A roasting rack is a metal grid used to cook meat in a roasting pan, allowing air to circulate and prevent steaming. It helps achieve crispy skin and even browning, and can be purchased for $10-$25.
A roasting rack is a metal rack that is typically placed in a roasting pan and used to cook meat, usually chicken and other poultry, rib roasts, and pork roasts. The grid can be flat or V-shaped, square or oval. Some are adjustable, adding more versatility. They are usually made from stainless steel, but some cheap ones can be made from aluminum.
The interlocking metal wires of the cooking grate allow air to circulate around the meat as it cooks. Not only does this help prevent searing, but it makes the skin of the meat crispy and dark while sealing in the juices inside. The cooking grate helps achieve this effect by keeping the meat away from the juices and fats that drip down to the bottom of the pan as the meat cooks. Because the meat won’t rest in the juices, it won’t be boiled and will continue to brown evenly on all sides.
Roasting racks also help avoid steaming the meat instead of searing it. Covering the meat too much will cause it to steam, which in turn will prevent the skin from turning brown and crispy. If the meat is elevated, however, more air will be able to circulate around it.
The non-stick coating usually found on roasting racks helps remove meat easily without sticking and tearing. Roasting pans also often feature handles in addition to those on the pan, which helps the cook easily lift the meat off the pan and onto the cutting board. The shortening and drippings are left in the bottom of the pan, which can be used to make gravy or sauce.
A cooking grate generally costs between $10 US dollars (USD) and $25 USD, depending on whether it’s made of stainless steel or aluminum and whether it’s adjustable and has a nonstick coating. Various sizes are also available to fit different size pans. If the oven is large enough to accommodate it, a cook may find it best to buy a larger pan as it will give more versatility in the kitchen.
A skillet can be purchased at any specialty kitchen store, along with most department stores and discount stores. You can also buy roasting pans online. Many roasting pans come with wire racks, but when they don’t, it’s a smart investment in improving the quality of your food.
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