Are you craving a truly impressive yet surprisingly easy dinner? Look no further than this recipe for a small standing rib roast. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this succulent roast boasts incredible flavor and requires minimal effort. This recipe walks you through creating a tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned small standing rib roast, making it an ideal addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound small standing rib roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the roast from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
Season & Sear:
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels. This helps create a nice sear.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Rub the spice mixture generously all over the roast, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the roast on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step adds wonderful depth of flavor.
Roast to Perfection:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Roast for approximately 2-2.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, or your desired doneness. Remember, the roast will continue to cook slightly after it's removed from the oven (carryover cooking).
Rest & Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
- Carve the roast against the grain and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Small Standing Rib Roast:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure your skillet is large enough to comfortably sear the roast without overcrowding.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is crucial for achieving your desired level of doneness. Avoid undercooking or overcooking by using a reliable thermometer.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your roast. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it's cooked to your liking.
- Rest is key: Allowing the roast to rest is essential for a juicy and tender result. Patience is rewarded here!
Variations:
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme work beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Add a few whole cloves of garlic to the skillet while searing the roast for an extra layer of flavor.
- Au jus: Create a delicious au jus by deglazing the skillet with red wine or beef broth after removing the roast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of the roast and the number of servings. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, use an online nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and serving sizes. Generally, a serving of rib roast is a good source of protein and iron.
This recipe for a small standing rib roast offers a delicious and impressive meal, perfect for any occasion. It's a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can produce truly remarkable results without requiring extensive culinary skills. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and make it your go-to recipe for satisfying healthy meals.