How Many Pounds Of Prime Rib To Buy Per Person?

Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Shari Mason

When planning a holiday feast, one important factor that requires careful consideration is the amount of food that needs to be bought.

If you’re serving prime rib, one of the most popular and delicious holiday entrees, you’ll need to know how many pounds of prime rib to buy per person. 

We will discuss the factors to consider and the general rule of thumb for how many pounds of prime rib to buy per person for a delicious holiday feast.

Pounds Of Prime Rib To Buy Per Person

When buying prime rib [1], it’s generally recommended to plan for about one pound per person if the roast is the main course for a sit-down dinner. This estimate assumes that some guests may want seconds or leftovers.

However, it’s important to consider the appetites of your guests, as well as other dishes that will be served alongside the prime rib.

It’s also a good idea to factor in some extra for waste or trimmings, as well as bones if you’re buying a bone-in prime rib. If you’re looking for leftovers, it’s generally recommended to buy about 1.5 pounds per person.

“I know my husband really loves me because he takes me to have ribs. He says I’m the only girl he ever took out who actually ate anything on her plate, as opposed to pushing it around.”

– Julia Barr, American Actress

In addition to your group size, you must consider how much prime rib you would like to serve. If your guests have other dishes, one to two pounds of prime rib per person should be enough. 

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Factors To Consider

1. Size of the prime rib: The size of the prime rib will determine how many pounds per person. Generally, one-half to one pound per person is a good rule of thumb. 
2. Number of guests: The number of guests at the dinner table will also be a factor when determining how many pounds of prime rib per person. If you’re hosting a large crowd, you may need to purchase more prime ribs, as each guest will likely eat more. 
3. The guests’ appetite: If your guests are known to have big appetites, you may want to purchase more than the general rule of thumb suggests. 
4. Other food items served: If you’re serving a variety of side dishes and appetizers, you may need to purchase less prime rib per person. 
5. Leftovers: If you’re hoping to have leftovers, you may want to purchase more prime rib than the general rule of thumb suggests.

Read: How Many Pounds Of Skirt Steak Per Person?

Are Prime Ribs Healthy?

Prime rib is considered a nutritious cut of beef due to its high concentration of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals. 

It is also a good source of healthy unsaturated fats, which can help to reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. 

As with all meats, it is important to watch portion sizes and limit consumption of high-fat cuts. Prime rib is a delicious, nutrient-dense food that can be an excellent part of a healthy diet.

Read: How Much Ground Beef Per Person For Chili?

What To Look For When Buying A Prime Rib

When purchasing a prime rib, you should look for meat that is well-marbled, dark in color, and has a good balance of fat and lean. 

Additionally, look for beef labeled USDA Prime or USDA Choice [2], which indicates that the beef is of the highest quality. 

“As you gather around the table, let each guest be greeted with a generous serving, as if the very essence of indulgence is captured in each mouthwatering slice.”

Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Also, when selecting the size of the roast, you should look for one that is approximately 12-14 pounds for a bone-in roast and 8-10 pounds for a boneless roast. 

Finally, look for a roast aged 14 days for maximum flavor.

Tips On How To Make The Best Prime Ribs

1. Start with high-quality meat: When making prime ribs, it’s important to start with a high-quality cut of meat. Look for a prime rib roast with a good amount of marbling and a nice bright red color. 
2. Season generously: Before cooking, season the prime rib with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. 
3. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 
4. Sear the roast: Heat a pan on the stovetop over high heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the prime rib roast for about 2 minutes per side. This will help seal the juices and create a nice caramelized crust. 
5. Place in the oven: Place the roast in a roasting pan and cook in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees Fahrenheit. 
6. Let it rest: Once the roast is finished cooking, rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure that the juices are evenly distributed throughout the roast.

FAQs

Key Takeaways

When buying prime rib for dinner, it is important to consider the size of your guests and how many sides and appetizers will be served. 

Generally, a good rule of thumb is to purchase a quarter-pound of prime rib per person. If you want to be safe, you can increase the amount to a third-pound per person. 

Ultimately, the amount of prime rib you buy will depend on the size of your guests and the number of sides and appetizers you plan to serve.

References:

1. https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/prime_rib/
2. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/01/28/whats-your-beef-prime-choice-or-select