Ep 3. How to Roast Everything

In America's Test Kitchen season 18 episode 3, titled "How to Roast Everything", the team unleashes their expertise in all things roast. From chicken to lamb, turkey to salmon, they cover it all. The episode dives deep into the complex art of roasting, offering tips and techniques to ensure perfectly juicy meat every time.

The episode begins with a fundamental discussion of the principles of roasting. Hosts Julia and Bridget explain the importance of temperature, timing, and resting periods in achieving the perfect roast. They break down the common misconceptions about roasting and offer alternative options based on their extensive research and testing. Using their signature scientific approach, they explore the science behind roasting and offer tips to make your roasts better.

In one segment, guest chef Ming Tsai joins the hosts to create his signature miso-roasted salmon dish. Ming shares his unique insights into the art of roasting fish, including the use of a flavorful miso marinade to infuse the fish with deep umami flavors. The hosts join in to share their tips for perfectly roasting a fish, including how to know when it's cooked and how to keep it moist.

But it's not just about fish. First up on the menu is a perfectly roasted chicken. Using a spatchcock method, Julia and Bridget demonstrate how to make a delicious roasted chicken with a crispy skin and juicy meat. They share their secret for evenly cooking the chicken and avoiding common missteps like dry breast meat or undercooked thighs.

Next up, the team turns their attention to lamb. Roasting a leg of lamb can be intimidating, as the meat is often tough and unappetizing. But Julia and Bridget reveal their tried-and-true method for creating the perfect roast lamb, including how to battle the uneven cooking patterns for a succulent, evenly cooked leg of lamb.

No roasting episode would be complete without a discussion of pork roasts. The hosts cover the tricky business of pork, including how to properly prepare a pork loin for a juicy and flavorful result. They discuss the many ways to season a pork roast, including the use of a spice rub, and share their tips for keeping the meat moist throughout the roasting process.

Finally, the team takes things up a notch by demonstrating how to roast a turkey that's both juicy and flavorful. They discuss the differences between a dry brine and a wet brine and share their favorite seasonings for creating a deliciously aromatic turkey. They also share their favorite ways of roasting a turkey, including using a spatchcock method or cooking it breast-side down.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their insider tips for achieving the perfect roast, including how to tell when your roast is finished, how to properly rest the meat before carving, and what to do with the juices leftover in the roasting pan. With their expert guidance and scientific approach to cooking, you'll be able to roast everything with confidence. By the end of the episode, you'll not only have practical tips for roasting any kind of meat, but you'll also have gained a new appreciation for this beloved cooking technique.