HoneyBaked Ham is well known for their incredibly delicious, spiral-cut hams, but did you know you can also buy prime rib from them? Their prime rib is seasoned and smoked to perfection, resulting in incredibly tender, juicy and flavorful meat.
If you’ve purchased a HoneyBaked prime rib, you may be wondering exactly how to cook it. Have no fear, we’re here to provide a complete step-by-step guide to cooking HoneyBaked prime rib to absolute perfection.
Benefits of Buying Prime Rib from HoneyBaked Ham
There are several advantages to purchasing your prime rib from HoneyBaked Ham rather than just picking one up from your local grocery store
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Flavor – HoneyBaked primes their ribs by rubbing them with their special blend of seasonings and smoking them over a blend of hickory and oak woods. This imparts an incredible depth of flavor you just can’t achieve on your own.
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Tenderness – Long, slow cooking is key for tender prime rib. HoneyBaked has perfected the process, ensuring your rib will be melt-in-your-mouth tender.
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Convenience – No seasoning or prep work required on your part, just throw it in the oven. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
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Cooks Evenly – Due to the spiral slicing, the meat cooks more evenly throughout. No more cold spots or dry ends.
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Juicy and Moist – The combination of seasonings, smoking, and cooking results in an incredibly juicy and moist cut of meat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking HoneyBaked Prime Rib
Follow these simple steps for prime rib perfection:
1. Remove from packaging
Carefully remove the prime rib from its packaging and cooking bag, Pat it dry with paper towels
2. Bring to room temperature
Let the meat come to room temperature before cooking, about 1-2 hours. This helps it cook more quickly and evenly.
3. Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
4. Prepare roasting pan
Place the prime rib in a roasting pan, bone-side down. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to help prevent the drippings from burning.
5. Cook prime rib
Place the pan in the preheated oven and cook for 15 minutes per pound for rare, 18 minutes per pound for medium-rare, and 20 minutes per pound for medium.
For example, a 5 pound prime rib should cook for approximately 75 to 100 minutes.
6. Baste and tent
At the halfway point, baste the prime rib with the juices in the bottom of the pan. Then loosely tent with foil to prevent over-browning.
7. Use a meat thermometer
Track the temperature using a meat thermometer. Remove it from the oven when it reaches 5°F below your desired doneness. The temperature will continue rising as it rests.
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
8. Rest prime rib
Let the prime rib rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute back into the meat.
9. Carve and serve
Carve the prime rib by cutting slices against the grain. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Horseradish sauce, au jus, and Yorkshire puddings are classic pairings.
Tips for the Best HoneyBaked Prime Rib
Follow these tips and tricks for the most delicious prime rib you’ve ever tasted:
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Bring the meat to room temperature before roasting for more even cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness precisely. Avoid overcooking.
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Let it rest before slicing to retain juices. Never slice immediately after removing from oven.
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Carve across the grain for tender slices. Cut thicker slices from the ribs and thinner slices from the ends.
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Pair with classic prime rib sides like Yorkshire puddings, creamed spinach, or roasted potatoes.
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Make au jus from the tasty pan drippings to serve alongside for dipping.
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Add seasoning rubs or extra glazes very sparingly to avoid overwhelming the signature HoneyBaked flavor.
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For perfect medium-rare, cook to an internal temperature of 135°F and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about cooking HoneyBaked prime rib? Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
How long does it take to cook a 4 pound HoneyBaked prime rib?
For medium-rare doneness, a 4 pound prime rib will take approximately 60-75 minutes in a 350°F oven. Cook for 15 minutes per pound.
Can you cook it straight from frozen?
It is best not to cook HoneyBaked prime rib directly from frozen. Always thaw in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking.
Should the rib bone be up or down when cooking?
Place the prime rib bone-side down in the roasting pan. This allows the fat to baste the meat and aids even cooking.
What is the best way to reheat leftover prime rib?
To reheat, place slices of prime rib in an oven-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and warm at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Check temperature with a thermometer.
Can you cook it on the grill instead of the oven?
Absolutely! Prepare and bring to room temperature as directed. Grill over indirect medium heat for same cook times as the oven, basting with juice.
What sides go well with HoneyBaked prime rib?
Classic pairings like Yorkshire puddings, roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad complement HoneyBaked prime rib perfectly.
Enjoy Restaurant Quality Prime Rib at Home
Follow the cooking recommendations precisely for a tender, juicy cut of meat that’s bursting with smoky, savory flavor in every bite. From bringing the meat to room temperature to letting it rest before slicing, each tip above will ensure prime rib perfection.
The next time you have a special occasion to celebrate, skip the restaurant and indulge in an incredible meal with HoneyBaked prime rib as the star of the show. Your guests will be so impressed with your culinary skills. Here’s to sensational dinners!