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: How to cook a prime rib?


skiiipi
10-12-2011, 11:20 PM
Hey guys,

I'm hosting a small dinner party for some friends on this coming Saturday and am planning on serving prime rib.

I'm debating between two cooking method right now, and was hoping that one of the expert chefs on RS can give some advice.

The prime rib that I reserved at my local butcher shop (Seafair Gourmet Meat) is a 6lb bone in prime rib.

The two method i'm debating between is a method known as "Method-X" or the "traditional Method".

Method-X
Is basically a method where you leave the prime rib out until it reachs room temperature (~6hours), and season it with seasoning of your choice, then pre heat your oven to 500 degrees, and cook the prime rib for (weight in lbs multiply by 5) min, then turn off the oven, and let the residual heat cook the meat for 2 hours (without opening the oven door), and this "should" yeild a perfectly cooked medium rare prime rib.

Pros to this method is obviously how "easy" it is, but i'm not sure how many revscener has tried this method and if it works or not. There does seem to be many "positive" testimony with this method.

The traditional method:
Sear the meat in the oven at 450-500degree for 15min, then cook at 250 degrees until internal temperature reachs 120degrees, and let the meat rest for 20min before carving for a medium rare.

I do have an instant read thermomether so thats not an issue. But it seems like there is more room for error with this method due to sometimes the residual heat can "overcook" the meat.

however the traditional method is what most foodnetwork recipe reccomends so i'm not sure if this way is "better".

any advice is much appreciated!


Thanks in advance!

dyan
10-12-2011, 11:36 PM
Personally I've tried both methods and I think the traditional method would work better. If you're scared of error, check the meat in 5 minute intervals. This method also cooks faster.

With that in mind, Method X requires a lot more attention especially near the end because it all depends on the heat inside the oven. It is much more time consuming because it might not cook to how you would like it through residual heat, therefore requiring you to turn on the oven again.

cho
10-12-2011, 11:38 PM
trad way x 10

something about leaving it out for 6 hours till room temp makes me weary

i did a small catering for work, about a 10 pound prime rib, 275F for about 2 hours, took it out when it was sitting at about 120F internal temp, tasty tasty

Vale46Rossi
10-13-2011, 12:56 AM
I personally LOVE method X

I got so used to doing it and it's perfect everytime.

unit
10-13-2011, 09:43 AM
ive never tried method x but i think in terms of consistency, its hard to beat the traditional method since it leaves less guesswork

Great68
10-13-2011, 10:04 AM
Method Y?:

Perfect Prime Rib | Serious Eats : Recipes (http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/12/perfect-prime-rib-beef-recipe.html)

I want to try this with my next prime rib to see how it turns out.

Phil@rise
10-13-2011, 10:07 AM
I just did one half that size seasoned with just salt and pepper and glazed with a butter dark rum reduction on the BBQ it took about 20 minutes cooked to medium on a 600 degree open grill. It was the best chunk of beef I ever ate and my dinner date was more then impressed. Use real butter and do not use a cheapo gross rum tho if you decide you are brave enough to try this method with an expensive cut of awesomeness. I would have preferred rare but not the date so if you want rare then flip it once.

Culverin
10-13-2011, 01:06 PM
Method Y?
I did something similar, but I rushed mine a little. It wasn't perfect, but it was a lot better than what I have had at some restaurants.


When you say prime rib, I'm assuming you didn't actually get prime grade.
What did you end up getting and how much was it (cost/pound)?

tiger_handheld
10-13-2011, 03:15 PM
make sure your smoke alarm works and your balcony door is closed. don't want the cops to show up at 4 am and disrespect you and your friends because of noise :troll:

skiiipi
10-13-2011, 03:35 PM
Method Y?
I did something similar, but I rushed mine a little. It wasn't perfect, but it was a lot better than what I have had at some restaurants.


When you say prime rib, I'm assuming you didn't actually get prime grade.
What did you end up getting and how much was it (cost/pound)?

