Expert: Keith Patton - 12/22/2008

Question
2questions actually.. How many pounds of prime rib do I need to feed 15 people? And, What would be the cook time for a larger portion like that so that it would come out medium rare still?

Answer

Kristie:

Plan on at least 1/2 lb per person (8 oz) or more per person before cooking. This will cook down a bit as it looses moisture.  So if you know your crowd are big eaters go for 3/4 lb per person.

Best not to cook specifically minutes per pound.  Better to cook by internal temperature. Go to 120F for rare, 125-130 for medium.  Set your oven at 350F abd the estimated time would be around 3-4 hours.  BUT get an instant read thermometer to tell when the meat is at the proper temperature.

My wife got me a remote digital thermometer that you stick in the meat and it has a remote readout.  Pretty handy.  I use it for roasting pigs.

Keith