Roasting In An Electric Skillet: A Beginner's Guide

Electric skillets are a handy alternative to ovens for roasting, especially during the summer when you want to avoid overheating your house. They can be used to make delicious, tender pot roasts with minimal effort and cooking time. Electric skillets are also great for when your oven is already full, and they save energy by only heating the skillet itself. You can sear and slow cook your roast in the same pan, and even make gravy from the leftover liquid.

Roasting in an Electric Skillet

Heat oil in the skillet to 400°F

To roast in an electric skillet, you'll first want to heat oil in the skillet to 400°F. This temperature is considered medium-high heat in an electric skillet, ideal for achieving a crispy exterior and locking in flavours while cooking meats, sautéing vegetables, or stir-frying.

To heat the oil, start by adding a small amount of cooking oil to the skillet. Turn the heat dial up to the desired temperature of 400°F. An indicator light will remain on while the skillet is heating. Once the skillet reaches 400°F, the light will turn off. It's important to note that electric skillet temperature dials may not always display specific temperature readings, so look out for the light turning off.

When heating oil to such high temperatures, it's recommended to use a high smoke-point oil. Oils with a high smoke point can withstand higher temperatures without smoking or burning, which can add an unpleasant flavour to your food. Examples of oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, peanut oil, and refined olive oil.

Additionally, for safety reasons, it's recommended to use a thick extension cord with your electric skillet, as these appliances can be a fire hazard if used improperly. A heat-resistant slab can also be placed underneath the skillet to protect your kitchen surfaces from potential heat damage.

Once your oil reaches 400°F, you can proceed with the next steps of roasting in your electric skillet.

Brown the roast on all sides

To brown a roast on all sides in an electric skillet, start by heating the skillet to 400°F. While the skillet is heating up, you can prepare the roast by making a dry rub with salt, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and peppers. Rub the mixture all over the roast.

Once the skillet is hot enough, add a small amount of oil to the skillet. Be sure not to add too much oil, as you are searing the meat, not frying it. Place the roast in the skillet and sear it on both sides. This step is important for creating a flavorful crisp on the outside of the meat and for holding in the juices. To get the perfect sear, wait until the meat starts to "lift" from the pan easily before flipping it over to the other side.

Once the roast is browned on both sides, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Add vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes) in the last 1-1.5 hours

When roasting in an electric skillet, it is important to add the vegetables in the last 1-1.5 hours. This ensures that the vegetables are cooked to perfection and do not become mushy.

To prepare the carrots, celery, and potatoes, start by peeling and cutting the carrots into thick slices. You can use whole carrots or baby carrots, depending on your preference. Cut the potatoes into quarters or use baby potatoes and cut them in half.

Place the prepared carrots, celery, and potatoes into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, melted butter, herbs, and spices. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly. You can use a variety of herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, or green onions.

After the meat has been cooking for about 2 hours, add the prepared vegetables to the electric skillet. Place them around the roast, ensuring they are covered with a little liquid. Sprinkle the potatoes with a small amount of salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and continue to cook at a low temperature of around 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit.

The vegetables will need to cook for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Be sure to maintain a water level of about halfway up the sides of the roast. Once the vegetables are tender, your roast is ready to be served!

Discard bay leaves and serve

Once you've added the carrots, celery, and potatoes, it's time to let them cook until they're tender. This should take around 30 to 45 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on the water level and add more if needed—it should remain at about half the height of the roast.

After the vegetables are tender, it's almost time to serve. First, discard the bay leaves. You should also remove the meat and vegetables from the skillet. If you've added garlic cloves, discard these too.

Now, it's time to thicken the remaining liquid to make gravy. To do this, mix cornstarch with cold water and add it to the skillet. Bring the liquid to a boil, and the gravy will thicken.

Finally, serve your roast with the gravy and enjoy!

Store leftovers for 3-4 days in the fridge

Once you've roasted your desired ingredients in an electric skillet, you can store leftovers for 3-4 days in the fridge. It is important to note that cooked vegetables are perishable and can last 3-7 days in the fridge before they start to spoil. To ensure your food remains safe and healthy to eat, follow these storage tips:

• Allow your food to cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container.
• Label the container with the date it was made so you know when to consume it by.
• Store your leftovers on a shelf, rather than in the fridge door, where temperatures fluctuate more frequently.
• Avoid storing cooked vegetables next to raw meats or other foods that could contaminate them.
• Keep your leftovers separate from raw produce and other leftovers to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
• Store your leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking, at temperatures below 40°F or above 140°F, since this is the danger zone for bacterial growth.
• Always reheat leftovers thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

By following these simple steps, you can keep your leftovers fresh and safe to eat.

Frequently asked questions