How to Cook 5 lb Prime Rib

Prime rib is one of the most indulgent and delicious cuts of beef. Learning how to cook 5 lb prime rib is simple but necessary if you want to make your dinner extraordinary.

If you’re hosting a party or family gathering, nothing could be more impressive than a mouthwatering and perfectly cooked prime rib. Making the perfect prime rib will require some time but it’s really not as complicated as you might think.

In fact, the recipe only calls for basic herbs, seasonings, and spices, and a few minutes of hands-on prep time. Once you have learned the proper methods for how to cook 5 lb prime rib, you’ll want to serve this delicious protein for all kinds of occasions!

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Pin showing the title How to Cook 5 lb Prime Rib

What is prime rib?

Prime rib, also known as standing rib roast, is one of the most expensive cuts of beef from the primal rib area. The whole prime rib comes with seven ribs that weigh around 15 to 18 pounds and can serve about 14 to 16 people. When it comes to serving size, a good rule of thumb is 1 lb per person or one rib for two people.

The USDA has a grading system to assess the quality of meat for prime rib. This grading system is divided into three categories such as Prime, Choice, and Select.

Prime rib from the market are usually included in the “Select” category. They have the least amount of marble, and are leaner and more tender. On the other hand, USDA prime beef has abundant marbling, can be more expensive than usual prime rib, and it is also harder to find.

Some prime rib also comes as a boneless cut and are, of course, a little bit quicker to cook. Aside from your local butcher and grocery stores, you can also order prime rib online. If you haven’t tried it yet or have no idea where or how to order quality meat online, you can check out this post.

How long does it take to cook a 5 lb prime rib at 350 degrees?

Aside from the weight, prime rib cooking time will also vary based on the degree of doneness you want to achieve. To know your meat’s level of doneness, check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Each degree of doneness has a corresponding internal temperature that your meat has to reach. Make it a point to use an instant read thermometer to easily know if your prime rib is done according to your preferences.

A 5 lb prime rib consists of two to three rib and can serve about four to five people. The cooking time for a 5 lb prime rib at 350F can start from 1 hour and 15 minutes for rare and go up to 1 hour and 40 minutes for well done. For the complete list of suggested cooking times for prime rib, check out this chart.

How to cook 5 lb prime rib in the oven

Using the oven is the easiest way to cook prime rib. This cooking method does not require a lot of hands-on prep time and thus, you can do other chores or prepare more recipes while waiting for your prime rib to cook.

To start, take your prime rib out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about two to three hours before cooking until it comes down to room temperature. This step is safe and will ensure that your meat will be cooked evenly. While waiting, rub the meat with salt.
To add more flavor to your prime rib, trim the bones from the meat and rub the spices and seasonings in the area. Run your knife in between the meat and bones just until before you reach the bottom to make sure they will not be completely separated. Use butcher’s twine to secure your prime rib again.
Once your prime rib reaches room temperature. Dry it with a paper towel and proceed to rub it with more salt and other spices and herbs such as ground black pepper, allspice, olive oil, and garlic and onion powder.
Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place the prime rib in a roasting pan, bone side down and fat side up. Insert the ovenproof meat thermometer in the thickest part of the rib roast not touching the bones.
Pop your prime rib in the oven and roast it at 500°F for 15 minutes to brown it beautifully. After browning, reduce the heat to 325°F and refer to the chart above for the approximate cooking time.
When your prime rib reaches the temperature or the doneness you’re aiming for, take it out of the oven. Move the roast on a carving board, cover it with foil, and let it rest for another 20-30 minutes before carving. Take note that the meat’s internal temperature will continue to rise for about five to ten degrees more while it rests out of the oven so remember not to overcook your prime rib.
After the meat has fully rested, cut the strings and use a sharp carving knife to separate the roast from the bones and slice the meat across the grain about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick.

Essential Items to Cook Prime Rib

With the right set of kitchen tools, you can easily learn how to cook 5 lb prime rib perfectly and effortlessly. Make sure that your kitchen arsenal is equipped with these kitchen must haves before you proceed in making your prime rib.

These items will also come in handy for whipping up other recipes and will surely make your life easier as well. Don’t miss out on these cooking essentials!

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How to Cook 5 lb Prime Rib using the Grill

Aside from the oven, you can also cook prime rib using a charcoal grill, pellet smoker, or gas grill. These cooking methods will work best for you, especially if you are aiming to have that delicious smoky flavor.

To cook prime rib in the pellet smoker, follow the first two cooking steps mentioned above, then slow cook it at low indirect heat of about 250°F. To create the crust, crank the heat up to 400°F and roast until it reaches the internal temperature you prefer. Use oak and cherry pellets for a fragrant smoky flavor.
If you want to cook in the gas grill, start by turning on one burner to medium heat until it reaches 250°F to create an indirect heat zone. Place your prime rib on the opposite side of this zone and rotate it halfway as you cook. Use a pellet smoker tube with cherry pellets to get the smokey grill flavor. Turn the burner to high until it reaches 400°F to brown the roast.
Lastly, if you want to cook using your charcoal grill, light the coals (add wood chips for smokey flavor) until they start to produce gray ash. Adjust the grill vents until the heat reaches 250°F and place the meat on the opposite side of the coals. Adjust your vents again when it’s time to increase the heat for browning.

How to store prime rib

If you have leftovers, don’t worry. Prime rib freezes and refrigerates well. However, do not forget to let it cool down to room temperature first before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container or freezer safe bag.

Leftover prime rib can last in the refrigerator for five to seven days or up to six months in the freezer.

Before reheating, thaw the frozen prime rib overnight in the refrigerator first. When defrosted, preheat the oven to 300°F, put your leftovers in a baking pan, and cover it tightly with foil. Reheat for 20-30 minutes or until your prime rib reaches the internal temperature of 165°F per USDA guidelines.

If you are using your leftovers for another recipe, you can skip the reheating process and use them according to your recipe.

Need more fantastic recipes?

Looking for more protein filled and delicious dinner ideas to impress the whole family? These recipe collections are sure to make your mouth water!

From creative recipes for pork chops to hamburger meat, leftover steak, and other exciting dinner ideas, you have a variety of options to choose from here! Don’t miss this chance to check them out.

And again, buying meat online is easy and convenient. If you want to know how, check out this post.