Reverse Sear Rib Roast – Perfectly Tender with a Crispy Crust
Discover the secrets to a juicy reverse sear rib roast. Perfectly herb-glazed and easy to make for any special occasion. Check out my recipe!

Sink Your Teeth into a Reverse Sear Rib Roast
Oh my gosh! if you’ve never tried a reverse sear rib roast , you’re in for a treat. trust me, it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
With that juicy interior and a crispy crust, every slice is a moment to savor. it’s not just any roast; it’s a flavor bomb infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
Seriously, i don’t often say this, but you might want to make extra—just in case the family swoops in for seconds!
So here’s the scoop: this method originated from our good ol' slow-roasting techniques, but with a twist. you slow-cook first, then sizzle it up in a cast iron skillet or under the broiler.
It sounds fancy, but don’t worry. it’s medium difficulty. you’ll need to pay close attention to cooking times and temperatures, but with some practice, you’ll get it just right.
It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours in total. a solid investment for a meal that serves 6-8 people—perfect for sunday dinner or holiday feasts.
One of the best perks of this recipe? it packs a protein punch! you’re looking at around 40g of protein per serving.
Plus, what better occasion than a festive gathering to show off your cooking prowess? when people see this stunning roast, they’ll think you’re the culinary genius in the family.
And let’s face it, nothing beats the wow factor of a perfectly cooked rib roast. it rises to the occasion—no doubt about it.
So, whether you're celebrating a special day or just trying to impress your friends, the reverse sear rib roast is the way to go.
Imagine the compliments rolling in as you carve that roast. and what’s better is that this technique keeps it all juicy inside while giving it a stunning crust outside.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to kick back and dig in with the fam.
Ready to grab your apron? Let's dive into the ingredients that will make your dinner dreams come true!
Reverse Sear Rib Roast – Perfectly Tender with a Crispy Crust Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon (15g) freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons (10g) garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons (10g) onion powder
- 2 teaspoons (10g) dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh rosemary, chopped
- 5-6 lb (2.25-2.75 kg) bone-in rib roast, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
🥄 Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Rub the mixture all over the rib roast and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C).
- Place the rib roast on a wire rack over a baking sheet and roast until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C).
- Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet over high heat, add olive oil, and sear the meat until all sides are browned.
- In the last minute of searing, add butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan; baste the roast.
- Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serve against the grain.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
For this Reverse Sear Rib Roast , you wanna make sure you have everything lined up. Here’s the scoop:
For the Rub:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon (15g) freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons (10g) garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons (10g) onion powder
- 2 teaspoons (10g) dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh rosemary, chopped
For the Roast:
- 5-6 lb (2.25-2.75 kg) bone-in rib roast, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
For Basting (optional):
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic , smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Wanna know the secret? Buy a prime rib roast. It’s fatty and beautiful – trust me.
Seasoning Notes
When it comes to spices, keep it simple but powerful. the kosher salt and black pepper are absolutely essential. garlic powder and onion powder bring that rich flavor we love.
Tossing in fresh herbs elevates everything!
If you're out of dried thyme, no stress! Substituting with oregano or even some Italian seasoning can shake things up. Seriously, be flexible!
Equipment Needed
Now for the gear! You don’t need fancy stuff. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Oven: Nothing beats this for a steakhouse dinner vibe at home.
- Meat thermometer: This is your best friend. You don’t want to guess meat temperatures!
- Baking sheet with a wire rack: Elevating that roast helps it cook evenly.
- Cast-iron skillet or heavy roasting pan: If you’re fancy, use a cast iron; if not, any heavy pan will do.
- Butcher's twine: If you’re tying the roast to keep it even. Some say it's essential for the cook, but I’ve skipped it sometimes and lived to tell the tale.
Bringing It Together
So here’s the deal: prepping a reverse sear rib roast doesn’t have to be scary; it's about getting those flavors just right.
Take your time with seasoning. the chill in the fridge helps those flavors penetrate. trust me on this one; go for the overnight rub if you can.
And don't sweat the equipment too much; most folks have what they need at home. cooking a ribeye steak or any roast isn't about fancy tools; it's all about the love you put into it.
In my experience, that's what turns a good meal into a memorable night with friends or family.
Now that you have all that handy info, it's time to dive into making a meal that’ll steal the show! Happy cooking!

Mastering the Reverse Sear Rib Roast
Alright, folks, gather around! we're diving into something truly epic today—the reverse sear rib roast . imagine this: a juicy, tender interior paired with a caramelized crust.
Honestly, it's like a cozy hug from your grandma but in beef form. perfect for everything from sunday dinners to festive occasions.
Buckle up, because we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of this beautiful cut of meat!
Prepping Like a Pro
First things first: mise en place is your best friend here. get everything measured and ready. it makes life so much easier and saves you from the frantic last-minute scramble.
Lay out your kosher salt , freshly cracked black pepper , and those aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary .
And hey, pro tip—while you’re at it, chop up some garlic for later basting! you'll thank yourself later when it’s bursting with flavor.
Speaking of tips, always make sure to check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer. nothing worse than thinking you’re cooking at 225° f ( 107° c) only to find out you’ve been roasting at 250° f.
Yikes!
Step-By-Step Goodness
Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how you make the magic happen:
Make the Rub : Mix up your salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary in a bowl. Simple, right?
