Garlic Butter Seared Prime Rib

A well-cooked prime rib doesn’t need much to shine, but when you add a rich garlic butter sear, it becomes something truly special.

Crisp on the outside, juicy in the center, and infused with bold, buttery flavors, this prime rib delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

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This recipe focuses on simplicity and technique. A slow roast ensures the beef stays tender and evenly cooked, while a final high-heat sear locks in flavor and creates that irresistible crust. Garlic and butter work together to enhance the natural richness of the meat without overpowering it.

With minimal ingredients and the right approach, you get a steakhouse-worthy prime rib that’s perfect for holiday dinners, special occasions, or an elevated weekend meal. Serve it with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a tangy horseradish sauce for the ultimate feast.

What You Need for This Recipe

Each ingredient serves a purpose in creating a deeply flavorful and perfectly cooked prime rib.

• Prime Rib Roast – Bone-in or boneless works, but bone-in provides extra moisture and flavor. Choose a well-marbled roast for the best results.
• Garlic Butter – A mix of butter, fresh garlic, and herbs creates a rich, flavorful crust. As it melts into the meat, it enhances every bite.
• Salt & Pepper – The foundation of great seasoning. A generous coating helps create a crispy, flavorful exterior.
• Fresh Herbs – Rosemary and thyme add depth to the butter, complementing the beef’s natural richness.
• High-Heat Searing – The final step that transforms the roast, giving it that deep golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.

How to Make Garlic Butter Seared Prime Rib

A simple but effective method ensures perfect results every time.

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• Prepare the Roast – Let the prime rib sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour. This ensures even cooking.
• Season Generously – Rub the roast all over with salt, black pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil.
• Slow Roast – Place the roast in a preheated 250°F oven and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F for medium-rare.
• Rest the Meat – Remove from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes to redistribute juices.
• Sear in Garlic Butter – Heat butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs in a skillet over high heat. Sear the roast on all sides for a deep golden-brown crust.
• Slice & Serve – Let the meat rest briefly before slicing thinly against the grain.

Why This Recipe Works

This technique guarantees a perfectly cooked prime rib with a flavorful crust and juicy interior.

• Slow Roasting for Even Cooking – A low oven temperature prevents overcooking while keeping the inside tender.
• High-Heat Searing for a Crispy Crust – The final sear in garlic butter creates a golden, flavorful crust.
• Garlic Butter Infusion – As the butter melts, it enhances every bite with rich, garlicky goodness.
• Resting the Meat for Maximum Juiciness – Letting the meat rest ensures it stays moist and flavorful.

Prime rib is all about balance—deep, beefy flavor complemented by the buttery, garlicky richness of the sear. This method keeps it simple while delivering steakhouse-quality results at home.

Ways to Customize This Prime Rib

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there are a few easy ways to adjust it to your preference.

• Make It Herbier – Add more fresh herbs like sage or oregano to the butter for an earthier profile.
• Boost the Umami – Mix in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce with the garlic butter for extra depth.
• Add a Touch of Spice – A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can give the crust a subtle heat.
• Try a Reverse Sear – Instead of searing at the end, quickly sear the roast before slow roasting for a different texture.
• Use Compound Butter for Serving – Mix softened butter with garlic, herbs, and salt, then melt a slice over each serving for extra richness.

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No matter how you tweak it, the key to a great prime rib is using quality meat and following the right technique.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Seared Prime Rib

A prime rib this rich deserves sides that complement its bold flavors.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate pairing, smooth and buttery mashed potatoes soak up the steak’s juices beautifully.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Caramelized Brussels sprouts add a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the beef.
• Horseradish Sauce – A tangy, creamy sauce with just the right amount of bite to cut through the fatty richness of the meat.
• Yorkshire Pudding – A classic steakhouse side, these airy, crisp pastries are perfect for dipping in au jus.
• Grilled Asparagus – Light, slightly smoky asparagus provides a fresh contrast to the hearty prime rib.

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Garlic Butter Seared Prime Rib

Garlic Butter Seared Prime Rib is a show-stopping dish featuring a slow-roasted prime rib finished with a rich, golden-brown garlic butter crust. This simple method ensures a tender, juicy interior with a deeply flavorful, crisp exterior.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Steakhouse

Servings 6 serving

Equipment

• Roasting Pan For slow-roasting the prime rib
• Meat Thermometer To ensure the perfect internal temperature
• Large skillet For searing the crust

Ingredients

  

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• 5 pounds prime rib roast bone-in or boneless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
• 6 tablespoons butter unsalted
• 4 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

 

• Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Pat the roast dry with paper towels, then rub it all over with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
• Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan, bone side down if using a bone-in cut. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (medium-rare), about 3 hours.
• Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes while you prepare the garlic butter.
• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Stir in minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Sear the roast on all sides for 1-2 minutes per side until a deep crust forms.
• Transfer the roast to a cutting board, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
• Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• For medium doneness, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F before searing.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and used in sandwiches or wraps the next day.
• Pair with horseradish sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Keyword garlic butter steak, holiday roast, prime rib

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Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!