The Science of BBQ - How Rotisserie Cooking Works
The BBQ rotisserie is the epitome of culinary perfection, showcasing expertly seasoned meat rotating on a spit until achieving absolute succulence. With its crisp exterior and juicy interior, there's an undeniable allure to food prepared in rotisserie style. Historically, this method traces back to castles and affluent households where a designated individual, often a young boy, manually rotated a spit over the fire. Over time, innovative mechanisms evolved, including dogs on treadmills or wheels, steam-powered contraptions, and sophisticated clockwork and worm drives harnessing chimney heat to rotate the meat. Regardless of the method employed, one thing remains certain: the outcome is nothing short of extraordinary. As you contemplate what delectable dishes to prepare, it's natural to ponder: how does a BBQ rotisserie work?
How Does Rotisserie Cooking Work?
Using your rotisserie to cook provides you with all of the benefits of using the direct grilling technique without the flare-ups. It can provide a crisp exterior with juicy meat just below the surface.
One of the most common comments about cooking on the rotisserie is that the food is basted from the inside-out. This is true, because as the food is cooked, convection-style, from the outside-in, the juices and fat inside are rendered and released to drip over the rotating food as it spins.
As you cook, the outside of the food, a roasting chicken let’s say, is receiving warmth from the indirect heat source – a rear rotisserie burner or bottom burners. That heated outside is transferring the warmth inward to cook the deeper meat. This low and slow action renders the fat in a leisurely fashion. This unhurried rendering and slow roasting prevents the collagen in the meat from contracting quickly. Because of the slow heat, collagen is broken down and absorbs more water to create gelatin. Paired with the melting fat, this forms a necessary part of making a meal tender and juicy. Those juices are then released from within the meat and drip over the spinning surface in a delicious coating of fats and flavourful liquids, literally basting the meal you are making.
Try this recipe for Roast of Turkey Breast with Rotisserie Potatoes.
More Info About Rotisserie Cooking
Rotisseries have evolved greatly since medieval times. Specialized motors are calibrated precisely to provide constant turning and consistent speed. The average speed that a rotisserie motor turns at is between 3 and 6 RPM (revolutions per minute). Rotisserie cooking is also great as it uses less heat, cooking foods lower and slower.
Get the recipe for these Tandoori Chicken Skewers here.
It's All About Balance
Balance when using the rotisserie is not just important but integral to the whole operation. When a load is unbalanced, it places strain on the motor which will prevent even cooking as one side will rotate slower than the other. To achieve this, food needs to be secure and as close to the same shape all the way around as it can be. Trussing and tying roasts to ensure evenness and that there are no loose bits is very important.
Follow the directions here to learn how to balance your rotisserie.
Try melting cheese on the rotisserie like a gigantic raclette. Get the recipe here.
What Can I Use My Rotisserie For?
The rotisserie, an infamous BBQ accessory, was originally used for large cuts of meat or even a whole animal and suspended above or next to a huge hearth fire. Things have changed a lot, and what was once an item used to feed whole castles of people is now scaled down to provide delicious meals for families of four or less. Instead of your hearth being the place where cooking happens, the barbecue is. But what can you cook using your barbecue and the rotisserie? Just about anything you can imagine. Anything from the traditional roasts of poultry and beef to vegetables, chicken wings, ribs, and even tacos. The better question is what CAN’T you cook on your barbecue’s rotisserie?
People Also Asked:
Should the Lid Be Open or Closed When Using a Rotisserie?
It is important to keep the lid closed when using a rotisserie on a barbecue. Closing the lid helps to trap heat and maintain a consistent cooking temperature, ensuring even cooking and allowing the rotisserie to work efficiently. Additionally, keeping the lid closed helps to retain any smoke, enhancing the overall dish in the end.
How Do You Cook a Rotisserie on a BBQ?
Using a rotisserie to cook is easy. Begin by preheating your BBQ to medium heat using the rear or bottom burners. While waiting for the BBQ to warm, tie your meal into a uniform shape and slide it onto the spit rod, securing it with the meat forks. Ensure that the meat is balanced on the rod and centered properly. Place the spit rod into the slots on your BBQ and insert the rod end into the motor. Secure the rod on the grill with the stop bushing on the inside of the BBQ opposite the motor. Turn on the rotisserie and ensure the food is spinning evenly and smoothly. Close the lid, periodically checking the internal temperature until the food is completely cooked through. Consider using a pan or tray under the food to catch drippings for gravy and to keep your BBQ clean.
How Long do you Cook a BBQ on a Rotisserie?
The cooking time of BBQ on a rotisserie depends on the size and type of food you are cooking, as well as the cooking temperature, and even the weather. For larger roasts between 10 and 20 minutes per pound of meat is average. However, you should follow the directions of the recipe you are cooking or use a meat thermometer to ensure that a safe internal temperature has been reached.
Do You Put Water in With a Rotisserie?
While it is not necessary to add water to the rotisserie, if you are cooking a larger item like a roast, it is beneficial to place a tray or pan with liquid below the food on the rotisserie. Water, beer, wine, juice, and even stock has a beneficial effect on the food you are cooking on the rotisserie by creating flavourful steam, helping to regulate the temperature inside the BBQ. This pan also catches the drippings from the food, keeping your BBQ clean, and providing the base for the best gravy you have ever made.
Cooking on the rotisserie is a great way to prepare meals for yourself and your family. It is easy and provides delicious results. What is your favorite food to cook on the rotisserie? Share your favorite rotisserie recipes, stories and pictures on our social pages like Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #NapoleonEats and #NapoleonGrills.