Prime Rib Cook Time Calculator — Perfect Holiday Roast
Calculate prime rib cooking time by weight and desired doneness for a perfect holiday roast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook prime rib per pound?
At 325°F after an initial high-heat sear: rare is about 13 min/lb (pull at 115°F), medium rare 15 min/lb (pull at 120°F), and medium 17 min/lb (pull at 130°F). Always use a meat thermometer — weight estimates can vary by 20% due to bone content and refrigerator temperature.
What temperature should I pull prime rib from the oven?
Pull prime rib 10–15°F below your target: rare pull at 115°F (reaches 125°F), medium rare pull at 120°F (reaches 130°F), medium pull at 130°F (reaches 140°F). Carryover cooking during the 30-minute rest does the rest of the work.
Should I sear prime rib before or after cooking?
Searing before (traditional method) works well — 450°F for 20 min to build the crust, then reduce to 325°F to finish low and slow. Reverse-searing after (rest, then high-heat finish) gives more control over doneness but requires watching closely.
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