Best Pan For A Succulent Standing Rib Roast

A standing rib roast is a special dish, often served during Christmas, Boxing Day, or New Year's celebrations. It is also a costly cut of meat, so it's important to get it right.

One of the most important components for cooking a standing rib roast is a good-quality roasting pan. The pan should be durable, with great heat retention, and the right size for your roast. It should also have a roasting rack to elevate the meat and allow air to circulate, cooking the meat evenly.

Some recommended roasting pans include the Viking Culinary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Roasting Pan, the All-Clad E752C264 Large Roaster, and the Calphalon Contemporary 16-Inch Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Rack.

Roasting pan essentials

A roasting pan is an essential piece of equipment for cooking a standing rib roast. The right roasting pan will ensure your meat is cooked to perfection and that you can make a delicious gravy with the pan juices.

Choosing a Roasting Pan

When choosing a roasting pan for your standing rib roast, opt for a durable, high-quality pan made from stainless steel or heavy-duty steel. Look for a pan with a V-shaped or flat rack, which will allow air to circulate around the meat and ensure even cooking. The size of the pan is also important—choose one that is large enough to accommodate your roast, with a little extra room for vegetables if desired.

Preparing the Roasting Pan

Before placing your roast in the pan, ensure the pan is properly prepared. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, usually between 325°F and 450°F for a standing rib roast. Place the roast in the pan rib-side down or fat-side up, depending on the recipe you are following. If desired, you can season the roast with salt, pepper, and other spices or a marinade before cooking.

Using the Roasting Pan

Once your roast is in the pan and the oven, it's important to monitor the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it doesn't overcook. For a standing rib roast, the target internal temperature will depend on how well done you want your meat, ranging from 115°F for rare to 145°F for well done. Remove the roast from the oven when it reaches the desired temperature, and let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes before carving.

Making Gravy

After removing the roast from the pan, you can use the pan juices to make a simple gravy. Pour off the excess fat, then place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add flour and beef broth to the pan, stirring to scrape up any crispy bits and combine them with the juices. Cook until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your gravy warm alongside your standing rib roast.

Best pans for a crispy exterior

A good roasting pan is essential for achieving a crispy exterior on your standing rib roast. Here are some of the best options available:

Calphalon Contemporary 16-Inch Stainless Steel Roasting Pan with Rack

This roasting pan features a heavy-gauge aluminum core sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, providing quick and even heat distribution. The stainless steel surface is non-reactive and safe to use with all kinds of utensils. The included roasting rack can hold up to a 25-pound piece of meat, and the triple-riveted handles make lifting and turning easy. The pan is also dishwasher-safe and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Cuisinart MCP117-16BR MultiClad Pro Stainless 16-Inch Rectangular Roaster with Rack

The Cuisinart 16-inch roasting pan has a solid stainless steel rack that allows even circulation of heat, ensuring a crispy exterior on your roast. The stainless steel triple-ply construction includes an aluminum core for even heat transfer and reduced cooking time. The riveted handles provide a safe and solid grip, and the pan is suitable for use on an induction stovetop as well as in the oven and dishwasher.

Farberware Nonstick Bakeware 11-Inch x 15-Inch Roaster with Flat Rack

This rectangular roasting pan from Farberware has a non-stick surface inside and out for easy food release and cleanup. The elevated flat rack allows juices to drain from the roast, helping it crisp up properly. The heavy-gauge carbon steel construction resists warping and can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The sturdy handles provide a confident grasp when lifting heavy meals.

Viking Culinary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Roasting Pan

The Viking Culinary roasting pan features a three-ply metal construction with a magnetic stainless steel exterior, an aluminum core, and a high-quality 18/10 stainless steel interior. This combination ensures even heat distribution and induction readiness. The V-shaped non-stick cooking rack has double-riveted inverted handles for secure transport. The pan has ample size to accommodate a large roast, and it comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty.

All-Clad E752C264 Large Roaster

The All-Clad E752C264 is a professional-grade, classically designed roasting pan. It features a V-shaped non-stick cooking rack with secure handles large enough to accommodate oven mitts. The 18/10 stainless steel construction ensures that your food comes out tasting as it should, without any unwanted flavours. The 2 3/4 inch sides are high enough to reduce splattering but not so high that they affect cooking time.