I specifically ordered "prime grade" prime rib from seafair gourmet meat, so I hope I do get prime grade. I actually didn't inquire about cost, but I'm budgeting around $100 for a roast. So hopefully its not too much more than that.
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unit
10-13-2011, 04:19 PM
i found that prime grade rib roasts are around 20-25/lb

skiiipi
10-13-2011, 04:49 PM
i found that prime grade rib roasts are around 20-25/lb

So that will put the price at around $150 for a 6lb roast....not too bad I guess, hope I don't screw up cooking it.
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scottsman
10-13-2011, 08:02 PM
Taking it out at 120 to rest will over cook if you want Medium Rare.

Cook the method you are comfortable with.

Also a big fan of a good salt, garlic, herb rub.

Culverin
10-13-2011, 08:29 PM
Does anybody here also rub on butter?
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skiiipi
10-13-2011, 08:35 PM
Taking it out at 120 to rest will over cook if you want Medium Rare.

Cook the method you are comfortable with.

Also a big fan of a good salt, garlic, herb rub.

This is my first time cooking a prime rib so I'm not comfortable with neither method.

"Method x" sounds easier, but not sure if my oven will retain enough residual heat.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

bcrdukes
10-13-2011, 08:40 PM
I tried both methods and like yourself, it was my first time cooking it. If you think your oven will not retain enough residual heat, go with the traditional method. I had to do that the 2nd time around and it was so much better. The key is to prevent as much heat loss as possible so don't open up the oven whenever you don't need to.

DaFonz
10-13-2011, 09:32 PM
Method Y?:

Perfect Prime Rib | Serious Eats : Recipes (http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/12/perfect-prime-rib-beef-recipe.html)

I want to try this with my next prime rib to see how it turns out.

To OP, do it this way. It's by far the most forgiving way to do it and imo yields the best results.

http://www.seriouseats.com/images/20091218-rib-roast-perfect.jpg

Both of the methods you listed will result in a cooked gradient that will result in something that looks like this.

http://www.seriouseats.com/images/20091218-rib-roast-gray%20edges%20copy.jpg

Everyone else: Read the article. This way is better.

skiiipi
10-13-2011, 10:03 PM
I tried both methods and like yourself, it was my first time cooking it. If you think your oven will not retain enough residual heat, go with the traditional method. I had to do that the 2nd time around and it was so much better. The key is to prevent as much heat loss as possible so don't open up the oven whenever you don't need to.

I live in a fairly new apartment with a pretty good/new oven, but no idea how well it retains heat.

might give the "serious eats" method a try.

skiiipi
10-13-2011, 10:16 PM
To OP, do it this way. It's by far the most forgiving way to do it and imo yields the best results.

http://www.seriouseats.com/images/20091218-rib-roast-perfect.jpg

Both of the methods you listed will result in a cooked gradient that will result in something that looks like this.

http://www.seriouseats.com/images/20091218-rib-roast-gray%20edges%20copy.jpg

Everyone else: Read the article. This way is better.


Thanks, i am a little worried about this method be cause i read the comments in the bottom of that method and one person said this

Help!
So I have people arriving in 1 hour and I've had my 12 pound roast in my 170 degree (lowest setting) oven for 6 hours. I followed the recipe exactly as it was written. I just checked it, and it is completely rare. Not even an edible rare, I'm talking bloody, fresh from the butcher rare. I am totally devastated. 1. Any ideas on how to remedy this? Should I just switch to 325 and tell the guests they have to wait another 3.5 hours? and 2. Even if I do that, is it safe to eat that meat? Any input would be appreciated!! This was expensive and my first prime rib!


not i do not own an oven thermometer, only a meat (probe style) thermometer.
but like i stated in my post above, I have a relatively new oven, and it should be of a "nicer quality" its a Fridgidare stainless steel one that came with the apartment. so I hope my oven can hold an accurate temperature.

scottsman
10-13-2011, 10:54 PM
Everyone else: Read the article. This way is better.
Everyone has different methods for cooking food. No one way is better as each chef/cook will have a method they think works best.

