Prime Rib Rub
This is the best prime rib rub — it adds incredible flavor, keeps the meat tender, and gives your roast beef that delicious crust everyone loves.
The bold, savory flavors in this rub don’t just make your prime rib shine fresh out of the oven — they’re incredible in leftovers too. That same blend of herbs and spices adds depth to Prime Rib Sandwich, breakfast hash, tacos, or even pasta.
Actual Reader Comment and 5-Star Rating – FANTASTIC!!! It was my very first time making prime rib and I did it for Christmas dinner 2022. My fiancé, mother, and I have always loved prime rib but was my son, my daughter, and her boyfriend’s first. They all absolutely loved it! Moist, juicy, flavorful, and so incredibly delicious! Highly recommended! We all loved it so much that I wouldn’t doubt if they asked me to make it again for Easter! – Nicole V.
Recipes For Prime Rib Roast
My Melt-in-Your-Mouth Prime Rib Recipe, using this prime rib rub, is one of the oldest Prime Rib Recipes online. It has ample 5-star reviews and is popular for good reason.
In addition to this prime rib seasoning, I highly recommend using it with my Prime Rib Au Jus and Horseradish Sauce for the most tender and flavorful prime rib roast you’ve ever had.
Prefer Reverse Sear Prime Rib, Smoked Prime Rib, or Sous Vide Prime Rib? I have you covered there, too. All of them utilize this rub for prime rib.
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Ingredients
My famous prime rib roast rub recipe is a simple blend comprised of just six herbs and spices that bring out the meat’s natural flavor: kosher salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Seems simple, but there’s a reason it’s a self-deemed classic of Foodie and Wine. You’ll love this prime rib rub so much, you’ll be using it every holiday season to come.
If you love the Traeger Prime Rib Rub, you’ll love this one. Both are heavy on garlic and rosemary; however, the Traeger Prime Rib rub has sugar, paprika, and chili powder. All are easy to mix in—just add one tablespoon of each to your rub.
How To Make Prime Rib Dry Rub
Prepare the rub: In a small bowl, mix the kosher salt, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
Dry the prime rib: Pat the roast dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before seasoning.
Apply the rub: Sprinkle the prime rib dry rub over the prime rib, gently spreading and massaging it into the meat to help it stick and flavor every bite.
Refrigerate: Place the roast uncovered in the fridge and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. This step gives the rub time to soak in and enhance the flavor, as well as dry out the exterior for a great crust.
Recipe Tips
- Make this rub ahead of time to cut down on the steps required on cooking day.
- Make sure you thoroughly dry the meat’s exterior with a paper towel before coating it with the rub. Too much moisture discourages a nice crust formation and will “steam” the roast instead of roasting it.
- This rub lasts for up to 12 months when stored in an air-tight container.
- Before cooking, reference my free printable Prime Rib Temperature Chart.
- This rub works perfectly for many prime rib leftover recipes, including this Prime Rib Dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Salting prime rib does more than add flavor — it tenderizes the meat, locks in moisture, and creates that irresistible crust. The salt penetrates deep into the muscle fibers, breaking them down for a more tender texture while also enhancing the natural beefy flavor.
I prefer to coat the roast with a bit of oil before seasoning, as the oil acts as a binder, helping the seasoning stick to the meat. You don’t have to use oil; the natural fat will melt and baste the roast as it cooks.
Ideally, season your prime rib a full 24 hours before cooking. Season the prime rib at least 12 hours in advance to ensure the rub has time to penetrate the meat.
Please don’t. One of the BEST characteristics of a properly cooked prime rib is the salty, crispy crust. Said crust won’t develop if it’s covered as it cooks.
It’s also one of the reasons I highly recommend a dry rub. I’ve tried the garlic-butter route, but the crispy crust flakes off. No bueno. So if you like your prime rib with a crunchy exterior, leave the foil in the drawer.
Yes! This prime rib seasoning mix can be used on any beef cut, such as filet mignon and tri-tip. The savory flavor will also pair well with pork or chicken.
Without further ado, here is my Self-Proclaimed ‘The Best Prime Rib Rub Recipe’ recipe.
The Best Prime Rib Rub
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp dried thyme
- 1 Tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 Tbsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
RECOMMENDED PRIME RIB COOKING RECIPE:
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Apply a minimum of 12 hours before cooking using your preferred prime rib cooking method.