Are you looking for a new way to cook roast beef that will give you tender, juicy meat with a crispy exterior?
Look no further than the Ninja Foodi! This versatile kitchen appliance can be used to broil, air crisp, and pressure cook your beef roast to perfection.
But with so many different methods and cook times out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this article, we’ll break down the steps for cooking roast beef in the Ninja Foodi, including tips for getting the perfect internal temperature and slicing against the grain.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this guide will help you create a delicious roast beef dinner that your family will love.
How To Cook Roast Beef In The Ninja Foodi?
Step 1: Prepare the Rub
To start, combine your desired rub ingredients and generously apply it to the outside of the meat. This will add flavor and help create a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Preheat the Ninja Foodi
Preheat your Ninja Foodi on Broil with the rack in the low position inside the inner pot for 10 minutes. This will ensure that your roast beef cooks evenly and gets that crispy exterior.
Step 3: Broil the Roast Beef
Place the roast beef on the rack in the low position and broil for 25 minutes. This will give your roast beef a nice sear on the outside.
Step 4: Turn Off and Rest
Turn off the Ninja Foodi and keep the lid closed for 25 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make your roast beef even more tender.
Step 5: Check Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your roast beef. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F/57°C. For medium, aim for an internal temperature of about 145°F/63°C.
Step 6: Slice Against the Grain
Once your roast beef has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. This will help make it even more tender and easier to chew.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef For Your Ninja Foodi Roast
When it comes to choosing the right cut of beef for your Ninja Foodi roast, it’s important to consider the cooking method and the desired outcome. For a tender and flavorful roast, you’ll want to choose a cut that has enough fat and connective tissue to break down during cooking, resulting in a juicy and tender roast.
One of the best cuts of beef for a Ninja Foodi roast is the chuck roast. This cut comes from the shoulder area of the cow and is well-marbled with fat and connective tissue. It’s also affordable and readily available at most grocery stores. Other cuts that work well for a pot roast include brisket, rump roast, and round roast.
It’s important to avoid lean cuts of beef like top round or bottom round for a Ninja Foodi roast. These cuts have less fat and connective tissue, which makes them tough and chewy when cooked in a pressure cooker. Stick with fattier cuts that have more marbling throughout.
When selecting your beef, look for a cut that has good marbling and is well-trimmed. You want some fat throughout the meat, but not too much excess fat that will result in a greasy finished product. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 80% meat and 20% fat.
Preparing Your Roast Beef For Cooking In The Ninja Foodi
Before cooking your roast beef in the Ninja Foodi, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that it turns out perfectly.
Firstly, make sure to pat dry the roast and remove any butchers twine if there is any present. This will help the rub stick better to the meat.
Next, season the roast beef with your desired rub ingredients and be sure to rub it in well. This will add flavor and help create a crispy exterior.
When you are ready to cook your roast beef in the Ninja Foodi, preheat it on Broil with the rack in the low position inside the inner pot for 10 minutes. This will ensure that your roast beef cooks evenly and gets that crispy exterior.
Place the roast beef on the rack in the low position and broil for 25 minutes. This will give your roast beef a nice sear on the outside.
After broiling, turn off the Ninja Foodi and keep the lid closed for 25 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make your roast beef even more tender.
Finally, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your roast beef before slicing it thinly against the grain. This will help make it even more tender and easier to chew.
Broiling Vs. Air Crisping Vs. Pressure Cooking: Which Method To Choose?
When it comes to cooking roast beef in the Ninja Foodi, there are a few different methods to choose from. Broiling, air crisping, and pressure cooking are all options, but which one should you choose?
Broiling is a great option for those who want a crispy exterior on their roast beef. By preheating the Ninja Foodi on Broil and placing the meat on the rack in the low position, you can achieve a nice sear on the outside of the meat. This method is quick and easy, and perfect for those who want a simple yet flavorful roast beef.
Air crisping is another option that can be used to cook roast beef in the Ninja Foodi. This method uses hot air to cook and crisp the meat, similar to an air fryer. While it may take a bit longer than broiling, air crisping can result in a juicier and more evenly cooked roast beef. It’s also a healthier option, as it requires little to no oil.