Budget-friendly options

If you're looking for a more affordable option for roasting your standing rib, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of your roast and your oven will determine the type of pan you need. A half sheet pan or a large cast-iron skillet are good options for larger roasts, but make sure they fit in your oven with some space around the sides for airflow.

For a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, consider the Farberware Nonstick Steel Roaster. It's made of heavy-duty steel that resists warping and provides years of use. The non-stick coating ensures reliable food release and easy cleanup. This pan is also a great choice if you're roasting other foods like chicken or pork. The sturdy handles give you a confident grasp when lifting heavy meals. However, the flat rack may cause issues with stability for foods cooked breast-down, and the non-stick coating may flake at higher temperatures.

If you're looking for a disposable option, a throwaway turkey roaster pan can be a good choice. These are usually made of aluminium and can be found at most grocery stores. They are a good option if you don't want to deal with cleaning up afterwards, but keep in mind that they may not be as durable as a traditional roasting pan.

Another budget-friendly option is to use a large baking dish, such as a cast-iron baking dish. This can be a good choice if your roast is on the smaller side, but be aware that it might be a tight squeeze. Make sure to place something underneath the pan, like foil or a baking sheet, to catch any drippings.

When choosing a budget-friendly option, it's important to consider the size of your roast, your oven, and the material of the pan. Aluminium and steel are usually more affordable options than stainless steel or copper. Additionally, look for features like non-stick coatings and sturdy handles that will make your roasting experience easier.

Pans with a rack and lid

When preparing a standing rib roast, the type of pan you use is important to ensure even cooking and optimal flavour. One option is to use a roasting pan with a rack and lid. This setup offers several benefits, including:

Improved Air Circulation:

The rack elevates the meat, allowing hot air to circulate around it, resulting in even cooking. This ensures that the roast cooks evenly on all sides and helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.

Enhanced Flavour:

The use of a rack allows the juices and drippings to collect in the pan below, creating a natural gravy or sauce that enhances the flavour of the dish. The drippings can also be used to make Yorkshire puddings or other side dishes.

Versatility:

Some roasting pans with racks and lids offer versatility in their design. For example, the Viking 8.5 Quart Stainless Steel Oval Roaster can also function as a Dutch oven or stock pot, making it a versatile option for various dishes.

Ease of Use:

Roasting pans with racks and lids can often accommodate larger cuts of meat, such as a prime rib or a turkey. They usually feature sturdy handles, making it easier to lift and transport the pan, even when wearing thick oven mitts.

Temperature Control:

When choosing a roasting pan with a rack and lid, look for options that offer even heat distribution and excellent heat retention. For instance, the Viking Culinary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Roasting Pan has a three-ply metal construction that ensures even heat distribution and optimal cooking results.

In summary, using a roasting pan with a rack and lid for your standing rib roast offers several advantages, including improved air circulation, enhanced flavour, and ease of use. It is important to select a pan with good heat distribution and retention properties to ensure optimal cooking results.

All-clad roasting pans

All-Clad offers a range of roasting pans that are ideal for standing rib roasts. Their roasting pans are made from heavy-gauge, polished stainless steel, which ensures durability and even roasting. The stainless steel material is also designed to resist sticking, making maintenance easy and preventing reactions with food.

All-Clad's roasting pans are oven and broiler safe up to 600°F, while the roasting rack can withstand temperatures up to 375°F. They are also dishwasher-safe. The pans feature tall, straight sides to prevent splatters and spills, as well as sturdy handles for secure transport to and from the oven.

All-Clad offers a variety of sizes to suit your needs, including small (11 x 14 inches), large (13 x 16 inches), and extra-large (18.75 x 14.75 x 3 inches) options. The large roasting pan can accommodate a 25-pound turkey, while the small pan can hold up to a 15-pound turkey.

The Williams Sonoma All-Clad Stainless-Steel Flared Roaster is an exceptional choice for those seeking premium quality. It offers superior heat circulation thanks to its flared sides, resulting in even browning and cooking. This roaster also comes with a versatile flat rack that can accommodate various sizes and shapes of roasts.

All-Clad's roasting pans are a great choice for standing rib roasts, offering durability, ease of cleaning, and even cooking.

Frequently asked questions