Prime rib with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli and a glass of red wine.
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15-30 min total 4 Sauces Easy

Four Sauces for Your Prime Rib

Perfect Companions for an Incredible Roast

A beautifully cooked prime rib deserves equally thoughtful finishing touches. These four simple sauces are designed to complement the richness of the roast without overpowering it. Each brings its own personality, from creamy and sharp to deep and savory. All can be prepared while the roast is resting, so they are ready just in time for carving.

1

Horseradish Cream Sauce

A cool, creamy contrast with the perfect kick

Homemade Organic Horseradish Sauce in a Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (add more for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: chopped chives

Instructions

  1. 1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl
  2. 2. Mix until smooth
  3. 3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend

This sauce adds brightness and a sharp pop that balances the richness of prime rib.

2

Classic Au Jus

A light, beef-forward sauce that enhances every slice

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Ingredients

  • Roast drippings or 1 tablespoon beef tallow
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 crushed garlic clove
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1. Heat the drippings or tallow in a pan
  2. 2. Add the broth, Worcestershire and garlic
  3. 3. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce slightly
  4. 4. Strain and adjust seasoning

Serve warm and let the flavors soak into every slice.

3

Red Wine Pan Sauce

A rich and elegant sauce built on the fond from finishing the roast

Grilled beef tenderloin steak on a white platter is served with demiglas sauce

Ingredients

  • Fond from searing or finishing the roast
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. 1. Deglaze the hot pan with red wine, scraping up the browned bits
  2. 2. Add the broth, Dijon and Worcestershire
  3. 3. Simmer until reduced slightly
  4. 4. Whisk in the butter to finish

This sauce brings depth and richness that pairs beautifully with the beef.

4

Herb and Tallow Compound Butter

Perfect for melting over each slice or adding during the final crust step

Homemade Herb Curry with Rocket Salad Butter on wooden Background

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup softened butter or beef tallow
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon crushed pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. 1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined
  2. 2. Chill until firm
  3. 3. Slice or dollop onto hot prime rib to melt over the top

This butter adds aromatic richness and can even help boost crust flavor during finishing.

Perfect Finishing Touches

Each of these sauces offers a different way to enhance your prime rib. Whether you prefer the sharp brightness of horseradish cream, the classic richness of au jus, the elegant depth of red wine sauce, or the aromatic luxury of compound butter, these recipes ensure your roast is perfectly complemented.

Prepare them while your roast rests, and serve them alongside for a truly memorable meal.

Related Guides & Techniques

Ultimate Prime Rib Guide

Complete guide from prep to crust

Hammer Crust Method

Advanced finishing technique

Herb Pastes

Refined aromatic technique

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