Asda chef shares secret hacks to the ultimate Sunday roast, ahead of Roast Dinner Day

New research from Asda finds that despite roast dinners being an iconic British meal, nearly one in four (23%) lack the confidence to cook a traditional roast dinner, with this figure rising to nearly half (43%) for Gen Zs
To boost Brits’ kitchen confidence, Asda’s Senior Innovation Chef, Rich Harding, shares his top tips for pork crackling joints, whole chickens, beef rump, and more
The latest additions to Asda’s Exceptional range include the Exceptional Pork Crackling Joint, Exceptional Free Range Corn-Fed Norfolk Whole Chicken, and the Exceptional Top Rump Beef Joint, offering a premium selection at friendly prices
All of the above are available in-store and online now at www.asda.com

With Roast Dinner Day fast approaching on November 4th, research from Asda highlights that despite the Sunday lunch (or dinner) being an iconic British tradition, almost one in four (23%) lack the confidence to pull off this classic feast, rising to 43% of Gen Z.

To lend a helping hand in the kitchen, Asda’s Senior Innovation Chef, Rich Harding shares his ultimate tips for cooking a show-stopping main, centring on five premium products from the Exceptional by Asda range.

1. The trick to the crispiest pork crackling? Pour boiling water all over the rind!

“To get the crispiest crackling, the pork rind needs to be bone dry – moisture is not your friend!” claims Rich. “Remove the pork from its packaging as soon as possible, and rub some fine salt into the scores, ensuring it’s worked into the rind thoroughly. Leave the salt for 20 minutes, then wipe off the excess and pat away moisture with a paper towel”.

For those looking to elevate their main even further, he shares an additional step: “If you really want to impress with next-level crackling, pop the joint onto a cooling rack in the sink and carefully pour boiling water over the skin, washing off the salt. Pat dry and leave in the fridge for an hour or so before cooking”.

Try this with the Exceptional Pork Crackling Joint (£8).

2. A one-pot chicken supreme is the perfect roast dinner for single or two person households - and there’s less washing up!

For smaller tables, a smaller bird is in order. “For a one or two-person household, you can still enjoy a roast dinner without excess waste and I’d suggest pot-roasting a chicken supreme, which is essentially an elevated boneless, skin-on breast of chicken – this can be an ‘all-in-one’ roast dinner” says Rich.

“First, season the chicken skin well and cook it in a tablespoon of oil, skin side down until crispy and golden brown. Add some chicken gravy, then the vegetables you would like along with some robust herbs. Serve with roast potatoes and our Exceptional Beef Dripping Yorkshire Puddings for an easier-than-ever roast”.

Try this with the Exceptional Free Range Corn Fed Chicken Supreme (£7.09).

3. Here’s why you should always turn your whole chicken upside down after cooking…

When it comes to a whole chicken, you can whip up a juicy, flavourful main easily with some simple tips. “Before you start cooking, leave the chicken out for 15 minutes so it’s not fridge cold” he explains. “Then, stuff the cavity with half a lemon and half an onion. Next, slice the other half of the onion and place under the chicken as a trivet and squeeze the juice from the other half of the lemon over the chicken. Season generously and cook”.

Rich continues, “Once the chicken is removed from the oven, I recommend using some tongs and turning the chicken upside down so all the lovely juices run back into the breast meat, giving your main the ultimate juicy flavour. Don’t forget to pop those juices into your sauce or gravy (or just dip bread in them!)”.

Try this with the Exceptional Free Range Corn-Fed Norfolk Whole Chicken (£10.85).

4. For the ultimate outer crust on your beef joint, take it out of any wrapping as soon as you’ve bought it!

For a classic, premium roast, you can’t go wrong with a rump beef joint. “Unwrap the rump as early as possible – I would take it out of the wrapper and keep it uncovered overnight in the fridge if possible, and the sooner the better! That way, you get a nice outer crust when roasting. When you’re ready to cook, allow the beef to come up to room temperature before you get started” shares Rich.

Looking to elevate even further? “To go to the next level of flavour, sear the outside of the rump in a hot pan to seal in all the juices before roasting. Brush the rump all over with Dijon, or another mild mustard – then I like to season with the Cook by Asda Nooch seasoning for a well-rounded flavour”.

Try this with the Exceptional Top Rump Beef Joint (£21).

5. Want the tastiest homemade stuffing? You’ll have to cook it INSIDE the chicken!

But it’s not just about the meaty mains - Rich adds, “Our Exceptional sausages make an amazing homemade stuffing, allowing you to maximise flavour all-round rather than cooking separately” offers Rich.

“Simply slice down the side of each sausage, then add into a pan with a finely diced onion in butter, along with breadcrumbs and herbs such as parsley, sage, thyme – whatever you fancy.”

“For a real showstopper, remove the wishbone from the chicken and place the stuffing in the neck area to allow for maximum flavour while the bird cooks”.

Try this with the Exceptional 6 Pork, Wykes Cheddar Cheese & Smoked Bacon Sausages (£3.25).

Ahead of National Roast Dinner Day, Rich Harding, Senior Innovation Chef at Asda added: "The roast dinner is such a staple in British cuisine, it's a shame so many people don't feel confident enough to give it a go. At Asda, we work with expert producers to ensure our quality cuts of meat are prepped and primed ready for customers to cook to perfection, and hope that the tips we've shared will give home cooks the boost of confidence they need to put the great British roast back on the menu!”.

Alongside Rich’s tips for mains, celebrate Roast Dinner Day with Asda’s Exceptional dessert range, featuring some of Britain’s most loved desserts - including the Exceptional Bramley Apple Crumble (£4), Exceptional Victoria Sponge Cake (£2.50), or the Exceptional Hazelnut Praline Sponge Pudding (£8).

To learn more about the Exceptional range, visit an Asda store or visit https://groceries.asda.com/search/exceptional