Recipe Card
Quick Description:
Tender, juicy prime rib marinated in milk and Creole butter, seasoned perfectly, and served with rich, flavorful au jus โ WW-friendly and high in protein.
Servings & Timing:
- Servings: 8โ10
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 24-hour marination)
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: ~27 hours (including marination)
Dietary Badges:
- Low-Carb
- High-Protein
- Moderately WW-Friendly
- Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free seasoning)
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2/3 gallon whole milk
- 2/3 bottle Creole butter
For the Prime Rib:
- 2 tbsp premium Cajun seasoning (e.g., Slap Ya Mama โ Spicy)
- 4 bones prime rib (approx. 10 lb)
For the Seasoning Concoction:
- 2 1/2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp stone-ground mustard
Additional Tools:
- 4 pieces long twine
- Paper towels
Prime Rib Au Jus:
- 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose Cajun spice blend (e.g., Tony Chachereโs Original Creole Seasoning)
- Prime rib bones (from the prime rib)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
- 1 tsp beef broth paste
- 1/4 stick butter
- 1/2 head garlic, halved crosswise
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tsp browning sauce
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Prime Rib
-
Marinate the Prime Rib:
Submerge the prime rib in 2/3 gallon milk with 2/3 bottle Creole butter. Inject mixture evenly on all sides. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours. -
Prepare the Prime Rib:
Remove from fridge, dry thoroughly. Trim excess fat and the fat cap. Tie with twine; let rest 1โ2 hours at room temperature. -
Season the Prime Rib:
Mix mayonnaise and mustard into a paste. Rub evenly over all surfaces, sprinkle additional Cajun seasoning lightly. -
Cook the Prime Rib:
- Preheat oven to 275ยฐF (135ยฐC). Bake 2 hours.
- Increase oven to 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) for 50 minutes.
- Finish at 500ยฐF (260ยฐC) for 10 minutes for a crisp crust.
-
Rest and Serve:
Cover with foil; rest 2 hours. Remove twine, slice, and serve with au jus.
Au Jus
- Place prime rib bones in Instant Pot with onion, carrot, and celery.
- Add beef broth paste, halved garlic, butter, and Cajun spice.
- Pour 1 1/2 cups water; cook 2 hours on high pressure.
- Strain liquid through fine mesh, chill briefly, skim fat.
- Reheat to a quick boil, add browning sauce and salt. Serve alongside prime rib.
Additional Notes
- Slight reduction of milk, Creole butter, and mayonnaise reduces WW points while keeping flavor rich.
- Portion control is key to remaining WW-friendly.
- Can prep marinade and au jus a day ahead.
Brief Introduction
This Milk Marinated Prime Rib with Au Jus is a luxurious yet WW-friendly and high-protein centerpiece perfect for holidays or weekend dinners. Marinating in milk and Creole butter ensures a juicy, tender roast while slightly reducing the richer components makes it points-conscious without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
- Whole milk: Tenderizes the meat naturally.
- Creole butter: Flavorful, but slightly reduced to be WW-friendly.
- Prime rib bones: Essential for rich, flavorful au jus.
- Cajun seasoning: Robust flavor with minimal calories.
Substitutions:
- Mayonnaise: Light or olive-oil-based for fewer WW points.
- Butter: Can slightly reduce further if tracking points.
- Cajun seasoning: Low-sodium versions for heart-conscious diets.
Serving & Presentation
- Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed cauliflower for low-carb, WW-friendly sides.
- Slice thin to maximize high-protein servings.
- Serve au jus with horseradish for extra flavor without adding points.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Prime rib: Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Au jus: Freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Oven 325ยฐF, covered, 15โ20 minutes; stir au jus while reheating.
Nutrition Per Serving (8 oz slice with au jus)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 50 g
- Carbs: 3โ4 g
- Fat: 23 g
- WW Points: 7โ8 per portion
Allergens: Dairy, Mustard
FAQs
Q: Can I skip marination?
A: Yes, but marination ensures tenderness and flavor.
Q: Can it be made ahead?
A: Yes โ marinate up to 24 hours, au jus a day ahead.
Q: Can a different cut be used?
A: Ribeye roast works; adjust cooking times accordingly.
Optional Personal Notes
I love this recipe for its balance of indulgence and points-conscious cooking. The milk and Creole butter marination gives a juicy, tender roast thatโs also WW-friendly and high-protein โ perfect for holiday meals or special family dinners.