As the BBQ season rolls around, nothing quite brings people together like the delicious smell of a roast slowly cooking on a spit. If you're new to spit roasting or are looking for some fresh ideas to spice up your barbecue menu, here are five easy open spit roast recipes that can elevate your grilling game. Whether you're an aspiring pitmaster or a casual weekend griller, these recipes offer a range of flavors and cooking methods to ensure your next cookout is memorable.
Recipe 1: Classic BBQ Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- BBQ rub or your favorite seasoning blend
- Vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Coat the chicken with a thin layer of vegetable oil to help the seasoning stick.
- Generously apply your BBQ rub or seasoning mix all over the chicken, inside and out.
- Setup the Spit:
- Thread the chicken onto the spit rod securely.
- Balance the weight of the chicken evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Cooking:
- Preheat your grill or rotisserie to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
- Place the spit with the chicken onto the rotisserie, ensuring the bird rotates smoothly.
- Cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Slice and serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or sides.
🔥 Note: Cooking times can vary based on the size of the chicken and external weather conditions, so always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Recipe 2: Argentine Asado Beef Ribs
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds beef short ribs
- Garlic
- Chimichurri sauce
- Coarse salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
- Trim any excess fat from the ribs.
- Rub them with smashed garlic and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
- Spit Preparation:
- Secure the ribs onto the spit ensuring even distribution of weight.
- Cooking:
- Set the rotisserie to low heat (about 250°F/120°C) for slow cooking.
- Roast for 4-5 hours or until the meat is tender and has a good crust.
- Baste occasionally with chimichurri sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve:
- Allow the ribs to rest before cutting.
- Serve with chimichurri sauce on the side.
Recipe 3: Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic
Ingredients:
- 1 lamb shoulder
- Fresh rosemary
- Garlic cloves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the Lamb:
- Cut small slits in the lamb and insert garlic slices and rosemary sprigs.
- Rub the lamb with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spit Roast:
- Secure the lamb onto the spit rod.
- Balance properly for uniform cooking.
- Cook:
- Grill over medium heat for approximately 3 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium.
- Serve:
- Rest, carve, and serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Recipe 4: Pork Loin with Honey Mustard Glaze
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds pork loin
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork:
- Mix mustard, honey, and vinegar to make a glaze.
- Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.
- Spit and Glaze:
- Secure the pork onto the spit rod.
- Brush the pork with the honey mustard glaze.
- Cook:
- Grill for 1-1.5 hours on medium heat, basting occasionally.
- Check internal temperature; it should be about 145°F (63°C).
- Serve:
- Rest, slice, and serve with roasted root vegetables or a salad.
Recipe 5: Mediterranean Mixed Grill
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Sausage
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Zucchini
- Feta cheese for crumbling
- Herbs like oregano, thyme, and mint
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Marinate chicken thighs in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for an hour.
- Slice vegetables into large pieces suitable for skewering.
- Spit Setup:
- Thread chicken, sausages, and vegetables alternately onto skewers or the spit rod.
- Cook:
- Roast over medium heat until all components are cooked through; turn occasionally for even cooking.
- Serve:
- Serve on a platter with crumbled feta cheese, extra herbs, and lemon wedges.
These spit roast recipes provide a delightful way to enjoy your BBQ season, offering a mix of traditional and innovative flavors. They allow for easy cooking, minimal prep, and are perfect for outdoor gatherings. Each recipe celebrates the unique flavors and techniques of open fire cooking, ensuring your food is not just cooked, but is a centerpiece of your social events. Cooking on an open spit might seem daunting at first, but with these recipes, you'll soon master the art, impressing your guests and enhancing your outdoor culinary skills.
How do I prevent my meat from drying out during spit roasting?
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To keep your meat moist, use a marinade or brine to retain moisture, baste regularly during cooking with appropriate sauces or oils, and ensure the meat isn’t overcooked by checking with a meat thermometer. Cooking at a lower heat and using indirect heat sources can also help.
Can I use a gas grill for spit roasting?
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Absolutely! Most modern gas grills come equipped with a rotisserie attachment. The key is to set up your grill for indirect cooking by turning off the burners directly under the meat, while keeping the others on for even heat distribution.
What vegetables work best for spit roasting?
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Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchinis, potatoes, and mushrooms work well due to their robust texture and ability to withstand the cooking process without disintegrating. Cut them into larger chunks to ensure they cook evenly alongside the meat.