Pressure cooking is a third option that can be used to cook roast beef in the Ninja Foodi. This method uses high pressure to cook the meat quickly and efficiently. While it may not result in a crispy exterior like broiling or air crisping, pressure cooking can result in a very tender and flavorful roast beef. It’s also great for those who are short on time, as it can cook the meat in a fraction of the time it would take using other methods.
Ultimately, the method you choose will depend on your personal preferences and cooking goals. If you want a crispy exterior, broiling may be your best bet. If you want a juicier and more evenly cooked roast beef, air crisping may be the way to go. And if you’re short on time and want a tender and flavorful roast beef, pressure cooking may be your best option.
Setting The Time And Temperature For Perfectly Cooked Roast Beef
Cooking roast beef to perfection requires setting the right time and temperature. Here are some guidelines to help you achieve the perfect roast beef in your Ninja Foodi:
– For a medium-rare roast beef, set the Ninja Foodi to 375°F/190°C and cook for 20 minutes per pound. For example, a 3-pound roast beef would take about 1 hour to cook.
– For a medium roast beef, set the Ninja Foodi to 400°F/204°C and cook for 25 minutes per pound. For example, a 3-pound roast beef would take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook.
– For a well-done roast beef, set the Ninja Foodi to 425°F/218°C and cook for 30 minutes per pound. For example, a 3-pound roast beef would take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook.
Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your roast beef. The final temperature should be about 5-10 degrees higher than your desired temperature as the meat will continue to cook while resting.
Additionally, it’s important to let your roast beef rest for at least 15-20 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meat more tender and flavorful.
By following these guidelines and using your Ninja Foodi, you can achieve perfectly cooked roast beef every time.
Checking The Internal Temperature Of Your Roast Beef
Checking the internal temperature of your roast beef is crucial to ensure that it is cooked to your desired doneness and safe to eat. Cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the size and shape of the beef, as well as your preferred level of doneness. To accurately check the internal temperature, use a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer.
Insert the thermometer through the side of the cut, making sure that the tip is in the center and not touching any bone or fat. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F/57°C. For medium, aim for an internal temperature of about 145°F/63°C. Remember to remove steaks and burgers from heat when the thermometer reads 5°F lower than your desired doneness, and roasts should be removed from heat when 5-10°F lower.
After removing the roast beef from heat, let it rest for at least 25 minutes. During this time, the temperature will continue to rise, so it’s important to check the internal temperature again before slicing. When checking the temperature, be sure to insert the thermometer in a different spot than before to get an accurate reading.
By following these steps and checking the internal temperature of your roast beef, you can ensure that it is cooked perfectly to your liking and safe to eat.
Letting Your Roast Beef Rest And Slicing Against The Grain
After broiling your roast beef in the Ninja Foodi, it’s important to let it rest before slicing it. Resting meat means allowing it to sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven or grill before slicing or serving it. Resting your roast beef will make it juicier and more flavorful.
When you cook a roast beef, the heat from the oven or grill causes it to contract, squeezing it and forcing the liquid out of the cells and into the space between the muscle fibers. Slicing the meat immediately after taking it off the heat would result in those juices spilling out onto the cutting board. This would make your roast beef less juicy and flavorful.
To avoid this, turn off the Ninja Foodi and keep the lid closed for 25 minutes after broiling your roast beef. This will allow the juices to settle back into their cells once again, making your roast beef even more tender and juicy.
Once your roast beef has rested, it’s time to slice it against the grain. The grain refers to the direction that the muscle fibers are aligned. Slicing against the grain means cutting perpendicular to those fibers. This is essential for maintaining a tender cut of beef. If you slice with the grain, you’ll end up with a tougher piece of meat that’s harder to chew.
Identifying the grain is easy if your roast beef is tied with string. Butchers always tie the string against the grain, so this is an easy way to identify which direction to slice. Slice thinly against the grain, and you’ll end up with a juicy and tender cut of roast beef that’s sure to impress your guests.