This easy-to-follow guide covers how to reheat prime rib to achieve tender, juicy meat with a blushing pink hue every time. Step away from the microwave!
Reheating prime rib isn’t as easy as with other cuts of beef (and chicken). It takes a bit more effort to heat the beef without drying it out because, in addition to the meat, you want to preserve the integrity of the delicious fat. After all, part of prime rib’s allure is its succulence. It features a large ‘eye’ of meat in the center that is beautifully marbled with fat, along with a fat-marbled muscle surrounding it and a thick fat cap. This fat is delightful to eat since it is buttery soft and falls apart with the touch of a fork. Fortunately, there are ways to reheat prime rib to return it to its original, well-rested, tender, juicy state. So, let’s get into how to reheat prime rib correctly.
Storage
Tasty reheated prime rib begins with proper storage. The first considerations are the basics, which include transferring the beef to an airtight container (or a bag after tightly wrapping it in foil for whole roast portions) and storing it in the refrigerator within 2 hours for safety. However, there is another key step to set yourself up for success, and that is moisture. Whether you have leftover au jus or quality beef broth/stock, drizzle some over the top of the beef before storing it to retain moisture, then store whatever liquid you have left in a separate container because it will come in handy during reheating.
Top 4 Ways to Reheat Prime Rib
All four focus on moisture retention as well as preventing overcooking because the last thing you want is overcooked prime rib. The juicy, succulent beef becomes dry and flavorless when overcooked.
1. Oven
The oven method takes first place among the top 5 ways to reheat prime rib because it causes minimal moisture loss and texture change without the need for special equipment. As for the downside, there is no exact reheat time, so the method requires close monitoring. To reheat prime rib in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and grab a roasting pan or baking sheet.
- Wrap the roast in aluminum foil with ¼-1/3 cup of au jus, beef broth, or stock, and tightly seal. If reheating slices, arrange them in a single layer, then add the liquid of choice and seal the foil.
- Place it in the oven to reheat until the internal temperature of the beef registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the internal temperature every 10 minutes.
- Unwrap, plate, and serve.
2. Sous Vide
Sous vide is second on the list because, although the method is superior, there is extra setup work involved, as well as the need for special equipment, plus there’s a learning curve. However, that work is well worth it because the precision yields incredible results. It doesn’t alter the texture of the beef, retains moisture, plus getting an exact internal temperature is a breeze. Here’s how to reheat prime rib with sous vide:
- Preheat the sous vide machine or a large stockpot with water to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If using a stockpot, you will need a thermometer.
- Cut the roast into evenly thick slices and transfer them to either a vacuum-sealed bag or a Ziplock bag with ¾ cup of leftover au jus, stock, or broth.
- Place the bag into the water. If using a Ziplock bag, use water displacement to remove the air, seal, and clip the top to the side of the pot while making sure the contents are fully submerged.
- Reheat for 1 hour. Closely monitor the temperature and keep it at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the bag from the water, open the bag, plate, and serve.
3. Steamer
Steaming is another great way to reheat prime rib. Again, there’s no need for special equipment; if you don’t have a steamer or steamer basket, a DIY double boiler setup will work just fine. Furthermore, it causes minimal water loss. The main downsides are that you’re limited to reheating slices, and steaming changes the texture of the prime rib. Here’s how to reheat prime rib using this method:
- Regardless of your selected setup, add enough water to cover the bottom of a steamer and bring it to a simmer.
- Bring the beef to room temperature. Doing so makes it easier for the steam to permeate and evenly heat the beef through. This will require 20-30 minutes on the counter.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on a sheet of foil, then add ¼ cup of au jus, stock, or broth and seal the foil.
- Transfer the foil basket to the steamer basket or the upper pot/pan, cover with a lid, and steam for 3-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices.
- Unwrap the sliced prime rib, plate, and serve.
4. Air Fryer
The air fryer has proven itself to be a useful kitchen appliance and does an excellent job of reheating various foods, including prime rib. The hot circulating air reheats prime rib evenly; it doesn’t alter the texture and is convenient. There are potential downsides, including moisture loss due to the stronger heat, although this is easy to mitigate. It is important to note that an air fryer works best for prime rib roast that hasn’t been sliced because the stronger heat will dry out slices relatively fast, producing an undesirable result. To reheat prime rib in an air fryer:
- Bring the beef to room temperature. Doing so makes it easier for the hot air to permeate and evenly heat the beef through.
- Preheat the air fryer to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wrap the roast in aluminum foil with ¼-1/3 cup of au jus, beef broth, or stock, and tightly seal. If reheating slices, arrange them in a single layer, then add the liquid of choice and seal the foil.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, checking the temperature every 10 minutes.
- Serve.
Read These Next!
- Standing Rib Roast with Wet Rub
- 8 Heavenly Leftover Steak Recipes
- Boneless Prime Rib with Garlic Herb Crust
- Amazing Grilled Cheese Burritos - April 11, 2024
- Stewed Turkey Necks - April 11, 2024
- Peanut Butter Biscoff Cottage Cheese Ice Cream - March 30, 2024