Roast beef – the star of the show at Arby’s, the popular fast-food chain known for its slow-cooked, tender, and juicy roast beef sandwiches. For years, fans of the restaurant have been trying to replicate the signature roast beef at home, but to no avail. That is, until now. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to cook roast beef like Arby’s, using their slow-cook method.
Understanding Arby’s Slow-Cook Method
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand how Arby’s achieves that perfect roast beef. The secret lies in their slow-cook method, which involves cooking the beef in a specialized oven at a low temperature for several hours. This process breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful final product.
To replicate this method at home, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment, including a slow cooker or a Dutch oven with a lid. If you don’t have either of these, you can also use a conventional oven with a roasting pan.
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
When it comes to cooking roast beef like Arby’s, the right cut of beef is crucial. Arby’s uses a top round roast, which is a lean cut of beef that’s perfect for slow-cooking. You can find top round roast at most supermarkets or butcher shops.
If you can’t find top round roast, you can also use other lean cuts of beef, such as top sirloin or round tip. However, keep in mind that these cuts may not be as tender as top round roast.
Beef Characteristics
When selecting a cut of beef, look for the following characteristics:
- Lean meat with minimal marbling (fat)
- A uniform thickness to ensure even cooking
- A good balance of tenderness and flavor
Preparing the Beef for Slow-Cooking
Now that you have your beef, it’s time to prepare it for slow-cooking. Here are the steps to follow:
- Trim any excess fat from the beef, if necessary
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs
- Rub the beef with a mixture of oil, garlic, and onion powder to enhance flavor
Creating a Spice Blend
Arby’s roast beef is known for its distinctive flavor, which is achieved through a proprietary spice blend. While we can’t replicate the exact blend, we can create a similar flavor profile using a combination of spices and herbs.
Here’s a spice blend recipe you can try:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
Mix these spices together and rub them all over the beef, making sure to coat it evenly.
Slow-Cooking the Beef
Now it’s time to slow-cook the beef. Here are the steps to follow:
- Place the beef in a slow cooker or Dutch oven with a lid
- Add 1-2 cups of beef broth to the pot, depending on the size of your beef
- Cover the pot and cook the beef on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours
If you’re using a conventional oven, preheat it to 300°F (150°C) and cook the beef in a roasting pan with a lid for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
Checking for Tenderness
To check if the beef is tender, use a fork to pierce the meat. If it slides in easily, the beef is done. If not, continue cooking the beef in 30-minute increments until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
Slicing and Serving
Once the beef is cooked, it’s time to slice it thinly against the grain. You can use a meat slicer or a sharp knife to achieve thin, even slices.
Serve the roast beef on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as horseradish sauce, cheese, and arugula.
Tips for Achieving Arby’s-Style Roast Beef
Here are some tips to help you achieve Arby’s-style roast beef at home:
- Use a slow cooker or Dutch oven with a lid to trap moisture and heat
- Cook the beef at a low temperature for a long period of time to break down connective tissues
- Use a spice blend to enhance flavor
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tender, even slices
By following these tips and the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to cooking roast beef like Arby’s at home.
Conclusion
Cooking roast beef like Arby’s is a challenge, but with the right equipment, ingredients, and techniques, you can achieve tender, flavorful roast beef at home. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to replicate the slow-cook method used by Arby’s and enjoy delicious roast beef sandwiches whenever you want.
So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the difference for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you!
What is the secret to Arby’s roast beef?
The secret to Arby’s roast beef lies in the way it is cooked. Arby’s uses a specific cooking method that involves slow-roasting the beef in a specialized oven. This method allows the beef to cook evenly and retain its juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful roast beef. Additionally, Arby’s uses a proprietary seasoning blend that adds to the unique flavor of their roast beef.
To replicate this at home, you can use a similar cooking method and seasoning blend. You can slow-roast your beef in a conventional oven or use a slow cooker to achieve similar results. You can also experiment with different seasoning blends to find one that closely matches the flavor of Arby’s roast beef.
What type of beef is best for roast beef?
The best type of beef for roast beef is a cut that is high in marbling, such as top round or prime rib. These cuts have a higher fat content, which makes them more tender and flavorful when cooked. You can also use other cuts of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, but they may not be as tender or flavorful.
When selecting a cut of beef, look for one that is at least 1-2 inches thick. This will allow you to slice the beef thinly and evenly, which is important for achieving the signature Arby’s roast beef texture. You can also ask your butcher to trim any excess fat from the beef, which will help it cook more evenly.
How do I season the roast beef?
To season the roast beef, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, and other spices. Arby’s uses a proprietary seasoning blend, but you can replicate this at home by using a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. You can also add other spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to give the beef a more complex flavor.
When seasoning the beef, make sure to rub the spices all over the surface of the meat, including the edges and underside. This will help the spices penetrate the meat evenly and give the beef a more intense flavor. You can also let the beef sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the spices to absorb into the meat.
How long does it take to cook the roast beef?
The cooking time for roast beef will depend on the size and thickness of the beef, as well as the cooking method. If you are using a slow cooker, you can cook the beef on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. If you are using a conventional oven, you can cook the beef at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
It’s also important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature. The recommended internal temperature for roast beef is at least 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, and 155°F (68°C) for medium-well or well-done.
How do I slice the roast beef?
To slice the roast beef, you will need a sharp knife and a slicing machine or a mandoline. Arby’s uses a specialized slicing machine to slice their roast beef thinly and evenly, but you can replicate this at home by using a sharp knife and a steady hand.
When slicing the beef, make sure to slice it against the grain, which means slicing it in the direction of the muscle fibers. This will help the beef to be more tender and easier to chew. You can also slice the beef to your desired thickness, but keep in mind that Arby’s roast beef is typically sliced very thinly.
Can I make roast beef in advance?
Yes, you can make roast beef in advance. In fact, cooking the beef a day or two in advance can help to make it more tender and flavorful. To make roast beef in advance, simply cook the beef as directed and then let it cool to room temperature. Wrap the beef tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
When you are ready to serve the beef, simply slice it thinly and serve it on a bun or with your favorite sides. You can also reheat the beef in the oven or microwave if you prefer it warm.
How do I store leftover roast beef?
To store leftover roast beef, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the beef for up to 2 months. When freezing the beef, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
When reheating leftover roast beef, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat the beef in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop, depending on your preference.