer! We’re delighted that this turned out deliciously and everyone enjoyed it. Please let us know what you make next.