My issue with method X would be that if the time is incorrect then you are shit out of luck because you have just let your roast sit in an oven for however many hours while the heat gradually drops. If you under cook it then at least you can turn the oven back on to finish it off however it would then defeat the purpose of that method. On the other hand if you keep opening the oven to check if it is done then you will lose heat each time. Dependent no the time and could over cook.

I would stick with traditional method the first time because you will have more room for error.

Does anybody here also rub on butter?

This. i use a wet rub before cooking and when finished will melt cubes of butter over the roast and place it back in the oven at a high temperature. Makes the outside of the roast amazing.

bcrdukes
10-13-2011, 11:04 PM
I live in a fairly new apartment with a pretty good/new oven, but no idea how well it retains heat.

might give the "serious eats" method a try.

For the most part, it should be pretty decent.

The second time I cooked it, it was at a friend's condo with a 2 year old stove/oven. The heat retention was a heck of a lot better than the one I have at home which lost a lot of heat. Mind you, the oven at home is over 20 years old so it's safe to say that in itself contributed to an undesirable result.

Only way to find out is to do it and post pictures! :D

skiiipi
10-13-2011, 11:24 PM
Everyone has different methods for cooking food. No one way is better as each chef/cook will have a method they think works best.

My issue with method X would be that if the time is incorrect then you are shit out of luck because you have just let your roast sit in an oven for however many hours while the heat gradually drops. If you under cook it then at least you can turn the oven back on to finish it off however it would then defeat the purpose of that method. On the other hand if you keep opening the oven to check if it is done then you will lose heat each time. Dependent no the time and could over cook.

I would stick with traditional method the first time because you will have more room for error.



This. i use a wet rub before cooking and when finished will melt cubes of butter over the roast and place it back in the oven at a high temperature. Makes the outside of the roast amazing.

I will definately be using my probe thermometer regardless of the method I use, to monitort he internal meat temp. The traditional method definately seems like the safest, but now that I've been introduced to method "y" (the serious eats method), it seems like that's to best way to ensure that the meat is not over cooked. I seem to think that it is easier to "correct" an undercooked meat rather than an overcooked meat. And it seems like the potential problem with method x or y is undercooking the meat and needing more time to cook it, while the traditional method seems to have a risk of over cooking if the residual heat ends up overcooking the meat during the "resting phase".

Regardless of which method I use, I will take plenty of pics and post back here.

Thanks to all RS'ers for the help, I knew this would be the best place to ask culinary questions!
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Culverin
10-14-2011, 03:17 AM
Don't forget, start from room temp.
You can always give yourself lots of time. More time isn't really going to end up harming the roast. Just the heat a bit lower. I'm really slow in the kitchen and always leave my guests waiting. But a roast is one of those easier things to pull off in a timely manner provided you just started the process early.

bcrdukes
10-15-2011, 12:47 AM
Oh, FYI skiiipi...

I can't cook worth shit. Seriously. But prime rib is hard to fuck up so you'll be fine. :)

skiiipi
10-15-2011, 01:22 PM
Looks like I'm going to have to go the traditional way, I woke up a bit late, and I don't have enough time to let meat come fully to room temperature, right now the roast is at 50 degrees farenheit internal temp. Which is too cold for method x.

Method y seems like it takes a long time with the low temp first then sear after.

So it seems like my "safest bet" is the traditional way.

Dinner is not until 8, so I'll wait 2 more hours to see if roast will come closer to room temp.
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racerman88
10-15-2011, 06:09 PM
let us know how it went

skiiipi
10-15-2011, 10:19 PM
Hey guys,

so the dinner guest all left.
Overall the dinner went well, there is definately room for improvement next time.

I ended up going with the traditional method of 450 for 15min then 250 until internal temp reached 120 before i pulled it out of the oven and let it rest for an hour.

