When it comes to special occasions, nothing beats a perfectly cooked prime rib roast. However, achieving that ideal doneness can be intimidating for many home cooks. The traditional oven method often leads to overcooked edges and uneven results, leaving you stressed about ruining an expensive cut of meat.
Enter the sous vide rib roast recipe – a game-changing technique that guarantees restaurant-quality results every single time. This precision cooking method eliminates the guesswork and delivers edge-to-edge perfect doneness that will impress your guests and boost your confidence in the kitchen.
With sous vide cooking, you’ll achieve better yield, less water loss, and incredible accuracy. Plus, it’s an energy-efficient and clean cooking method that won’t dirty up multiple pans or require hours of oven time. Let’s dive into this foolproof sous vide rib roast recipe that will transform your special occasion cooking forever.
My Personal Experience with This Sous Vide Rib Roast Recipe
I’ll never forget the first time I attempted this sous vide rib roast recipe for my family’s holiday dinner. I was nervous about trying a new technique with such an expensive cut of meat, but the results completely exceeded my expectations. The precision and control that sous vide offers gave me the confidence I needed.
What amazed me most was the consistent doneness from edge to edge – something I had never achieved with traditional roasting methods. Every slice was perfectly medium-rare, with no gray band around the edges that typically occurs with oven roasting. The marbling throughout the Certified Angus Beef roast rendered beautifully, creating an incredibly tender and flavorful result.
The best part of this sous vide rib roast recipe experience was how stress-free it became. Once the roast was in the water bath, I could focus on preparing side dishes and spending time with family, knowing that my prime rib was cooking to perfection without any intervention needed. The final searing step created that beautiful, crispy exterior that makes prime rib so appealing, while maintaining the perfect interior temperature throughout.
Ingredients Required for This Sous Vide Rib Roast Recipe
- 1 prime rib roast (4.5-5 pounds), preferably Certified Angus Beef
- 2-3 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil (for searing)
- Optional: fresh herbs for additional seasoning after cooking
Kitchen Utensils List
- Immersion circulator (sous vide machine)
- Large water container or stock pot (Lexan container preferred)
- Vacuum sealer (FoodSaver or similar brand)
- Large vacuum seal bags
- Sharp knife for trimming
- Paper towels
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Sous Vide Cooking Time: 6-14 hours (6 hours minimum)
- Searing Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 5-10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 6.5-14.5 hours
Sous Vide Rib Roast Recipe Instructions
follow these steps for the perfect copycat Sous Vide Rib Roast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Roast
Trim excess fat from the roast, leaving only a small fat cap on the exterior. Remove any excessive tail portions for even cooking. Season generously with coarse kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides.
Step 2: Vacuum Seal
Place the seasoned roast in a large vacuum seal bag. Ensure there’s enough space for proper sealing. Use the vacuum sealer to remove all air and create a tight seal, checking that the seal is secure.
Step 3: Set Up Sous Vide Bath
Fill your container with water and attach the immersion circulator. Set the temperature to 131°F (55°C) for medium-rare doneness. If you prefer more done, set it 5 degrees below your target final temperature.
Step 4: Cook Sous Vide
Submerge the sealed roast in the water bath once it reaches temperature. Cook for 6-14 hours (6 hours minimum for a 5-pound roast). The circulator will maintain consistent temperature and circulation.
Step 5: Remove and Dry
Remove the roast from the bag and pat completely dry with paper towels, being careful not to remove all the seasoning. This step is crucial for proper searing.
Step 6: Sear for Crust
Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Brush the roast lightly with oil and place in a roasting pan. Sear in the hot oven for 15 minutes until a beautiful crust forms on all sides.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Slice into ½-inch thick portions and serve immediately.
Storage Guidance for Leftover Sous Vide Rib Roast
Store leftover prime rib in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. For reheating, slice portions and warm gently in a low oven (250°F) or reheat individual slices in the microwave on low power to avoid overcooking.
Serving Ideas for Your Sous Vide Rib Roast
- Classic Holiday Spread: Serve with horseradish cream sauce, roasted vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding for a traditional presentation that showcases your perfectly cooked sous vide rib roast.
- Elegant Dinner Party: Slice thin and arrange on a platter with au jus, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and seasonal green vegetables for an impressive fine-dining experience.