Season that roast : rub it all over your 5-6 lb bone-in rib roast . need extra flavor? let that bad boy chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes , or even overnight.
Preheat the Oven : Crank that oven up to 225° F ( 107° C) . This is the beginning of that low-and-slow journey.
Slow roast it : place your roast on a wire rack. keep an eye on it until it hits an internal temp of 120° f ( 49° c) for medium-rare goodness.
This will take about 1.5 to 2 hours .
Rest It : Take it out and let it chill for 30 minutes under some foil. Seriously, don’t skip this. Letting it rest ensures every slice is juicy.
Sear it up : get your cast-iron skillet super hot, add some olive oil, and sear that roast for 2- 3 minutes on each side.
It’s where the magic really happens, guys!
Baste for Glory : For the last minute or so, toss in some butter, smashed garlic, and thyme into that skillet. Baste the roast with those flavors—your taste buds will thank you.
Final rest and slice : let it sit for another 10- 15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
This is where you can impress your friends and family with your steakhouse dinner vibes!
Pro Tips & Tricks
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let me hit you with a few pro tips:
Thermometers are Key : You will want a reliable meat thermometer. Use it. This cut deserves precision, and you don’t want a scenario where it’s overcooked.
Reverse Sear Magic : This method prevents that dreaded gray band around the meat. By cooking low first, you keep it juicy right to the edge.
Basting Boost : Don’t be shy with your basting! It’s your secret weapon for an extra layer of flavor.
Leftover Steak Recipes : Let’s be honest. The leftovers from this roast are pure gold. Think shaved ribeye sandwiches or a savory breakfast hash. You’re welcome!
Now you’re all set to impress with your reverse sear rib roast ! get cooking, and enjoy the “oohs” and “ahhs.
” just remember, a little patience goes a long way when roasting meat like a champion. happy cooking, friend!
Recipe Notes for Your Reverse Sear Rib Roast
Serving Suggestions
Plating this reverse sear rib roast can be a game changer! think of displaying it on a rustic wooden board, sliced to reveal that beautiful pink center, with fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
You could serve it with classic yorkshire pudding —seriously, who doesn’t love those fluffy bites soaking up gravy? or go for roasted seasonal vegetables to add that pop of color and crunch.
If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of red wine reduction sauce elevates the whole dish and makes it feel like a steakhouse dinner right at home.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with some crispy roasted potatoes on the side!
Storage Tips
Alright, talking leftovers here! if you have any of that glorious roast hanging around (not likely, but just in case), let it cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly.
Refrigeration is easy—just pop it in an airtight container and it’ll last about 3-4 days. got a little more than you can eat? you can freeze it too! just slice it up and wrap those slices individually in plastic wrap before tossing them in a zip-lock bag.
When you’re ready to dive back in, simply reheat it gently in the oven at 300° f ( 150° c) until warmed through.
Trust me, it’ll still taste fantastic!
Variations
Now, let’s kick up the flavor a notch! want something a bit different? how about a garlic-lover's version? throw in some whole cloves of garlic to roast with the meat for a rich and aromatic flavor.
If you're looking for a kick, add in some smoked paprika or a few shakes of cayenne to your rub.
And hey, if you stumble upon fresh herbs instead of dried, use those for an extra zing. just remember, three times the amount of fresh herbs works best.
Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's keep it simple! each serving of this roast packs in about 400 calories , with a solid 40 grams of protein —hello, power meal! the fat content is around 28 grams , but hey, it’s all about that good fat from the meat.
Plus, it’s a tasty way to get some iron and other nutrients! the real kick here? lean red meat is great for muscle health and keeps you feeling full.
With these notes in mind, you’re on your way to serving up a delicious reverse sear rib roast that’ll leave everyone wanting more.
Just remember, take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t stress it! you’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reverse sear rib roast, and why is it different from traditional roasting?
The reverse sear rib roast is a cooking method that involves slowly roasting the meat at a low temperature before finishing it with a high-heat sear. This technique ensures that the roast is evenly cooked and incredibly tender while providing a perfect crispy crust. It’s a modern twist on traditional roasting techniques that many cooks swear by!
How do I know when my reverse sear rib roast is done?
Using a meat thermometer is your best friend for this! For a medium-rare rib roast, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C) before searing. Remember, the roast will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so keep that in mind when checking the temperature.
Can I prepare a reverse sear rib roast in advance?
Absolutely! You can rub the roast with seasonings and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. Just be sure to take the roast out of the fridge about an hour before cooking so it comes to room temperature, which helps it cook evenly.
What should I serve with my reverse sear rib roast?
For a classic pairing, consider serving your roast with Yorkshire pudding and a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for a delightful Sunday dinner. For a more festive touch, a rich red wine reduction sauce adds sophistication and complements the flavors beautifully!
Can I store leftovers from my reverse sear rib roast, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can store leftovers! Allow the roast to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider slicing the roast and freezing it in airtight containers for up to three months. Just reheat gently in the oven to maintain juiciness!
Are there any nutritional considerations for the reverse sear rib roast?
Yes, while the reverse sear rib roast is rich in protein (around 40g per serving), it can also be higher in fat (about 28g), largely due to the marbling in the rib roast. If you’re looking to lighten the meal, consider pairing it with plenty of vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness.
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