INGREDIENTS:

• 6 to 8 pounds bone-in prime rib
• 1 medium fennel bulb, cut into large chunks
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 8 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 celery ribs, cut into large chunks

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Two days before you plan on roasting the prime rib, combine the salt, dried rosemary, and grated garlic in a bowl. Rub the mixed seasoning over the entire prime rib.
2. Lay the seasoned prime rib on a baking sheet fitted with a rack and place it in the refrigerator uncovered. Allow the prime rib to rest for at least 48 hours and up to 96 hours.
3. One hour before roasting, take the prime rib out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Adjust an oven rack to the middle-lower position and preheat the oven to 250 ° F.
4. Take a deep baking dish with a roasting rack inserted and fill the bottom of the dish with celery, fennel, onion, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Heavily season the prime rib with pepper.
5. Lay the prime rib, fat side up, on the roasting rack. Place the meat in the oven and roast until the prime rib reaches the desired internal temperature: 130 ° F for medium-rare (3 to 3 ½ hours), or 135 ° F for medium (3 ½ to 4 hours).
6. Remove the prime rib from the oven, loosely cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 45 minutes.
7. Increase the oven temperature to 500 ° F and move the oven rack to the top-middle position.
8. Remove the aluminum foil from the prime rib and place it back in the oven. Cook until the fat begins to crisp up, about 8 to 10 minutes.
9. Remove the roast from the oven and place it on a cutting board. Remove the bone and slice the meat into ½-to-¾-inch-thick pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Here are some variations you can try for the prime rib recipe:

1. Herb Crusted Prime Rib: Instead of just using dried rosemary, mix a blend of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Create a paste by mixing the herbs with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Rub this herb paste over the prime rib before roasting for a flavorful herb crust.
2. Garlic and Horseradish Prime Rib: Create a garlic and horseradish crust for the prime rib. Mix grated fresh horseradish with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture over the prime rib before roasting. Serve with a horseradish cream sauce on the side.
3. Red Wine and Shallot Prime Rib: Instead of using fennel and celery, create a flavorful base for the roasting dish by using chopped shallots and carrots. Deglaze the pan with red wine before adding the prime rib. The red wine will add a rich flavor to the meat.
4. Coffee-Rubbed Prime Rib: Create a unique crust for the prime rib by making a coffee rub. Mix ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Rub this mixture over the prime rib before roasting. The coffee rub will add a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
5. Asian-Inspired Prime Rib: Infuse the prime rib with Asian flavors by creating a marinade with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Marinate the prime rib in this mixture for a few hours before roasting. Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables with soy sauce and ginger.