Easy Meat Removal From Roasting Pan

Roasting pans are a staple in many kitchens, especially when it comes to preparing holiday meals or large feasts. While they are incredibly useful, they can also be a pain to clean, with baked-on food and stubborn stains that seem impossible to remove. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to tackle these tough spots and get your roasting pan sparkling clean again.

Use the drippings to make a gravy

Making gravy from the drippings in your roasting pan is a great way to add flavour to your meal and cut down on the washing up. Here's a step-by-step guide to making gravy from your roasting pan drippings:

Step 1: Prepare the pan drippings

Remove the roasted meat from the roasting pan and pour the drippings into a measuring cup. The fat from the drippings will rise to the top, and you can skim this off with a spoon to prevent greasy gravy.

Step 2: Make a roux

For a medium-bodied sauce like gravy, you’ll want to start by heating 2 tablespoons of butter or fat from the pan drippings over medium-high heat. If you’re comfortable placing your roasting pan over two burners, you can use it to melt the butter. Otherwise, you can start the roux in a small saucepan. When the butter is melted, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk this together and cook for about five minutes, until the roux becomes smooth and no longer smells of raw flour.

Step 3: Deglaze with the pan drippings

When the roux is light brown, add the skimmed drippings to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan, releasing any browned bits created during the roasting process. These bits, also called fond, contain concentrated, roasty flavour, so make sure to scrape them all up!

Step 4: Add the broth

In a slow, steady stream, add a cup of broth, whisking as you pour the liquid into the roux to prevent any lumps. You can use chicken broth, beef broth, or any broth that complements your meat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue cooking for up to five minutes until the gravy is thickened. If you’re adding any seasonings or flavourings, add them during this step.

Step 5: Serve

If you don’t mind bits of pan drippings in your gravy, you can serve it right away. However, if you prefer a smooth gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer before serving.

Fill the pan with hot water and put it back in the oven

Filling the roasting pan with hot water and putting it back in the oven is a great way to clean it without much scrubbing. This method is recommended by former chef and current recipe developer/blogger Lucy Johnson.

First, pour water from a just-boiled kettle into the pan. Place the pan back into the oven on low heat for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool. Once it's cooled, drain the water and wipe the pan clean. This process will loosen any stubborn grease and residue, making it easy to wipe away.

This method is especially useful if you're dealing with persistent stains or burnt-on food. The hot water and steam will help to soften and lift the stuck-on food particles, making it easier to remove them without resorting to harsh scrubbing or abrasive cleaners.

Additionally, this method is time-saving and convenient, as it utilizes the oven's heat to do most of the work for you. By the time you take the pan out of the oven and let it cool, most of the grease and residue will have loosened, making it a breeze to wipe away.

Remember to use caution when handling the hot water and the heated pan to avoid any burns or accidents. Also, ensure that your roasting pan is made of materials that can withstand high temperatures without warping or releasing harmful chemicals.

Try a combination of salt and dish soap

If you're struggling to remove stuck-on food from your roasting pan, a combination of salt and dish soap can be an effective solution. This method is recommended by Abe Navas, the general manager of Emily's Maids in Dallas, Texas.

First, fill your roasting pan with soapy water and leave it to soak for several hours. This will help to loosen any stubborn residue. Next, grab a metal sponge and some salt. The salt acts as an abrasive, helping to lift any remaining gunk or filth from the pan. Scrub the pan with the metal sponge and salt until the stains and residue are removed. Finally, wash the pan with soap to finish the cleaning process.

This method is particularly useful if you want to preserve your roasting pan for a long time. By using salt and dish soap, you can effectively remove stains and residue without resorting to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleansers.

It's important to note that you should always allow your roasting pan to cool to room temperature before cleaning it. Shocking a hot pan with cold water can damage the dish.

Spread ketchup on the pan and let it rest

Removing meat from a roasting pan can be challenging, but there are several methods to clean your pan effectively. One of the most effective methods is to use ketchup, which may sound odd, but its high acid content makes it a powerful cleaning agent. Here's how to do it:

First, make sure your roasting pan has cooled down to room temperature. Never put cold water in a hot pan, as this can damage it. Once your pan is cool, spread a layer of ketchup onto the stained or greasy areas of the pan. You may want to test this method on a small area first if you're concerned about any potential damage to the pan's surface.

Let the ketchup sit on the pan for 10-15 minutes. The acid in the ketchup will start breaking down the grime, grease, and stains. After letting it rest, use an abrasive scrub or a metal sponge to scourge the pan and remove the stains. If the stains are particularly stubborn, you can let the ketchup sit on the pan for a longer period or even overnight.

Ketchup is not only effective at cleaning roasting pans but can also be used to clean copper-bottomed pots, stainless steel, cast iron skillets, and even rusty pruning shears. So, the next time you're facing a tough cleaning job on your roasting pan, don't hesitate to reach for the ketchup!

Other methods to clean a roasting pan include using hot water, a combination of salt and dish soap, baking soda and vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide.

Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar

Removing baked-on food from a roasting pan can be challenging, but it's not impossible. One effective method is to make a paste with baking soda and vinegar. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Roasting Pan

Before you begin, ensure that you've removed as much food and debris from the pan as possible. It's important to start with a relatively clean surface for this method to work effectively.

Step 2: Make the Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar to form a paste. The exact measurements may vary depending on the size of your roasting pan and the severity of the burnt-on food. However, a common ratio is 1 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of baking soda. Adjust the amounts as needed to create a thick paste that can be easily spread.

Step 3: Apply the Paste to the Roasting Pan

Take the paste and generously apply it to the stained or burnt areas of the roasting pan. Make sure the paste fully covers the affected areas. You can use a spatula or brush to spread the paste evenly.

Step 4: Let the Paste Sit

Once the paste is applied, let it sit for a while. The length of time can vary depending on the severity of the stains. For lighter stains, 30 minutes might be sufficient. For more stubborn stains, you may need to let the paste sit for a few hours or even overnight. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at breaking down the burnt-on food.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse the Roasting Pan

After the paste has had sufficient time to work its magic, it's time to scrub the pan. Use a nylon brush or a non-scratch sponge to gently scrub the affected areas. The baking soda and vinegar paste should have loosened the burnt-on food, making it easier to remove. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue. If necessary, repeat the process until the pan is clean.

Tips and Variations:

• For a more heavy-duty approach, you can add more vinegar to the roasting pan before applying the paste. Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat, add the baking soda, and you'll see a fizzing reaction. Let the pan sit until the fizzing stops, then proceed with scrubbing and rinsing.
• While this method is effective, avoid using it on non-stick or ceramic pans, as the vinegar can be too harsh on those surfaces. Instead, opt for a gentler approach, such as using a paste of baking soda and water.
• Always exercise caution when handling hot pans and vinegar, as the combination can produce fumes that may be irritating. Ensure the area is well-ventilated.

Frequently asked questions