- Sandwich Perfection: Use leftover slices for gourmet roast beef sandwiches on crusty bread with caramelized onions and your favorite cheese.
- Surf and Turf: Pair slices of your sous vide prime rib with lobster tails or grilled shrimp for an indulgent surf and turf dinner.
- Wine Pairing Dinner: Serve alongside a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, with roasted root vegetables and a simple salad for a sophisticated meal.
Essential Tips for Perfect Sous Vide Rib Roast Recipe Results
- Choose Quality Meat: Invest in well-marbled beef like Certified Angus Beef for the best flavor and tenderness. The marbling will render beautifully during the long, gentle cooking process.
- Don’t Skip the Trim: Remove excess fat and tail portions before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent any unpleasant textures in your final dish.
- Season Generously: Use more salt and pepper than you think you need – the large roast requires generous seasoning to penetrate throughout the meat during the long cooking time.
- Dry Thoroughly: Pat the roast completely dry after removing from the bag before searing. Moisture prevents proper browning and crust formation.
- Monitor Searing Time: Keep a close eye during the 500°F searing process. You want a beautiful crust without overcooking the perfectly done interior.
This sous vide rib roast recipe transforms what can be an intimidating cooking challenge into a foolproof success. The precision of sous vide cooking eliminates guesswork while delivering restaurant-quality results that will impress your family and guests.
With edge-to-edge perfect doneness and a beautiful seared crust, this method produces prime rib that rivals the best steakhouses. Ready to elevate your special occasion cooking? Give this sous vide rib roast recipe a try and experience the confidence that comes with precision cooking!

Sous Vide Rib Roast Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 prime rib roast 4.5-5 pounds, preferably Certified Angus Beef
- 2-3 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil for searing
- Optional: fresh herbs for additional seasoning after cooking
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the roast, leaving only a small fat cap on the exterior. Remove any excessive tail portions for even cooking. Season generously with coarse kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides.
- Place the seasoned roast in a large vacuum seal bag. Ensure there’s enough space for proper sealing. Use the vacuum sealer to remove all air and create a tight seal, checking that the seal is secure.
- Fill your container with water and attach the immersion circulator. Set the temperature to 131°F (55°C) for medium-rare doneness. If you prefer more done, set it 5 degrees below your target final temperature.
- Submerge the sealed roast in the water bath once it reaches temperature. Cook for 6-14 hours (6 hours minimum for a 5-pound roast). The circulator will maintain consistent temperature and circulation.
- Remove the roast from the bag and pat completely dry with paper towels, being careful not to remove all the seasoning. This step is crucial for proper searing.
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Brush the roast lightly with oil and place in a roasting pan. Sear in the hot oven for 15 minutes until a beautiful crust forms on all sides.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Slice into ½-inch thick portions and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions, we’ve got you covered about Sous Vide Rib Roast Recipe
1. What temperature should I set for different doneness levels?
For medium-rare, set your sous vide to 131°F. For medium, use 140°F, and for medium-well, set it to 150°F. Remember, you can always cook it more, but you can’t undo overcooking.
2. Can I cook the roast for longer than 14 hours?
While you can cook between 6-14 hours safely, going beyond 14 hours may result in a mushy texture. The sweet spot is typically 6-8 hours for optimal texture and flavor.
3. Do I need to use a vacuum sealer, or can I use the water displacement method?
While a vacuum sealer provides the best results, you can use the water displacement method with a zip-lock bag. Just ensure all air is removed to prevent floating and uneven cooking.
4. How do I know when the searing is complete?
Look for a golden-brown crust forming on all sides of the roast. This typically takes about 15 minutes at 500°F, but visual cues are more important than strict timing.
5. Can I add herbs and aromatics to the vacuum bag?
Yes, you can add fresh herbs, garlic, or other aromatics to the bag. However, be aware that some herbs can become bitter during the long cooking time, so use them sparingly.
6. What’s the best way to slice the finished roast?
Use a sharp carving knife to cut against the grain in ½-inch thick slices. Let the roast rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
7. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can vacuum seal the seasoned roast up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. You can also cook it sous vide ahead of time and store it sealed in the refrigerator, then sear it just before serving.
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