Description
This Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast features a luscious marinade combining tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet cranberry sauce, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, resulting in a juicy and flavorful ribeye roast. The roast is seared for a beautiful crust, then oven-roasted with fresh cranberries and thyme to infuse robust flavors. Perfect for a special dinner serving six, this dish offers a sophisticated balance of savory, sweet, and tart notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 3 to 5 pounds ribeye roast
Marinade
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large resealable bag, combine balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate the Ribeye: Using a knife, pierce the ribeye roast all over to allow marinade penetration. Place the roast in the marinade bag, seal tightly, and massage the marinade into the meat. Refrigerate overnight, turning the bag occasionally for even marinating.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the ribeye.
- Sear the Roast: Remove the ribeye from the marinade and pat dry to ensure a good sear. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the ribeye on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Roast the Ribeye: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, add beef broth, fresh cranberries, and thyme. Transfer the skillet promptly to the preheated oven.
- Roast to Desired Doneness: Cook the ribeye roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until an internal thermometer reads 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the cranberry balsamic pan sauce to enjoy the flavorful juices and sauce.
Notes
- Marinating overnight significantly enhances the flavor and tenderness of the ribeye.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Letting the meat rest helps redistribute juices for a moist and tender roast.
- Fresh cranberries add tartness and texture; if unavailable, frozen can be used but may alter texture slightly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for milder flavor.
