Difference Between Prime Rib and Rib Roast

Basically, prime rib and rib roast refer to the same cut of beef. However, there exists a sharp distinction between them that most common folks won’t tell of. As a result, the two terms have been interchanged for long, and people end up buying a different steak cut from what they wanted.

What is the difference between them? The question can be answered by diving into what each is and their specific characteristics.

What is Prime Rib?

Also called standing rib roast, this is a beef cut fetched from the primal rib between ribs 6 – 12. The primal rib is among the nine primal cuts of beef which explains the name prime rib.

Prime rib is mostly roasted standing which explains the alternate name ‘standing rib roast.” When the rib bones are roasted while standing, it helps to prevent the meat from touching the roasting pan or grill.

What is Rib Roast?

The rib roast has many names, and you should not get lost or hung up on them. After all, they refer to the same cut without distinctive features to differentiate them. It is also called rib roast since it also comes from the rib area of the beef animal, between the 6^th to 12^th ribs.

The main difference between it and the prime rib is that it should be cut before the roast is cooked. It is also mostly sold as steak since the bones are removed while they are left intact in prime rib.

Difference Between Prime Rib and Rib Roast

Pricing of Prime Rib Vs. Rib Roast

Rib roast can be cut either as bone-in or boneless. The boneless steak is more expensive which means prime rib is a bit cheaper.

With or Without Bones?

Prime rib is roasted with the bones intact while rib roast can be cut bone-in or boneless.

Cooking Differences

The rib roast is generally cooked as steak. This means that you can pan-fry or grill it to your preferences. Prime rib, on the other hand, needs to be roasted and this usually needs to be completely thawed and seasoned before it can be roasted.

Prime Rib Vs. Rib Roast: Comparison Table

Summary

As they are with most beef cuts cut from the same area, prime rib and rib roast can be confusing. They actually have no major differences except on how they are prepared and where one is roasted as bone-in while the other can be bone-in or boneless. As for the pricing, the prices vary and mostly depend on whether you’re buying small pieces like in rib roast or one large chunk as it is with prime rib.

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