All of us crave the mouthwatering, juicy flavor that comes with slow-cooked meat. Its deliciously tender texture is something we all desire to experience. The long and gentle cooking process allows the flavors to develop and intensify, creating a taste sensation that is truly sublime. So, I also want to know the secret to the perfectly tender meat. I bet you do too!

So, I went to ask my Grandma about how she always cooks perfectly tender meat with all her slow-cooked oven recipes. I was eager to find out what it was that made her dishes so special.

She revealed that it all comes down to timing and temperature and making sure not to overcook the meat. With these simple tips in mind, we’ll be able to cook up some tasty treats in no time!

How to Prepare the Meat for Slow Cooking

Nana said to cook perfectly tender meat; it will start with preparing the meat. Knowing how to appropriately prepare the meat before placing it into the oven is essential for achieving a succulent, flavorsome result.

Step 1: If the meat has been frozen, it is essential to allow it to defrost by leaving it at room temperature for some time. After this, take kitchen paper and gently pat the meat until all the moisture has been absorbed. This will ensure that the meat is fully prepared before you start cooking.

Step 2: Cut the meat into pieces depending on the recipe you are preparing to cook. Make sure that each piece is cut to the exact size and shape specified in the instructions. This will make sure that your dish will turn out perfectly every time.

Step 3: Allow the meat to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to bloom. It will help the meat reach its maximum flavor potential. This process will also allow the meat thaw, allowing them to absorb all of the delicious seasonings you’ve added.

How to Cook Perfectly Tender Meat for Slow Cooking

Step 4: Sear the meat if needed. Heat a pan on the stove and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, place the meat into the pan and sear it until it’s done. Allow cooking for several minutes before flipping over to ensure that both sides are evenly cooked. This process seals in all your meat’s delicious flavors while providing a beautifully caramelized exterior.

Step 5: Next step is to pre-heat the oven to approximately 80ºC. Once the oven has reached the required temperature, you should also heat up a pan or pot where you will cook the meat. This will help ensure that your meal is cooked properly and evenly.

Step 6: Place the meat in the oven and adjust the thermostat to your desired temperature. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the cut. Then, wait for it to reach that point for optimal tenderness. To achieve perfectly tender meat, it is necessary to set the oven temperature to its lowest setting. 

Step 7: Patiently wait for the meat to absorb all the flavors slowly and tenderize through low oven heat. You can do other things first while waiting for the meat. But remember to prepare all the ingredients needed for the last-minute preparation. Finally, when you have achieved your desired level of tenderness, take out the meat from the heat source. Then, allow it to rest before serving.

What is the Right Oven Temperature for Perfectly Tender Meat

With the many different types of meat suitable for slow cooking, they all require distinct heat settings. They also have different cooking times to achieve optimal results. Slow-cooked meals can be incredibly delicious if done correctly. However, selecting the wrong temperature or leaving the food to cook for too long can result in an unsatisfactory dish.

So, here’s my Nana’s guide to setting the right temperature for slow-cooking the meat in an oven.

Slow Cooking Pork

If we are cooking pork shanks, Nana suggests that we slow cook the meat over a pre-heated pan with a temperature of 160°C. The, you need to cook it for 3 to 4 hours to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly.

Next, for pork belly, it is suggested to pre-heat the oven to 140°C to ensure that you have a succulent and flavorful meal. The cooking time should be between 4 to 5 hours to guarantee that the meat becomes tender and juicy.

Cooking pork in an oven is much preferable if you’re pressed for time. It can be done relatively quickly compared to slow cooking with a slow cooker. When using a slow cooker, pork typically requires between 6 and 10 hours of cooking time before it’s ready for serving.

Slow Cooking Beef

If we prepare a delicious beef casserole or a succulent steak in the oven, the ideal temperature is approximately 160°C. It will usually take between 3 and 4 hours for the beef to become deliciously tender before it’s ready to serve with your favorite dishes.

Nana suggests that, in addition to taking into account the type of beef we were cooking, we should also think about the different cuts of meat. This will also determine the correct temperature for the oven. She further recommends paying attention to how thick or thin each cut is. This will have an impact on how long cooking will take and at what heat.

Slow Cooking Chicken

A whole chicken and its accompanying vegetables can take up to 4 hours to cook properly in an oven pre-heated to 160°C. If you’re short on time, substitute the poultry for cut-up chicken pieces which will only require 2 hours of cooking time.

Slow Cooking Lambs

Slow-cooking lambs in an oven requires a low and slow temperature. Setting the oven to around 150-170°F (65-75°C) will ensure that the lamb is cooked through while retaining its tender, succulent texture. Additionally, this low heat will also help to preserve all of the flavorful juices contained within the meat itself, resulting in a deliciously moist and savory meal.

No matter what kind of meat we choose to prepare, with the help of my Grandma’s secret techniques, we can easily cook it to perfection – juicy and tender. With the right amount of seasoning and a few simple steps, even the most inexperienced cook can make succulent meals that will bring rave reviews from family and friends.