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My easy Rub for Prime Rib is all you need to season a juicy rib roast! It's so simple you will have all the pantry ingredients to make it, and I'll give you tips on how to apply it for the best flavor and most tender beef. Make the best prime rib roast for Christmas dinner this year. Only 3 minutes of prep time!
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Prime Rib Rub
Prime rib is one of my specialties and a favorite of mine for the holidays. I make it for Christmas, Easter, and sometimes special occasions... and I love trying different preparations!
Through and through, though, one fact is always true for my rib roast recipes: the rub should be simple. A great cut of beef does not need a wide variety of seasonings for the results to be show-stopping.
My homemade prime rib rub recipe is a perfect example of a simple beef rub. It uses just three easy ingredients - the trick is in how and when you apply it, and how much you use! It is the perfect seasoning for making the best Au Jus for Prime Rib.
I have a secret to share with you. This rub works really well on pot roast too. I use it on my Dutch oven pot roast recipe, and it is amazing! It truly elevates this simple pot roast dish.
Dry Rub for Prime Rib Ingredients
- Coarse Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
Prime Rib Rub Recipe
- Add your seasonings and blend seasonings in a bowl.
- Sprinkle your beef generously with the prime rib rub.
- Pat down your seasoning mixture thoroughly.
- Let your beef rest for at least 30 minutes, but up to overnight is best. The beef will soak up the flavors of the rub.
- Cook your roast however you like - smoked prime rib, Instant Pot prime rib, Prime Rib on the grill, or oven-roasted prime rib. This dry rub recipe works for every preparation!
Don't forget to add the best horseradish sauce for prime rib!
Prime Rib Seasoning Variations
You can add any of the following seasoning blends to add more flavor to your dry rub.
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Coriander
- Paprika
- Onion Powder
How to Store Prime Rib Rub
- Get a container with a tight lid: Use a container that can be sealed tightly to keep air and moisture out.
- Label it: Write down what's inside and when you made it on the container. This helps you know what it is and when it's still good.
- Keep it in a cool, dark place: Put the container in a cool, dark cupboard, away from sunlight and heat. Avoid places like above the stove or near a window.
- Don't refrigerate: Usually, you don't need to put it in the fridge unless you live in a very humid place. Moisture in the fridge can make the rub clump together.
- Check for freshness: Occasionally smell and taste a bit of the rub. If it doesn't smell or taste right, it's time to make a new batch.
How Long is Prime Rib Rub Good For?
Generally, your homemade prime rib rub should be good for up to 6 months if stored properly. However, the individual spices' freshness will significantly affect how long the rub retains its flavor.
Rub for Prime Rib FAQ
For the best results, yes. Seasoning overnight allows your cut of beef to soak up all the flavors of your rub, and the salt will dissolve into the beef to help keep it nice and juicy.
Rub your roast all over with your seasoning mixture, patting it down. Leave your rib roast uncovered in the refrigerator overnight to soak up all that seasoning. Then, before cooking it, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
This rub is also excellent on chicken and pork. Try it!
Prime Rib Recipes
- Smoked Prime Rib
- Boneless Prime Rib
- Instant Pot Prime Rib
- Standing Ribeye Roast
- Slow Roasted Prime Rib
Beef Seasonings
- Steak Seasoning is the best sweet and salty combo!
- Meatloaf Seasoning - makes the best meatloaf!
- Burger Seasoning - I swear we are famous for this seasoning!
- Brisket Rub - perfect for brisket of all kinds!
- Coffee Rub Recipe
- Try all of our BBQ Rub Recipes and Beef Seasonings!
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Prime Rib Rub
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Coarse Salt
- 2 Tablespoons Black Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
See our Beef Temperature Chart for helpful tips on cooking any cut of beef!
Instructions
- Mix coarse salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Sprinkle your prime rib generously with the seasonings. Be sure to cover every inch of the prime rib with the seasonings.
- Pat down your prime rib with the seasoning. For best results, refrigerate overnight and bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Notes
- Always slice against the grain for best results.
- The longer the rub is on your prime rib the better. In other words, you can put the rub on the night before and it will be even better.
- Heat resistant gloves are a must when handling this recipe, especially during the searing stage.
- Using a cast iron grill pan is the best, if you want those gorgeous sear markings.
- You can add a bit of oil in your searing pan, if desired. However, I don’t use oil. This is simply a preference.
Nutrition
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Therese McNerney says
Should the roast be covered or left uncovered.
My roast is beef loin tenderloin.
350 ok to roast?
Thank you,
Therese
Em Beitel says
Hi Therese! We have a recipe for tenderloin here: https://bestbeefrecipes.com/whole-beef-tenderloin-recipe/ where we roast it at 325°F after searing it at a higher temperature. I recommend following this recipe for a perfectly cooked roast. Thank you!
Al Leonard says
Can you sear a prime rib roast in the oven (cast iron pan) then move it to the cooking tray and finish in the air fryer oven? I have a Bravo XL Nu Wave oven with a temperature probe. Thanks...Al
Em Beitel says
Hi Al! Definitely, you can sear it first then finish it in the air fryer. Definitely use a [eafl id="13441" name="Instant Read Meat Thermometer" text="meat thermometer"] and check the temperature chart for best results. We have an air fryer prime rib recipe here: Air Fryer Prime Rib.
John says
My love for the simplicity of this recipe is only exceeded by the flavor of the roast!
Em Beitel says
Thank you so much, John! We're very glad you enjoyed it!
Craig W says
Hi Isabel, Should I cook the roast on a rack or just in a pan ?
Em Beitel says
Hi Craig! Isabel recommends using a rack for prime rib. It will cook more evenly that way, and you can collect the drippings to make au jus or beef gravy! If you'd like, we have an amazing slow cooked prime rib recipe here: Slow Roasted Prime Rib. Enjoy, and thank you for your question!
JOHN BASILIN says
I noticed your recipe does not mention what temperature you smoke the prime rub at in the smoker. What is your method recommendation..thanks
Em Beitel says
Hi John! Sorry for the confusion, we have our smoked prime rib recipe here: Smoked Prime Rib. It goes in at 285 for about 3 hours. Thank you and enjoy!