Prime Rib vs Ribeye: Which Is the Better Cut of Meat?
When it comes to steak, there are two main cuts that people seem to argue about: Prime rib vs ribeye.
Both of these cuts of meat are delicious, but they have their own unique characteristics that set them apart. Let’s discuss the taste, texture, size, and price of prime rib and ribeye so that you can decide which is the better cut for you.
What Is Prime Rib?
Prime rib is a cut of beef that comes from the loin of the cow, is usually roasted, and it is known to be a very tender and juicy cut of meat.
It can also be served as a steak. The bone is still attached to the steak, typically all the way to one side of the cut, making it easy to remove or cut around.
What Is Ribeye?
Ribeye is a cut of beef that comes from the rib section of the cow. It is a less expensive cut of meat than the prime rib, but it is still a very delicious and tender cut. Ribeye is typically grilled or pan-fried, and it can also be served as a steak.
A ribeye steak is sweet, delicate, and easy to cut. It’s one of the finest cuts of steak and can come quite big; ribeyes can weigh up to 20 oz.
A ribeye roast is not only juicy, but it’s also great for cutting with a carving knife.
Which Cut Is the Best?
Prime rib is a larger and more expensive cut of meat, while ribeye is a smaller and more affordable cut. Prime rib is a roast, while the ribeye is a steak. The primal rib section takes longer to cook, while the ribeye cooks quickly. Prime rib is typically cooked in an oven or slow cooker so the meat remains tender, while the ribeye is grilled.
Both prime rib and ribeye are delicious cuts of meat, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Prime Rib Vs Ribeye: What’s the Difference?
There are a few key differences between the prime rib and the ribeye that differentiate these two cuts of meat.
Some of the major differences between ribeye and prime rib can include:
Prime Rib vs Ribeye: Taste and texture
Both the ribeye and the prime rib have a distinctively rich flavor.
The prime rib has a bit more flavor than the ribeye rib, but the ribeye rib is still a very delicious cut of meat.
Because of the bones, fat, and connective tissue in the larger roasting cut, that flavor is usually a little more powerful in prime rib. The Prime rib is a more tender and juicy cut of meat than the ribeye.
Ribeye steak, on the other hand, has a milder flavor, due to the added marbling and buttery taste of the fat that surrounds, as well as wraps throughout, the steak.
The taste and texture of both the prime rib and the ribeye are excellent, but prime rib is a bit more tender and juicier than the ribeye.
Prime Rib vs Ribeye: Appearance
The Prime rib is a larger cut of meat than the ribeye, and it typically has a bone attached to it. The ribeye is a smaller cut of meat, and it does not typically have a bone attached to it. The Prime rib is often a rosy pink color, while the ribeye is a more pale pink color.
Prime Rib vs Ribeye: Price
When it comes to pricing, prime rib is a more expensive cut of meat than ribeye steaks.
Prime rib is generally more expensive because you are buying a much larger and higher-quality cut of meat.
However, you’ll get more for your money with a ribeye steak. If you are looking to make your money go further then ribeye is your bet. It’s also a very desirable cut of meat because of its rich beefy taste and silky texture.
While prime rib steak is more expensive compared to your average cut ribeye, a large USDA Prime cut ribeye can easily end up costing more than a prime rib slice.
In general, if we are comparing two similar cuts, in quality and size, the prime rib would cost more money. Of course, this can vary depending on your local market, so it is always a good idea to check with your local butcher to get the most accurate pricing information.
Prime Rib Verses Ribeye: Cooking Differences
Prime rib is a larger cut of meat, so it takes longer to cook than ribeye. Prime rib is often cooked in a slow cooker or oven, while ribeye can be grilled or pan-fried.
We highly recommend a meat thermometer when cooking prime rib. A meat thermometer will really help you gauge the internal temperate during these long cooking periods and give you that perfect medium-rare you are chasing.
Prime rib is considered a roast, while ribeye is a steak.
Because of this, the prime rib cut will need to be cooked for a longer period of time in order to reach a safe internal temperature.
The ribeye is a steak, so it does not need to be cooked for as long as the typical prime rib bone. It can also be cooked on a grill or in a pan, making it a very versatile and easy-to-prepare cut of meat.
As we previously said, you have a lot of alternatives for cooking both ribeye and prime rib, but the prime standing rib roast has almost infinite cooking possibilities because of its size.
How to Cook Prime Rib
The Prime rib is a large roast that is typically cooked in an oven or slow cooker. It can also be cooked on a grill, but you will need to have a large grill in order to accommodate the size of the roast. It should be noted that the preferred internal temperature for both the ribeye steak and prime rib is medium-rare. So keep that in mind when cooking!
The following is a general guide on how to cook a Prime rib roast:
- Preheat your oven to 275 degrees or cast-iron skillet.
- Place the entire rib roast in a large roasting pan.
- Cook the roast for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
- Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prime rib can also be grilled, grilled prime rib is delicious. You get the tender flavor of the prime rib but with the charred outer skin that really enhances the flavor.
Grilling prime rib
- Preheat your gas grill to 250-300 degrees
- Place the prime rib on the grill
- Bring the rib steak up to 135f internal temperature, use your meat thermometer to check
- Let the rib steak for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy!
Cooking Prime Rib roast is a simple process that doesn’t require a lot of fuss or preparation. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have a delicious and tender roast to serve your guests.
How to Cook Ribeye Steak
The ribeye steak is a smaller, more affordable cut of meat that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The following is a general guide on how to cook a rib-eye steak:
- Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches a desired level of doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Ribeye steak is a versatile and easy-to-cook cut of meat that can be grilled or pan-fried in no time at all.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference which cut of meat you prefer. So, which is the best cut of meat? It’s up to you to decide.
Happy grilling!