The Perfect Gluten Free Holiday Prime Rib with Safe Au Jus

When it comes to holiday dinners, few dishes command as much awe as a perfectly roasted Prime Rib or a succulent Beef Roast. It’s the undisputed centerpiece for Christmas dinner, symbolizing celebration and indulgence. But for those managing gluten sensitivities, the traditional gravy or au jus can be a hidden minefield.

Fear not! This guide will show you how to prepare a show-stopping, tender, and juicy Gluten Free Holiday Prime Rib that is naturally GF, complete with a rich, safe au jus that everyone can enjoy.

Allergen Information:

This recipe is naturally Gluten Free from the roast itself. The accompanying au jus recipe is also explicitly designed to be Gluten-Free. It is also naturally Dairy-Free (depending on your butter choice for searing) and Nut-Free.

Ingredient Notes:

Prime Rib or Beef Roast: Choose a bone-in prime rib roast for maximum flavor and impressive presentation. If using a boneless roast, consider tying it with butcher’s twine for even cooking.
Gluten-Free Au Jus: The key here is using cornstarch or a GF flour blend as a thickener instead of wheat flour. Good quality beef broth is paramount.
Garlic & Herbs: Fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme infuse incredible flavor directly into the roast, complementing the beef beautifully.

Tips For Success

Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the roast from the refrigerator 2-3 hours before cooking. This ensures more even cooking and helps prevent a cold center.
High Heat Sear, Then Low Roast: Starting the roast at a high temperature 450creates a beautiful crust. Then, lowering the temperature slowly cooks the interior to tender perfection without overcooking the exterior.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This is non-negotiable for prime rib. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast (avoiding bone) is crucial for hitting your desired doneness.
Rest, Rest, Rest: After roasting, tent the meat loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist roast.

Step-By-Step Photos and Directions:

Prep the Roast: Bring the prime rib to room temperature. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Rub generously with olive oil, then the mixed garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

High Heat Roast: Place the roast fat-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast in a preheated oven at 450Ffor 15-20 minutes to create a beautiful sear.

Low Heat Roast: Reduce oven temperature to 325F160C. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (see chart below).
Rest the Roast: Once done, remove the roast from the oven, transfer it to a cutting board, and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes while you make the au jus.

Make GF Au Jus: Pour off excess fat from the roasting pan, leaving the drippings. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry. Season to taste.

Carve & Serve: Slice the rested prime rib against the grain and serve immediately with the warm Gluten-Free Au Jus.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of beef roast can I use? While prime rib is premium, you can use a standing rib roast, boneless beef roast, or even a sirloin tip roast with adjustments to cooking time.
Can I make the au jus ahead? Yes, you can prepare the au jus base ahead of time and simply reheat it, adding the fresh drippings (if any) from the rested roast before serving.

Roast Troubleshooting:

Why is my prime rib dry?

Overcooking is the most common culprit. Always use a meat thermometer and pull the roast when it’s about 5F below your target temperature, as it will continue to cook while resting. Not letting it rest long enough can also lead to dryness.

Why isn’t my au jus thickening?

Ensure your cornstarch slurry is fully mixed before adding it to hot liquid to prevent lumps. The liquid needs to return to a simmer/light boil after adding the slurry for the cornstarch to activate and thicken.

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The Best Gluten-Free Holiday Prime Rib Roast

Equipment

Large roasting pan with rack
Instant-read meat thermometer
Small saucepan (for au jus)
Whisk

Ingredients 1x2x3x

Prime Rib Roast

1 (4-6 lb) bone-in prime rib roast (3-4 ribs)
2 Tbsp olive oil
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 tsp coarse sea salt
1 tsp black pepper

Gluten-Free Au Jus

2 cups beef broth (low sodium, certified GF)
1 Tbsp cornstarch (or GF all-purpose flour blend)
2 Tbsp cold water
Pan drippings from the roast
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prep Roast: Remove roast from fridge 2-3 hours before cooking. Pat dry. Rub with olive oil, then the mixed garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
High Heat Roast: Preheat oven to 450F230C. Place roast fat-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 15-20 minutes.
Low Heat Roast: Reduce oven to 325F160C. Continue roasting, using a meat thermometer, until desired internal temperature:
- Rare: 120-125Fpull at 115F
- Medium-Rare: 125-130Fpull at 120F
- Medium: $130-135F
Rest: Remove roast from oven, transfer to cutting board, tent with foil. Rest for 20-30 minutes.
Make Au Jus: While roast rests, skim excess fat from roasting pan. Add beef broth, scrape up browned bits. Whisk cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk slurry into simmering broth. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Season.
Carve & Serve: Slice prime rib against the grain and serve with warm GF Au Jus.

Notes

The resting time is crucial for a juicy roast; don’t skip it!
For an extra herbaceous crust, you can rub the roast a day in advance and let it sit uncovered in the fridge overnight.

SPECIAL NOTE

Ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten-containing ingredients.

Nutrition

Note: This nutritional analysis is an estimate for one 4-ounce cooked serving of Prime Rib/Beef Roast, trimmed of excess fat before serving. It does not include the au jus, which varies based on fat skimmed.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Estimated)
Calories	310 kcal
Protein	32 g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Carbohydrates	1g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	450 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

All nutritional information provided is an estimate based on third-party calculators. Specific values will vary based on the cut of meat, fat content, and exact measurements used.