Summary
Functions of oven racks: how else to use them? How to cook meat properly on the oven rack? Can we cook 2 dishes in an oven? How high should the oven rack be placed for the proper cooking of dishes?
You’ve always just put your dishes on the rack and set the oven to the right temperature for cooking. Curious about how to use your grid differently? Read on!
Functions of oven racks: how else to use them?
Now let’s move on to the unexpected uses of your oven rack! After you discover what you can do with it, you’ll never see your device the same way again! Baking racks aren’t just racks for your baking sheets or pasta tins. Hold on, here’s what they can be used for:
Replace the toaster
Yes, it’s crazy isn’t it? Take some bread, place a baking sheet a little lower than the rack and cover it with parchment paper and insert your slices of bread between the spaces of the rack. Slices of bread should be held vertically. Turn on the oven and take out, 20 minutes later, real toast well grilled to enjoy hot!
Fry your chicken thighs
To cook your chicken without having to fry it, here is a simple technique. Hang your thighs between the spaces of the grids after marinating them with your favorite spices!
Remember to place a baking sheet underneath! Why not fill with side potatoes or other vegetables that absorb the fat that drips from the thighs, and become twice as tasty once cooked!
Making homemade shish kebab
Good news! Your Sunday barbecue party no longer has to be cancelled on rainy days! Your oven can toast anything you want! Potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants and meat skewers! Place your vegetables and skewers directly on the rack, place a baking sheet underneath to drain the vegetable juice and fat from the meat and turn on your oven! You can then proudly serve your delicious kebab to your guests!
Making Mexican tacos
Want to try new recipes? This is the perfect opportunity! Imagine that your oven can help you prepare homemade tacos, or toast the cake or corn tortilla to be more precise! Buy fajita cakes and cut them into small circles with the help of a bowl.
Hang your patty on the oven rack (between two spaces of the rack, vertically), and leave it leather for 15 minutes on average.
Once you’re done, you’ll have a solid base to fill with your tasty Mexican filling: fried ground meat, onions, tomatoes, pepper (spicy or sweet), corn and cheese for example! The choice is yours depending on your tastes!
How to cook meat properly on the oven rack?
Have you ever cooked your meat directly on the grill? If the answer is no, we show you how to roast meat perfectly and evenly! According to Meathead Goldwyn, author of the book “The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling”, it makes more sense to opt for the oven grill to cook tasty meat if you do not have a barbecue, but not just any way… Here is the method he proposes:
- Place two oven racks about 5 cm high one from the other, in the upper part of the device;
- Line aluminum foil on the bottom rack and place a pan with your leftover meat and bones, herbs, wine or broth (It is on the pan that the meat drips);
- Put your chicken, roast beef, pork, chop or other well-oiled meat on the top rack;
- Start cooking!
The circulation of heat all around the meat, thanks to the steam of the pan, will allow the latter to cook on all sides! Indeed, you will not need to return it at any time.
The cooking juices you will get in the pan will allow you to make a good sauce to accompany your super juicy meat! Sounds good, doesn’t it!
If you are worried that the meat will stick to the grills, which will not happen, because the latter peels off once well cooked, you can wrap the bars of your support with aluminum foil, making sure that the areas between the bars will still let the heat necessary for cooking pass.
At what temperature should the meat be cooked on the oven grill?
To grill your meat in the oven, place your grill as close to the heating element as possible, leaving little space in between. Opt for a temperature between 200 and 250 ° C, for 45 minutes, especially if your meat is thick and needs a high internal temperature to cook well, such as chicken breasts for example. Then, lower the temperature until you reach the desired cooking mode. This setting will offer them a beautiful crispy skin without burning them.
Can we cook 2 dishes in an oven?
The answer is yes! Most people don’t know if they can cook two dishes at once using their oven, but that’s what it does! If the oven contains several racks and is programmed to keep the internal temperature set to what you have selected, it is not for nothing! It just consumes more energy when two cold dishes are inserted into it, but the cooking is successful!
Dishes will usually take 15% longer to cook, so be sure to adjust the meal time accordingly. To ensure even cooking, preheat the oven before inserting them and rotate them halfway through.
How high should the oven rack be placed for the proper cooking of dishes?
Be aware that the right choice of oven rack height will help you achieve better cooking for your dishes. The temperature and movement of hot air differ in each part of the oven. The proximity of the heat source also comes into play… It all depends on the desired cooking method! Some dishes will cook better at the top, others in the middle or bottom.
Position of the rack in the oven
The central rack of the oven is suitable for a good number of dishes and is a safe bet for baking your cakes or bread. The lower area, on the other hand, is perfect for roasting your meat and cooking your pizzas. Finally, the upper part is more suitable for grilling. The user manual of your appliance usually contains an informative part, to learn more about the ideal locations of the racks, depending on the model of your oven.
That’s all, you now know that your oven has many uses thanks to its grids and that it is even more essential than you think! Try it using the tips above and see the result for yourself! Enjoyable in advance!
