Carnivore Standing Rib Roast (Prime Rib) - For the Carnivore Diet

A perfectly rosy, crusty standing rib roast using only salt and animal fat. Simple, reliable, and deeply beefy.

This standing rib roast leans on two carnivore fundamentals: time and salt. A dry brine draws seasoning deep into the meat and helps the exterior dry for better browning. A low, gentle roast keeps the interior evenly pink edge to edge, followed by a hot finish for a crackling crust.

Use a probe thermometer and pull the roast just before your target doneness; carryover heat during the rest does the final work. Beef tallow or butter adds a glossy finish and concentrates the pan drippings—perfect to spoon over slices. Save the bones for a broth or a next-day snack.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Dry brine: Pat the roast dry. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly on all sides (about 1/2 tsp per pound). Set on a rack over a tray and refrigerate uncovered 12–48 hours.
  2. Temper: Remove the roast 60–90 minutes before cooking to take off the chill. If needed, tie between bones to even the shape.
  3. Low roast: Heat oven to 225°F (107°C). Place the roast fat-cap up on a rack in a shallow pan. Insert a probe thermometer into the center, avoiding bone. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 118°F for rare, 122–125°F for medium-rare, or about 130°F for medium. Expect roughly 30–35 minutes per pound, but go by temperature.
  4. Rest: Transfer the roast to a board and tent loosely with foil for 30–60 minutes. Increase oven to 500°F (260°C), or heat a heavy skillet over high.
  5. Sear to finish: For oven finish, return the roast to the 500°F oven for 6–10 minutes until deeply browned. For skillet finish, melt 1–2 tbsp beef tallow or butter and sear the exterior 1–2 minutes per side until crusty.
  6. Slice and serve: Rest 10 minutes, then slice between bones into thick chops or carve slabs. Spoon pan drippings or a little melted tallow over the meat. Save bones and trimmings for broth.

Time: 12–48 hours dry brine, plus 3.5–4.5 hours to cook and rest Servings: