11 Simple Sauce Recipes That Perfect Prime Rib

Prime rib roast is what you make when you want to do it up big. Even with such a standout cut of meat, though, you can still take the meal to the next level. The secret's in the sauce. These sauce recipes are low on effort but big on flavor, especially when they're paired with prime rib. Whether you want something creamy, cheesy, or herby, these prime rib sauces will complement your roast perfectly.

prime rib with au jus
Credit: Meredith
01 of 12

Horseradish Sauce

Horseradish Sauce
lutzflcat

Horseradish sauce is a classic accompaniment for prime rib, and this horseradish sauce has great flavor and an incredibly creamy texture. Make enough for the night of and the next day so you can spread the extra sauce on leftover prime rib sandwiches.

02 of 12

Prime Rib Gravy

gravy in gravy boat
Chef John

Chef John's rich gravy is made from beef ribs and good-quality beef stock. "You can use more bones for an even meatier gravy, but part of this effort was to see how much flavor we could extract from just two rib bones. The answer was, a lot."

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Beef Au Jus

prime rib with au jus
Meredith

Beef au jus is another classic sauce for prime rib that's also so simple to make. "This is the most minimalist method for doing a quick au jus for your prime rib of beef," says Chef John. You'll simply use the drippings and fat from the roast to create this magnificent au jus.

04 of 12

Basic Bechamel Sauce

Basic Bechamel Sauce
Meredith

This bechamel sauce takes a little patience, but the extra time is worth it for such decadent results. In addition to a providing a perfect finishing touch on prime rib, you can use this sauce as a cream of mushroom substitute in casseroles.

05 of 12

Garlic Aioli

Garlic Aioli
Photo by KGora.

Once you try this aioli, you may never want to eat plain mayonnaise again. A dollop of aioli will add a bit of creaminess and zest to prime rib roast, and a smear will also complement leftover prime rib in a sandwich.

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Bordelaise Sauce with Mushrooms

Bordelaise Sauce with Mushrooms
Wendy

This red wine sauce always adds a touch of elegance, and its deep, rich flavor makes a worthy partner for prime rib. If you can't find shallots, sweet onions will do just as well.

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Dill Sauce

dill sauce with lemon wedge in white cup
lutzflcat

Zingy and refreshing, dill sauce is typically served with fish, but its flavors will complement a perfectly buttery slice of prime rib. Adding Dijon mustard to the dill tames some of its kick, while lemon juice adds just the right amount of acidity to cut through the sour cream.

08 of 12

Thick-Style Lebanese Garlic Sauce

Thick-Style Lebanese Garlic Sauce
Linda

This creamy, five-ingredient garlic sauce works with just about anything and will give your prime rib roast a nice kick of garlicky, lemony flavor. For best results, use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil that's nice and fresh.

09 of 12

Chef John's Chimichurri Sauce

Chef John's Chimichurri Sauce
Fero

Herby and tangy, chimichurri sauce has the ability to make any piece of beef sing, so paired with prime rib, it makes for an otherworldly eating experience. Truthfully, you'll want to put it on anything after trying it. If you don't have white wine vinegar on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of rice vinegar and add a little lemon juice.

10 of 12

Onion Sauce

onion sauce in a white bowl
Cliff G

If you enjoy the taste of onions, you'll want to try this German-style sauce. It adds just the amount of moisture and flavor to enhance prime rib without overpowering it.

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Gorgonzola Sauce

Gorgonzola Sauce
Photo by RebeccaD.

This warm, melty, and garlicky cheese sauce will take your prime rib—or any meat, really—to an entirely new level. It's rich and creamy, and if you serve mashed potatoes or roasted veggies on the side, the sauce will complement them perfectly.

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