Spoon Roast Perfection: Cooking Time For A 3-Pound Roast

Spoon roast, also known as a blade roast, is a cut of beef from the shoulder area of a cow. It gets its name from the shape of the bone, which resembles a spoon. This cut is known for its marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour, making it ideal for oven roasting. When cooking a 3-pound spoon roast, it is recommended to preheat the oven to between 325°F and 425°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of doneness, but it will typically take around 2 to 3 hours to reach an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium. It is important to let the roast rest for about 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender.

How long to cook a 3-pound spoon roast in the oven

Spoon roast, also known as blade roast, is a cut of beef from the shoulder area of the cow. It is known for its marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour, making it ideal for oven roasting.

The cooking time for a spoon roast depends on the desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide for cooking a 3-pound spoon roast in the oven:

• Preheat your oven to a temperature between 325°F and 375°F (some recipes recommend an initial higher temperature of 450°F for a short time to sear the meat and lock in the juices).
• For a medium-rare spoon roast, cook for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours (about 30 minutes per pound of meat) or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F to 135°F.
• For a medium spoon roast, cook for approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes (about 40 to 50 minutes per pound) or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your roast, as the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the shape of your roast.
• Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast.

Tips for Cooking a Spoon Roast:

• Season the spoon roast generously with salt and pepper, and other herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary to enhance its natural flavours.
• Let the roast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
• Use a sturdy roasting pan and a rack to elevate the roast, ensuring even cooking and browning.
• Add a small amount of liquid such as water or beef broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist and prevent the drippings from burning.
• Consider searing the spoon roast in a hot skillet before transferring it to the oven to create a flavorful crust and lock in the juices.
• For a more tender roast, cover the pan tightly with aluminium foil or the lid of the roasting pan during cooking.

By following these guidelines and adjusting the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness, you can achieve a delicious and tender spoon roast cooked to perfection in your oven.

How to cook a spoon roast on the grill

Spoon roasts are a flavorful cut of beef from the sirloin, also known as a blade roast. The name comes from the fact that it's so tender, you could eat it with a spoon.

Preparation:

• Choose a top sirloin with a good layer of fat at the top. This fat adds more moisture as the meat cooks.
• If your roast has been in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
• You can also marinate the spoon roast before cooking for an hour or overnight.
• Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat.
• Season your spoon roast with salt and pepper or your preferred combination of spices and herbs. A bit of olive oil can help your dry spices stick.

Cooking:

• Grill the meat directly over the flame for about 5 minutes per side.
• Cover your roast beef in foil and cook on indirect heat for about an hour.
• Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. If it has reached your desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving:

• Spoon roasts pair well with mashed or baked potatoes and a salad.
• Steamed or sautéed broccoli and green beans are also good choices.
• For extra flavor, make a simple pan sauce to pour over the sliced meat.
• A red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, or Chianti is a good pairing.

How to make a gravy for a spoon roast

Spoon roast, also known as blade roast, is a cut of beef from the shoulder area of the cow. It gets its name from the shape of the bone, which resembles a spoon. Spoon roasts are known for their marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour, making them ideal for oven roasting.

Ingredients:

• 3-pound spoon roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups brewed coffee
• 2 cups water, divided
• 2 cubes beef bouillon
• 1 tablespoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the spoon roast on a cutting board and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick to the meat.
• Rub the spoon roast all over with olive oil.
• Combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried rosemary, and dried thyme (if using) in a small bowl.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the spoon roast, ensuring it is evenly coated.
• Place the seasoned spoon roast in a roasting pan or Dutch oven.
• Pour beef broth into the pan, surrounding the roast. You can also add water or red wine to the pan for additional flavour.
• Cover the pan tightly with aluminium foil or the lid of the Dutch oven.
• Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender. For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F to 135°F. For medium, cook until it reaches 145°F.
• Once the spoon roast is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender.
• While the meat is resting, prepare the gravy. Pour the pan juices through a sieve into a saucepan or gravy dish.
• Bring the pan juices to a light boil over medium-high heat.
• In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of cold water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. You can also use flour instead of cornstarch.
• Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the boiling pan juices until the gravy is smooth and thickened to your desired consistency.
• Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
• Carve the spoon roast against the grain into thin slices and serve with the gravy.

Enjoy your delicious spoon roast with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad!

How to choose the right cut of meat for a spoon roast

Spoon roast, also known as a blade roast, is a cut of beef from the shoulder area of the cow. It gets its name from the shape of the bone, which resembles a spoon. This cut is known for its marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour, making it ideal for oven roasting.

When choosing a spoon roast, look for one with good marbling throughout the meat. Marbling refers to the streaks of fat running through the beef, which helps keep it moist and adds flavour during cooking. Ensure the meat is a rich, deep red colour and avoid any cuts with an off smell.

For a juicy spoon roast, choose a top sirloin with a good layer of fat at the top. This fat adds moisture as the meat cooks. If you're after a pull-apart texture, go for a higher internal temperature. Collagen and connective tissues break down at temperatures of 140°F (60°C) or higher, so aim for a medium-well temperature of 155°F (68°C) for the tenderest meat.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider beef bolar blade. Taken from the shoulder blade, it has a fair amount of connective tissue and sinew, so it needs a long cooking time. But when prepared well, you'll be left with a full-flavoured and tender cut of beef.

Another option is the rump cap, also known as picanha. This cut is the top piece of the beef rump and doesn't take too long to cook, so have a meat thermometer handy to prevent overcooking.

When it comes to cooking your spoon roast, remember to let the meat rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking and after cooking. This allows the flavours to penetrate the meat and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender roast.

What to serve with a spoon roast

Spoon roast, also known as a blade roast, is a flavourful cut of beef from the shoulder area of the cow. It is known for its marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour, making it ideal for oven roasting.

When it comes to what to serve with a spoon roast, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to make your spoon roast a delicious and memorable meal:

Side Dishes

• Mashed or baked potatoes
• Salad
• Steamed or sautéed broccoli and green beans
• Creamy parsnip puree
• Butter-smothered green beans and cashews
• Creamy garlic mushrooms
• Glazed carrots with honey and balsamic
• Garden herb white and green bean salad
• Mushroom and herb bread stuffing
• Roasted balsamic mushrooms
• Green bean casserole
• Balsamic roasted carrots
• Homemade cranberry sauce
• Gouda smashed potatoes

Sauces

• Pan sauce
• Gravy
• Au jus

Wine

A spoon roast pairs well with a glass of medium-red wine, like Merlot or Zinfandel. You can also pair it with a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Frequently asked questions