Roast Beef with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Why this recipe works
- Classic roasting method: Starting the beef in a hot oven helps form a browned crust before the lower temperature finishes the joint more gently.
- Savoury herb crust: Dijon mustard, garlic and rosemary cling to the surface of the beef, seasoning the exterior and adding aromatic depth.
- Sharp, creamy sauce: Prepared horseradish, crème fraîche and lemon cut through the richness of the beef without overpowering it.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Take off the chill: Letting the beef stand before roasting helps it cook more evenly from edge to centre.
- Rest before carving: A proper rest allows the juices to settle, making the beef easier to slice cleanly.
Texture tips
- Dry the surface well: Patting the beef dry before adding the mustard paste helps the crust brown rather than steam.
- Use a thermometer: Checking the centre temperature is the most reliable way to keep the roast rosy and avoid overcooking.
Ingredient notes
- Choose a well-marbled joint: Prime rib benefits from visible marbling, which helps keep the meat rich and tender during roasting.
- Balance the sauce to taste: Add lemon gradually so the horseradish sauce tastes bright and tangy without becoming too sharp.
Serving ideas
- Serve with classic roast sides: Roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, greens and gravy are natural partners for sliced roast beef.
- Offer juices alongside: Spoon the resting juices over the carved beef for extra richness, with the horseradish sauce served on the side.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Roast beef
Horseradish sauce
Instructions
- Take the beef out of the fridge 45 minutes before cooking so it loses its chill. Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Peel and finely grate the garlic, then strip and finely chop the rosemary leaves. Mix the olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, fine sea salt and black pepper to make a paste.
- Pat the beef dry and rub the mustard mixture all over, including the sides. Set it in a roasting pan, bone-side down if it has a bone.
- Roast for 20 minutes to get a good crust, then reduce the oven to 180°C (355°F). Continue roasting for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the centre reads 52°C (125°F) for medium-rare.
- Transfer the beef to a board and rest for 20 minutes, loosely covered. The temperature will rise slightly as it rests and the juices will settle.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: stir the crème fraiche and horseradish together in a bowl. Finely grate in a little lemon zest, then squeeze in lemon juice to taste until tangy and balanced.
- Carve the beef into thin slices and serve with the horseradish sauce. Spoon over any resting juices from the board for extra richness.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the most even cooking, aim to roast the beef at room temperature rather than straight from the fridge.
- If you prefer medium, roast to 57°C (135°F) before resting; for medium-well, roast to 63°C (145°F).
- If serving pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, cook the beef to at least 63°C (145°F) and rest well before carving.
Substitutions
- Replace Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a milder heat and a coarser texture.
- Replace crème fraiche with sour cream for a slightly sharper sauce.
- Replace fresh rosemary with fresh thyme for a softer, more delicate herbal note.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool leftover beef quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat slices in a 160°C (320°F) oven with a splash of water until piping hot, or enjoy cold; store the sauce separately and stir before serving. Freeze sliced beef well wrapped for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 2h (25min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: British
-
Allergens:
Milk Mustard
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