Prime Rib vs Ribeye: Which Is the Better Cut of Meat?
Regarding steak, there are two main cuts that people argue about: Prime rib vs ribeye.
Both of these cuts of meat are delicious, but they have their own unique features that set them apart. Let’s discuss the taste, texture, size, and price of prime rib and ribeye to decide which is better for you.
What Is Prime Rib?
Prime rib is a cut of beef that comes from the loin of the cow. BBQ connoisseurs tend to roast them, as they are known for their tenderness and juiciness.
Prim rib tastes great when served as a steak, as well. The bone typically remains attached to the steak, making it easy to remove or cut around.
What Is Ribeye?
Ribeye is a cut of beef from the rib section of the cow. Less expensive than prime rib, but still delicious and tender. Ribeye is great when grilled or pan-fried.
A ribeye steak is sweet, delicate, and easy to cut. One of the finest cuts of steak, it can be quite large, weighing 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, while the ribeye cooks quickly. Prime rib is amazing when cooked in an oven or slow cooker. The meat remains tender and tasty.
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?
A few key differences between the prime rib and the ribeye separate 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 wonderful cut of meat.
The prime rib is a more tender and juicy cut of meat than the ribeye. The flavor is more powerful in prime rib because of the bones, fat, and connective tissue in the larger roasting cut,
Ribeye steak, on the other hand, has a milder flavor because of its marbling and buttery fat.
Both prime rib and ribeye are delicious, but prime rib is generally more tender and juicy.
Prime Rib vs Ribeye: Appearance
The prime rib is a larger cut of meat than the ribeye, typically with a bone attached to it. The ribeye is a smaller cut of meat and does not typically have a bone attached to it. The prime rib is often a rosy pink, while the ribeye is a pale pink color.
Prime Rib vs Ribeye: Price
Regarding 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. To make your money go further, ribeye is your bet. This also is a desirable cut of meat because of its rich, beefy taste and silky texture.
A prime rib steak is typically more expensive than an average-cut ribeye. Yet a large USDA prime-cut ribeye can cost more than a prime rib slice.
In general, if we compare two similar cuts in quality and size, the prime rib will cost more money. Prices can vary depending on your local market, so it’s best to check with your local butcher.
Prime Rib Verses Ribeye: Cooking Differences
Prime rib is a larger cut of meat, so it takes longer to cook than ribeye. People often cook prime rib in an oven or slow cooker, while they grill or pan-fry ribeye.
We highly recommend using a meat thermometer when cooking prime rib. This will help you gauge the temperature inside the meat during these long cooking periods, and achieve the perfect medium-rare.
People consider prime rib a roast, while they consider ribeye a steak.
Because of this, you’ll need to cook the prime rib longer to reach a safe internal temperature.
Since ribeye is a steak, you don’t need to cook it as long as a prime rib roast. You can also cook it on a grill or in a pan, making it a versatile and easy-to-prepare cut of meat.
While there are many ways to cook both, the large size of a prime rib roast offers nearly endless cooking possibilities.
How to Cook Prime Rib
Prime rib is a large roast typically cooked in an oven or slow cooker. You can also grill it, but you’ll need a large grill to accommodate the roast. 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 cast-iron skillet to 275 degrees.
- Place the entire rib roast in a large roasting pan.
- Cook the roast for 3-4 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
- Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
You can also grill prime rib, and grilled prime rib is delicious. It has the tender flavor of prime rib, and the charred outer skin 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, and 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 requires little fuss or preparation. 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 ribeye 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 you can grill or pan-fry quickly.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference regarding which meat you prefer. So, which is the best cut of meat? It’s up to you to decide.
Happy grilling!