If you are planning to roast a chicken or other poultry in the oven, a roaster rack can be very useful. The rack holds the meat above the bottom of the pan, allowing air to circulate completely around the bird so it cooks evenly. Unfortunately, not everyone has a roaster rack on hand when they need one. Luckily, there are a few common household items that can be used in place of a rack.
Wire Cooling Racks
One of the best substitutes for a roaster rack is a wire cooling rack. Cooling racks are made of thin metal wires that allow air flow from all sides. They come in various sizes and can fit on a rimmed baking sheet or even directly in a roasting pan. Make sure to select a rack that is large enough to hold the poultry you are cooking. The bird should fit comfortably without any overhang. Just place the wire rack inside the baking dish and you have an instant roaster rack replacement.
Crumpled Aluminum Foil
For a quick substitute, crumpled up aluminum foil can work in a pinch. Tear off several large sheets of heavy duty foil. Crinkle and squeeze the foil loosely into the shape of a rack that will fit your roasting pan. Mound it up enough so that it lifts the poultry above the bottom of the pan by an inch or two. Place the bird on top and roast as desired. The crumpled foil will allow for air circulation while keeping the meat elevated.
Metal Vegetable Steamer
Metal vegetable steamer baskets can also double as temporary roasting racks. Look for one about the size of your roasting pan and place it inside. Arrange the bird on top and roast as normal. Just make sure it is metal rather than plastic or silicone, so it can withstand oven temperatures.
Broiler Pan Grid
If you happen to have a broiler pan, the slotted grid insert can be used in place of a roasting rack. The broiler pan grid is designed to let hot air circulate around food for even cooking and browning. Place the grid on a baking sheet or roasting pan with the slanted side up. Set the poultry on the grid and it will act as a makeshift roasting rack.
Metal Cooling Rack for Cookies
The kind of wire rack used for cooling cookies and other baked goods can also work as a substitute roasting rack. Choose one that will fit inside your roasting pan with a little room to spare around the edges. Keep in mind that smaller cooling racks will only work for smaller birds or pieces of poultry. Larger racks are ideal, but you can make multiple small racks work by arranging them together.
Wooden Slat Grill Shelf
An oven-safe wooden slatted grill shelf, also known as a barbecue plank, can be utilized as a substitute rack. Look for one crafted from untreated wood that fits the dimensions of your roasting pan. Carefully place on the bottom of the pan and lay the seasoned poultry on top. The slats will allow for airflow to crisp up the skin.
Vegetable Steamer Basket
For a smaller bird like a Cornish hen, a simple bamboo or metal vegetable steamer basket may do the trick. These small baskets are designed to elevate food above boiling water. Use one in place of a roasting rack by nestling it into a baking dish. Arrange your poultry in the basket so it can cook over the air space below.
Baking Pan with Raised Bottom
Some baking pans have slight ridges or a raised bottom surface. These types of pans can help elevate your poultry above a small pool of drippings in place of a roasting rack. Choose a pan just large enough to hold the bird and arrange on the built-in platforms. You won’t get quite as much airflow, but it’s a handy solution.
Two Oven-Safe Dishes
For a quick improvised rack, use two oven-safe dishes of different sizes. Place a smaller casserole dish or ramekin upside down in the center of a roasting pan or baking dish. Set your seasoned poultry on top of the inverted dish. The top dish will act as a pedestal to lift your meat above the pan for better airflow.
Large Carrot Sticks or Celery Stalks
In a true pinch, you can create a makeshift rack out of vegetable pieces. Carrot sticks, celery stalks, onion chunks or potato pieces can all work. Arrange them in a rack shape large enough to hold your poultry. Place the bird on the vegetable rack and roast as desired for some added flavor from the juices.
Tips for Using Roster Rack Substitutes
- Make sure your poultry fits on the rack comfortably without too much overlap over the edges
- Elevate the bird above the bottom of the pan by at least an inch
- Choose a wire cooling rack or other metal substitute for best airflow
- For flat baking sheets, form aluminum foil into a loose rack shape
- Arrange celery, carrots or other veggies in a rack pattern as a last resort
Conclusion
While a designated roasting rack is always best for poultry and roasts, it’s handy to know you have seasoning options on busy holidays or if your rack is lost. Cooling racks, steamer baskets, broiler pans and aluminum foil can all work in a pinch to elevate your meat for even roasting. With a little creativity, you can improvise a way to roast a tasty bird without an actual roasting rack.