The only problem was by the time I carved the PR, the meat was no longer warm......maybe i let it rest for too long.

Also the roast didnt quite get the crust that I wanted, maybe next time I should sear it at 500 or 550 rather than 450.

I served the PR with some garlic white chedder mash potato with bacon bits and truffle oil, and some bacon wrapped asparagus.

Served the guests some beer steamed mussel with italian sausage and bacon. Used the African beer "Tusker" to steam clams, which actually turned out really well.

Below are some pics, my plating/presentation is a bit lacking.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/typesboi/IMG-20111015-00044.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/typesboi/IMG-20111015-00042.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/typesboi/IMG-20111015-00043.jpg

Thanks again to everyone for all the help and suggestions

bcrdukes
10-15-2011, 10:46 PM
That actually looks pretty good! :)

corollagtSr5
11-01-2011, 03:53 AM
Perfect Prime Rib - Easiest Prime Rib Recipe Ever! - Holiday Prime Rib of Beef - YouTube

video of method x

hamsup
11-01-2011, 07:41 AM
Method X totally works..I've done this about 5 times now...... always turns out perfect...

you do need a newer oven or one that traps in heat really well....

BlackZRoadster
11-01-2011, 08:08 AM
How about the au jus?

how do you make that? just collect the drippings>?

BlackZRoadster
11-01-2011, 08:45 AM
How about the au jus?

how do you make that? just collect the drippings>?

NLY
11-01-2011, 10:08 PM
awesome video!

Going to try it tomorrow!

StealthFighter
11-02-2011, 09:21 AM
I use method Y. Works very well with a probe thermometer.


How about the au jus?

how do you make that? just collect the drippings>?

After resting meat, remove beef from roasting pan. Remove most of the fat(i keep it for cooking other stuff) Put roasting pan over a burner over low heat and deglaze with red wine and water. I use 1 cup of water and 1 cup of red wine.

Slowly scrape the pan with a spatula while the sauce reduces to half. You can cook with some aromatics briefly if you like.

dr.funk
11-02-2011, 11:16 AM
looks good whens the next dinner party?

Santofu
11-02-2011, 11:21 AM
How about the au jus?

how do you make that? just collect the drippings>?

Add the beef broth into the pan with drippings, stir for a bit, and strain it.
Unless you want to make the gravy... Add cornstarch or flour to it. No need to strain it.

cho
06-23-2012, 12:33 PM
trad way x 10

something about leaving it out for 6 hours till room temp makes me weary

i did a small catering for work, about a 10 pound prime rib, 275F for about 2 hours, took it out when it was sitting at about 120F internal temp, tasty tasty

lots of time down the road
i've switched to the sitting on the counter for 6 hours method, perfect EVERY time since i've switched just a note of anyone cares

winson604
06-23-2012, 03:52 PM
Cooking one tomorrow as well and just going to use the usual method I've been doing.

Bake at 350
Pour a little water over it every hour
Once the internal temp gets to 125 i'm a happy camper
Take it out and just let it rest for at least a couple hours
An hour prior to serving I let it sit back in oven for 150, hot enough to keep it warm but not hot enough to really be cooking it anymore

I gotta admit though, tempted to try method X.

Hondaracer
06-23-2012, 04:54 PM
^ what does it end up cooking to? Medium?

winson604
06-23-2012, 05:09 PM
^ what does it end up cooking to? Medium?

Comes out to med rare possible just slightly under that. You have to make sure to take it out at 125 internal temp though so at some point you gotta keep watch. I've gone over a couple times to 135 and the middle was med rare but the ends were more like medium.

Regardless though letting it rest for a while should not be overlooked. Last time I started way too late and was only able to let it rest for 30 mins and it was just not quite the same.

As for rub I don't do anything fancy, just rub the shit out of it with montreal steak spice and some seasoning salt. I'm quite basic and cooking skills are limited but it works.

Hondaracer
06-23-2012, 05:31 PM
gonna have to do one next weekend i think, fuck the one above looks awsome