Isn’t it frustrating having to depend on one method to do things to achieve a particular result?. Life becomes easier when you have alternatives and substitutes. Imagine having to roast something for dinner, and you can’t find your roast pan, or it’s dirty, and you are exhausted to engage in any extra work. Well, there’s no need to stress about it because you could easily grab a substitute and get on with it.
Having a substitute in your kitchen is a real lifesaver. Most people may feel skeptical about changing their staple equipment for roasting, which is usually the roasting pan. Still, these substitutes would help you achieve your desired results and save time and cost.
It is important and valuable to have alternatives; you’ll never know when to access your staple equipment, ingredients, etc. This article shows you some alternatives for roasting a pan that would save time and help you achieve your desired results.
What is a Roasting Pan?
Ever since the first humans in prehistorical times learned how to make fire and discovered that fresh meat could be roasted over them, different methods of roasting fresh foods were discovered, like barbecuing, pit roasting, hot smoke roasting, etc. They also discovered equipment or tools that would ease the roasting process. One of them is the roasting pan.
The roasting pan is a kitchen equipment that accommodates fresh foods that would be roasted in the oven; it usually has a small size for smaller portions and a big size for more significant portions. A roasting pan usually has a rack inside that helps in roasting meat, and it helps separate the meat from the meat drippings inside the Pan.
Roasting Pan Used in Recipes
The roasting pan is very efficient too, and it is used to prepare many roasted dishes because of the high walls that allow the food to sit properly and trap its heat. Meat is the most common food item that the roasting pan is used for; it cooks meat by properly trapping the flavor and giving it that rich brown color when it is prepared.
The rack in the Pan is used to elevate the meat. The drippings from it would easily rest at the bottom of the Pan. The drippings would rest on the vegetables and give them a delicious taste if vegetables are added. There are different recipes the roasting pan is ideal for. They include;
- Fondant potatoes
- Soy- braised pork belly
- Roast chicken with lemon, garlic, and thyme
- Roast pork with apple and apricot stuffing
- Roast pork and pistachio stuffing
- Roast chicken with cauliflower and tahini
- Roast lamb stew with garlic and Rosemary
- Slow roasted pork belly
- Roast potatoes
- Upside-down roast Chicken
- Thyme roasted vegetables
- Rolled pork belly with apple and raisin stuffing
- Coriander and maple syrup lamb racks
- Roasted spiced cauliflower
- Stuffed butternut squash
- Smoky sweet root vegetables.
Roasting Pan Substitute
The roasting pan is popular for its high walls, which can hold up enough food. Its large size might make most people overlook the other pans available in the kitchen. Still, the roasting pan also has some disadvantages as the high walls can trap moisture and overcook the food. It is also bulky and expensive for most persons. Other alternatives are lighter and easy for you to roast your meal.
The next time you are about to make a roasted meal and can’t find your roasting pan or have one, these substitutes below would help you achieve your desired results without much hassle.
Rimmed Baking Pan
Rimmed baking pans are suitable alternatives for roasting; they are light weighted and easy to move around. Although their walls are shorter than that of a roasting pan, they would still accommodate smaller meals. The roasting pan comes with a rack that helps with proper heat circulation, which is not the same case with the Baking Pan. However, a rack could be placed inside to help achieve that even distribution of heat while roasting your meal.
Casserole Dish
Most persons consider a casserole dish a small-sized roasting pan; the casserole dish can roast smaller meals. For example, the casserole dish could be ceramic, stainless steel, or enamel cast iron, so ensure that the dish you are using can withstand the temperature your meal requires.
Cast Iron Skillet
This is another alternative for smaller roast recipes. It has a high wall like a roasting pan, and a rack could be placed inside for even heat distribution while roasting. Placing vegetables under turkeys, meat, or chickens is a good way of achieving heat distribution. The meat juices that would rest into the vegetables would give it a more delicious taste and aroma.
Aluminum Foil
This method involves rolling or squeezing aluminum foils into thick, sturdy balls that would sit at the bottom of any pan. This would help separate the meat from the drippings and evenly distribute the heat on your meat while roasting. It is a cheaper alternative that would help you get the job done without fretting.
Broiler Pan
Broiler pan sometimes come with an oven, and although they don’t have high walls like a roasting pan, they are equipped with a good rack for roasting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I roast chicken in a glass casserole dish?
Yes, you would have to preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175) degrees C, then pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Can I use a cooking sheet instead of a roasting pan?
cookie sheets don’t have a rimmed edge, so it would be inconvenient to roast with this as the juices from the fresh vegetables or meat would easily roll out. Using a rimmed baking pan is a better alternative.
Should I grease when using parchment paper?
you don’t have to grease it as parchment paper is already non-stick.
Conclusion
The roasting pan is stapled equipment for roasting. Their high walls and rack make it easy when roasting. Still, most persons may find it unnecessary to own as they take up space and are not used regularly. These alternatives are easy to find in the kitchen. They are cheaper, lighter, and would help you achieve your results. So the next time a roasting pan is not available, you can easily reach for any of these substitutes in your kitchen.