how to cook prime rib

Cooking a Christmas prime rib and wondering how long it should roast? You're not alone as standing rib roast cooking times and how to cook prime rib are top Google trends on Christmas Eve 2010.

A Prime Rib Roast is also called a "Standing Rib Roast." Cut from the rib section, it is made up of ribs 6 through 12 and a standing Prime Rib Roast can be 2 to 7 ribs. Once roasted, it is sliced into portions which are called "Prime Rib".

Make sure you have an easy-to-read digital meat thermometer on hand. It's important to check the internal temp for the perfect prime rib for Christmas dinner.

PrimeSteakHouse.com recommends that you start your prime rib in a pre-heated 450 degree oven for 15 minutes then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees for the balance of cooking time.

The USDA gives the following cooking times for roasting a prime rib:

Bone-in Beef Rib Roast (4-8 lbs): Set oven to 325 degrees

Medium Rare (Internal temp 145 degrees): Roast 23-30 min per pound

Medium (Internal temp 160 degrees): Roast 27-38 min per pound

Medium Rare (Internal temp 145 degrees): Roast 39-43 min per pound

Whole Beef Tenderloin (4-6 lbs) Set oven to 425 degrees

Medium Rare (Internal temp 145 degrees): Roast 45-60 minutes total