Prime Rib Rub

This prime rib rub recipe is the perfect way to season your prime rib. With a simple dry rub, you can serve your friends and family a more flavorful roast. Let’s dive in and see how to give your prime rib a delicious upgrade with this prime rib seasoning – just in time for the holiday season!

Making this Prime Rib Rub Recipe

Prime rib is such a quintessential recipe for special occasions. We love to make it for Christmas dinner, but have also prepared it when hosting dinner parties.

Because it is such an expensive cut of meat, I want it to turn out perfectly every time! Seasoning plays a huge role in this, so that’s why I created this dry rub.

We personally think it is the best prime rib rub recipe out there!

I like that it is easy to prepare and made from ingredients that are either something I already have on hand or very accessible at grocery stores. It really enhances the flavor of the prime rib so much!

Tools Needed to Make this Recipe

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this prime rib rub. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

• Measuring Spoon Set – to measure the spices.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – to chop the fresh rosemary.
• Small Bowl – to combine the ingredients in.
• Wire Whisk – to whisk the ingredients so they’re evenly blended together.
• Mason Jar or Spice Jar – to store the prepared seasoning mix.

What’s in this Prime Rib Seasoning?

This dry rub is made of relatively simple ingredients, but it makes a big impact on your prime rib roast! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Fresh Thyme Leaves
• Fresh Rosemary
• Kosher Salt or Coarse Sea Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• ​Brown Sugar
• Onion Powder
• Smoked Paprika

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this ​prime rib seasoning, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make this Prime Rib Rub

It doesn’t get more simple than this recipe! All you need to do is chop the fresh herbs and combine them with the rest of the seasonings – stir until well mixed.

The above is simply a quick summary of this prime rib rub recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making the Best Prime Rib Rub

• For best results use fresh spices — Spices don’t go bad unless they’ve been exposed to moisture and have developed mold. However, over time they lose their flavor. Sniff your spices to see if they’re still “fresh.” If they smell strongly, they’re good to use! If you can hardly smell anything, they’re likely old and you might want to head to the grocery store first.
• Use freshly ground black pepper, if possible — It has so much more flavor than the pre-ground stuff, but of course use whichever is easier for you. 
• Store in an airtight container — This helps seal in the flavors and keeps the seasoning blend fresh. 
• Make only as much as you need — Don’t make a batch so large that you won’t use it all before it gets old and the flavor becomes less potent. 

Prime Rib Rub FAQs

Got questions about how to make the best rub for a prime rib? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Do I have to use rosemary and thyme?

No, you can certainly choose one of the herbs if you prefer.

If using only rosemary, for example, make sure you add additional rosemary to the seasoning in the amount that you would for thyme – and vice versa if only using thyme.

Can I use dry herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can use dried rosemary and thyme instead of fresh when making this dry rub for your prime rib.

You’ll need to decrease the amount of herbs you use, however. Use amounts in teaspoons instead of tablespoons. (i.e. ⅓ as much since there are 3 teaspoons per tablespoons)

How to Store Prime Rib Seasoning

This prime rib rub is best stored in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator or freezer due to the fresh herbs.

Alternatively, you can substitute dried herbs if you’d like to store it at room temperature.

How long does this seasoning last?

If you want to make extra to keep on hand, it is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week or in the freezer for 3 – 4 months due to the fresh herbs.

If using dried herbs, transfer the rub to a jar or other container and store at room temperature in a cool, dark place (such as your spice cabinet or pantry) and use within about 6 months for best flavor.

How to Use this Dry Rub for Prime Rib

Before cooking your prime rib dinner, coat the entire roast in the seasoning blend. Here’s our favorite Prime Rib Recipe – we like to cook our prime rib on the Traeger after coating it in this seasoning blend.

TIP: when serving your prime rib, make sure to serve this homemade creamy horseradish sauce along side!

You can use this rub on other beef cuts, too! It tastes great used on filet mignon that we’ve cooked in the sous vide, on grilled tri-tip, beef tenderloin, and even on pork chops.

Try this Prime Rib Rub!

Next time you’re wondering how to season prime rib, give this Prime Rib Rub recipe a try!

Did you think it added the perfect flavor to your holiday dinner? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this great recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo of your holiday dinner!

More Homemade Seasoning Blends

Skip store-bought spice blends and make your own instead! This homemade Greek seasoning blend can be used on pork, chicken, seafood, and so much more!  

Homemade Southwestern Pork Rub is perfect to have on hand in your pantry and is a good rub for a variety of pork recipes.

This easy taco seasoning can be made in bulk and keeps for months if stored in an airtight container. Use it on tacos, in soups and stews, and more!

Add this recipe for homemade garlic salt to your spice cabinet and you’ll never need to purchase it from the grocery store again – perfect to season vegetable side dishes.

TIP: Custom spice blends make great homemade gifts to give to neighbors, friends, and teachers during the holiday season!

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