How to make a great roast in a gas oven!

Cooking the perfect roast is an art, and using a gas oven can make this process even more effective. However, knowing the right oven settings is essential to ensure even cooking, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. In this article, we'll guide you step by step on how to properly set up a gas oven to prepare the perfect roast.

1. Preparing the Oven

Before you begin, make sure your oven is completely clean. Burnt food residue or accumulated grease can negatively affect the flavor of your roast and reduce the oven's efficiency. Also, make sure your oven is well ventilated: a constant flow of air helps maintain a uniform temperature inside.

2. Preheating

Preheating is essential for even cooking. Set the oven to a temperature between 180°C and 200°C, depending on the size and type of meat. For example:

• Beef : 180°C for medium rare
• Pork or lamb : 190°C
• Poultry : 200°C

Preheating the oven ensures that the meat is exposed to the ideal temperature right away, promoting the formation of a crust on the outside that keeps the juices inside.

3. Choose the Right Shelf

In gas ovens , the heat source comes from below. This can cause uneven cooking if the meat is not positioned correctly. For roasts, the middle rack of the oven is generally best. Placing the roast too close to the heat source could burn the outside and leave the inside raw. If your oven has a fan, you can use it for more even heat distribution, but if not, keep in mind that you may need to turn the roast halfway through cooking.

4. Using the Grill or a Baking Tray with a Grill

To achieve a roast that's crispy on the outside but tender on the inside, it's recommended to place the meat on a rack inside a roasting pan. This allows the heat to circulate around the roast and prevents the bottom from coming into direct contact with the juices that form during cooking. These juices can be used to baste the roast or to make a delicious sauce.

5. Temperature Control and Cooking Time

Each type of meat has a specific cooking time. Here's a basic guide:

• Beef : approximately 20 minutes per 500g for medium rare (depending on the thickness and desired degree of doneness).
• Pork : about 25 minutes for every 500g.
• Poultry : between 30 and 40 minutes for every 500g, depending on size.

It's essential to monitor the internal temperature of the meat. Using a cooking thermometer is recommended to avoid overcooking the roast. The ideal internal temperatures are:

• Rare Beef : 52°C – 55°C
• Medium Beef : 60°C – 65°C
• Pork and poultry : 70°C – 75°C

6. Baste and Turn the Roast

During cooking, you can baste the roast with its own juices or with broth, wine, or oil to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Especially if you're using a gas oven, which can be a little less stable in heat distribution, turning the roast halfway through ensures even browning on all sides.

7. Rest Phase

Once the roast is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

8. Consider the Environmental Variables of the Gas Oven

Gas ovens may be less precise than electric ones due to temperature fluctuations caused by the flame-heated nature of the oven. Here are some tips to compensate:

• Check the temperature with an oven thermometer : the actual temperature can often differ from the set temperature.
• Rotate the pan halfway through cooking : this helps distribute the heat evenly.
• Avoid opening the oven door too often : every time you do, the internal temperature drops, lengthening cooking times.

Conclusion

Properly setting up a gas oven for roasting requires attention to detail, but by following these tips, you can achieve excellent results. From preheating to choosing the right rack, to monitoring the internal temperature of the meat, each step makes the difference between a normal roast and an extraordinary one. Experiment with different temperatures and cooking times to perfect your technique and treat your guests to an unforgettable dish!