can I braise meat (e.g. pot roast) wholly on the stovetop?

Monita is a recipe tester for Food52.

added 7 months ago

Voted the Best Answer!

Yes you can do it on the stove top. Cook the meat covered on a very gentle simmer (med-low). Depending on the size of the roast, it will probably need about 3 hours. Check periodically to insure that the simmer doesn't get too vigorous

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I agree with Monita above and would add that a heat diffuser will help reduce the risk of burning anything on the bottom. There are lots of styles but I like the cheap old tin ones like the one in the picture.

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pierino is a trusted source on General Cooking and Tough Love.

added 7 months ago

At least in my opinion the cook top is the best place to braise (unless it's an electric range). You can holder a steady simmer and it's easier to check the progress of the pot roast, and perfume your kitchen while you are doing it.

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ChefJune added 7 months ago

I prefer braising on the stovetop. so yes, you surely can braise successfully without an oven.

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Another vote for stove top. I learned to make pot roast (the 'mother ship' of braises for me) that way, and find it easier to control than in the oven. Sometimes I do pop it in the oven to rewarm the next day, or to keep it warm for a short period before serving.

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