Radcliffe Butchers

  Perfect for medium to large joints

Roasting in a hot oven is the traditional way to cook large joints of meat. It is a very easy way to cook a nourishing and satisfying meal for a large number of people. This method is suitable for any of the better quality, naturally tender cuts of meat weighing 950g or more. It is not suitable for humbler joints which need to be roasted with liquids for a longer period of time to encourage them to become tender.
  
1. Prepare the joint

Before cooking, remove the meat from its packaging and pat dry with kitchen paper. Allow the meat to “bloom” and come to room temperature well in advance or for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This is essential to help the meat cook evenly.

2. Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to the required temperature (see table below). Starting with a very hot oven helps to seal the joint to prevent juices escaping. Then the temperature is reduced to cook it evenly all the way through. Season the joint generously with salt and pepper just before cooking.

Tip: Season at the last minute, otherwise the salt will draw out the juice and dry your meat.
 
3. Cook to your liking

Cook the meat for the recommended time (see table below), and/or use a digital meat thermometer. A large joint will continue to rise in temperature by a further 3-5ºC after it is removed from the oven. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make the meat dry and tough.

Tip: Meat thermometers are so easy to use and take all the guess-work out of roasting.

4. Rest your joint

Once your joint is cooked to your liking it is important to rest it. Place it on a board or platter, cover with foil, then leave in a warm place for at least 20 minutes. Resting is just as important as cooking, as it allows the meat to become warm, moist and tender all the way through.

Tip: You can rest large joints for up to 60 minutes in a warm oven.

5. Carving

For carving we recommend a large wooden carving board. Ensure your carving knife is very sharp as it makes it so much easier to carve neat, even slices. Carve the meat across the grain into slices approximately ½cm (¼”) or more thick and arrange on a serving dish or individual plates.

Tip: Put a non-slip mat or wet tea towel underneath your carving board to help prevent it slipping.
 

Roasting times

FOR ALL MEATS:

1. Preheat conventional oven to 250ºC/475ºF/Gas 9

2. Sear meat for 15 minutes in oven

3. Reduce oven temperature and add cooking time below