The best part of BBQ! Cooking roast beef in a Dutch oven

Why not try making roast beef at a barbecue using a Dutch oven? A registered dietitian will show you the basics of using a Dutch oven, which may seem a little difficult, as well as a roast beef recipe that will liven up your barbecue, and some easy ways to adapt it.

How to use a Dutch oven - a great addition to any BBQ!

When you hear the term Dutch oven, many people probably think of it as something complicated. First, let's take a look at the basics: what kind of dishes you can make with a Dutch oven and how to use it.

What is a Dutch oven?

Although it's called an oven, a Dutch oven is actually a black pot made of iron. Prices start at around 4,000 yen for a 10-12 inch size that's easy for beginners to use. The lid is several times heavier than a regular pot, allowing it to be sealed tightly and maintain a high pressure inside the pot. Furthermore, because it's made of iron, charcoal can be placed on top of the lid, and by slowly applying heat from above and below like an oven, you can fully bring out the natural flavor of the ingredients, eliminating the need to add extra water or oil.

It's a versatile cooking tool that can be used to make stews and soups, as well as bake bread and cakes and cook rice. As the name "oven" suggests, you can also grill meat, seafood, and other ingredients by placing charcoal on the lid. Steaming, grilling, boiling, and smoking are the four basic ways to use it, so remember that!

Things to know before cooking! How to care for your Dutch oven

When you buy a Dutch oven, you need to season it before you can use it, although some models do not require this. Seasoning involves removing the rust-preventing wax that is applied to the oven, and then applying a replacement oil to allow it to soak in. The basic method involves the following three steps:

1. Put water in a Dutch oven and boil it for 20-30 minutes, then discard the water.
2. Bake empty, let cool, and then apply oil. Repeat this process about four times (it will give off an odor, so be sure to ventilate the oven).
3. Finally, fry the vegetable scraps to remove the iron smell.

Repeating this process will give your Dutch oven a deep black finish. The more you use it, the more beautiful the finish will become.

To clean a Dutch oven after use, add a few centimetres of water to the pot and scrub with a scrubbing brush while heating it over the fire to remove any dirt. When cleaning a Dutch oven on a regular basis, it is a rule of thumb not to use detergent. Once the dirt is removed, evaporate the water, dry it thoroughly, and then apply oil before storing. The most important thing is to prevent rust. Closing the lid traps moisture, so place a disposable chopstick between the body and the lid, wrap it in newspaper, and store it in a storage bag.

A fascinating recipe for roast beef made in a Dutch oven

Once you have a Dutch oven ready, let's try making roast beef to enjoy at a barbecue!

<Materials>: Beef loin block (approximately 1kg)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Olive oil (as needed)

<How to make>: 1. Add olive oil to a well-heated Dutch oven.; 2. Brown the surface of the beef loin block, including the front, back, left and right sides.; 3. After browning, remove the meat from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack.; 4. Immediately cover the Dutch oven, place charcoal on top of the lid, and heat for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.; 5. After removing the meat, wrap it in aluminum foil and let it rest for about 30 minutes to prevent the juices from leaking out.; 6. Slice and you're done!

Remake roast beef! A super easy recipe

Roast beef is delicious just as it is, but we'll show you some easy ways to top it or sandwich it, as well as some sauces to change up the flavor. You can enjoy it as a completely different dish, so be sure to give it a try!

Roast beef and vegetables are placed on top of rice and topped with sauce. It's a simple dish, but it looks luxurious and stylish.

You can also easily make a standard sauce using the following method, so be sure to try changing the flavor. You can also add yuzu pepper or other seasonings to give it a Japanese flavor!

<Ingredients for 2-3 people>: 1/4 onion
1 tablespoon red wine
2 teaspoons mirin
2 teaspoons sugar

<How to make>

1. Grate the onion.

2. Bring everything to a moderate boil in a small pot and it's done.
(If you add yuzu pepper and mix it in just before removing it from the heat, it will have a Japanese flavor.)

Roast beef sandwich

Roast beef sandwiched between sandwich or hot dog bread, along with lettuce and tomatoes. It's also packed with vegetables, so it's well-balanced nutritionally!

Roast beef salad

Simply top your regular salad with a few slices of roast beef and you're done. The cuts of the roast beef add a beautiful contrasting color.

For those new to barbecue, Dutch ovens and roast beef may seem a little intimidating or expensive, but the recipes are surprisingly easy!
Once you've mastered making roast beef, you'll want to try other dishes using a Dutch oven. Be sure to expand your Dutch oven repertoire and make your barbecue even more exciting!

Products used in this recipe

Pork shoulder loin (pork collar) block
Pork loin block
Pork belly block
Pork Back Ribs (Baby Back Ribs)
Grass-fed beef sirloin block
Grass-fed beef rib roast block