Low-Key Feasts

Low-Key Feast

You can’t always be with your entire family for the holidays. But with friends, home is wherever you’re together. Over the past few years, so many of us have had to change, rearrange, and cancel our holiday plans. But there has been a silver lining: The rise of Friendsgiving. Yes, Friendsgiving often lacks the comfort of family tradition — but it makes up for it in a freewheeling “Let’s try it!” spirit. 

Common Considerations for a Low-Key Feast:

Feast for a Crowd: Prime Rib 

There’s no better way to celebrate with your circle of friends than gathering to share a Snake River Farms prime rib. Rich, luscious, and luxurious, prime rib on the table means a special meal is about to start. Don't be intimidated to prepare a prime rib. Although many people equate them with a long day in the kitchen, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.

Known Quantity

How much prime rib should you purchase? Plan on 8 ounces per guest. Add extra servings to your calculations for heartier appetites. Prime ribs lose weight when cooked, so estimate 20% shrink for boneless roasts and 30% for bone-in varieties. 

All the Marbling 

Marbling, or intramuscular fat, is the best indicator of flavor. Look for prime ribs with a plentiful amount of visible white strands. Cooking in the oven melts the marbling and provides more flavor, juiciness, and a tender texture. 

Down to the Bone 

Bone-in prime ribs look fantastic on the table. In addition, the bones insulate the surrounding meat, leaving a section that’s extra juicy and tender. Boneless prime ribs are just as flavorful and require no additional knife work to slice and serve. 

Thaw Out 

Take the time to fully thaw your prime rib. A frozen roast can take 2 to 3 days to defrost in the refrigerator. Play it safe and put your frozen prime rib in the fridge 4 or 5 days before your dinner. 

Seasoning is the Ticket 

Generously season your prime rib to create the classic savory outer crust and to enhance the flavor of the beef. Kosher salt and cracked black pepper are excellent, but feel free to add your favorite aromatics and herbs such as garlic and rosemary. Our SRF Rosemary Roast Seasoning is a great shortcut.

Thermometer of Success

Cooking time provides a general idea of when your prime rib will be ready. A good guideline is 20 minutes per pound. That said, the only way to know it’s time to pull the prime rib from the oven is temperature. Check in the middle of the largest section, as well as in several places throughout the roast. 130°F equates to medium doneness, which will please the majority of folks. 

Rest Area 

When removed from the oven, the temperature varies throughout the roast. Resting for 15 to 20 minutes allows the temperature to equalize. The temp will continue to rise about 5°F while resting, and the juices will be reabsorbed. The result is a more delicious, more juicy prime rib.

Guide: How to Cook a Ham

Feast for a Couple: Cowboy Steak

Whether by circumstance or by design, sometimes the holiday table is set for two. There’s still every reason to go all out! A whole prime rib might be overkill for a couple, but our cowboy steak provides the perfect solution. Averaging a full two-and-a-half pounds, it’s a huge steak that does double duty as a prime rib for a dining duo.

Reverse-searing the cowboy steak like a roast provides an eating experience more akin to prime rib. But feel free to use the grill if you prefer.

Reverse Sear Guide

1. Heat oven to 275°F.
2. Season the steak generously with kosher salt and pepper.
3. Set the steak on a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet and place in the hot oven.
4. About 20 minutes into the cook time, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. Target 110°F for rare, 120°F for medium rare, and 130°F for medium doneness.
5. Remove the steak from the oven when the target temp is reached, and rest on a cutting board for 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Before serving, place under the broiler to get a final sear.

Guide: How to Cook a Cowboy Steak