Rib Roast vs Prime Rib: What’s the Difference?

There are different kinds of ribs and different ways to prepare them. Preparing your ribs the right way depends on the type of ribs you are cooking and the recipe you follow.

However, what is the difference between rib roast and prime ribs?

Prime rib and rib roast are the same cut of the cow. However, there are certain differences between them.

The prime rib is usually roasted with the bone uncut or intact while the rib roast can be boneless when it is cooked. The rib roast can often be sold as steak rather than ribs.

Rib Roast vs Roast Rib: Side-by-Side Comparison

Standing Rib Roast vs Prime Rib

You most likely came across the term standing rib about as many times as you came across the term prime rib or rib roast. The prime rib is usually referred to as a standing rib and they are in fact, the same thing.

This rib is a cut from the primal rib of the beef which is any rib between the 6th and 12th. This cut could contain between 2-7 ribs and it can be cooked in various forms as well.

Often, standing rib is cooked with the bone on it, however, it is not uncommon to take the bone out. The most common form of cooking this type of rib is roasting. But you can also grill it or bake it according to your recipe.

If you want to get creative in the kitchen, this type of meat gives you the option to do so. And chances are that it will taste great in all types of dishes. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about not enjoying the final result.

What is the Difference Between a Rib Roast and Prime Rib?

While the rib roast and prime rib come from the same part of a cow’s ribs, the difference between them is the way these ribs are cooked.

The rib roast needs to be cut before it is cooked. You will most often find the rib roast in the store without the bone and it can be sold as a steak.

In the case of the prime rib, this is often cooked with the bone in it. Prime ribs are also sold as ribs not steaks and you can chop them at home if you so prefer. However, original recipes call for leaving the prime rib intact as they have more flavor with the bone attached to them.

What is a Prime Rib Called at the Grocery Store?

As a general rule, the prime rib can be called a standing rib as well as a rib roast in grocery stores. However, even if prime rib and standing rib are basically the same things, the rib roast is different in terms of cooking.

However, all these three names of ribs refer to the same cut of beef. This is why they share the same name, in spite of the minor differences. If you want to get the rib with the bone on it, you might want to look for the prime rib. Further, you can modify it at home as you please.

Another thing to consider is that the rib roast tends to cost more since the bone is already taken out of it. Meaning, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the prime rib might be a better choice.

Is Rib Roast a Good Cut of Meat?

Some of the most well-known chefs in the world, consider rib roast one of the best cuts of meat. If you try to cook this type of meat at home, you will be amazed by how many recipes can go with it.

You can combine it with different sauces and different flavors to get the results you want. This meat cut is succulent and it is very tender if you prepare it correctly.

You can marinate rib roast in many mixes to increase its taste and make a more impressive meal. And the best part of it is that you can find it without the bone attached to it.

If you look in grocery stores, you will be pleased to discover that these types of cuts come almost ready to cook.

All you have to do is place your steak in the pan, over or any other cooking device you might be using and prepare it with the rest of your ingredients.

Also, if you prefer the rib roast with the bone, you can find it in this version as well. In this case, you want to cook your rib roast by incorporating the bone into the recipe.

The sky is the limit when it comes to these aspects. So, if you are looking for one of the tastiest meat cuts, the rib roast is definitely a great option.

Are All Rib Roast Prime Rib?

Rib roasts and prime ribs come from the same part of the cow.

There are differences in terms of preparing these types of cuts. However, a rib roast will always come from the primal rib which is the cow cut that offers the prime rib as well.

It is very important to be aware of the differences between a rib roast and a prime rib though, as they will help you make the best choice for your next meal.

The rib roast and prime rib only share the same origin as they come from the same part of the cow. However, these two types of meat are not considered identical due to the fact that the rib roast comes without the bone.

Therefore, it would be fair to say that all rib roasts come from the prime rib but they are not the same thing considering the differences.

Conclusion

If you decided to cook a delicious rib roast or a prime rib you might be impressed by the results. There are plenty of recipes you can put together with such meat cuts.

Remember that even if both rib roast and prime rib come from the same primal ribs of the cow, there are cooking differences that you should take into account.

You can also get prime rib and take the bone out at home if you want to make rib roast out of it. Either way, you will not be left disappointed since you will get the same taste in both situations.

Rib roast, as well as prime rib, are the best choice you can make in terms of beef.

These meat cuts are tasty and easy to cook since they go great with a wide range of ingredients. So, let your imagination run wild in the kitchen and you will be impressed by the results you get.