How to Cook Lamb, Pork, and Chicken on a Spit?

Cooking meat on a spit is a fun, social, and delicious way to feed your family or friends. Ever wondered why your roast chicken at home never tastes quite like that juicy rotisserie chicken from the shop? Or maybe you’ve gone to a fair and seen someone turning a whole pig over glowing coals and thought, “I wish I could do that.” Good news: Spit roasting is easier than it looks, and with the right guide, you can do it too.

This spit-roasting guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook meat on a spit, specifically, lamb, pork, and chicken. We’ll keep things super simple, stick to easy language, and give you tips anyone can try.

What Is Spit Roasting?

Spit roasting, or cooking meat on a rotisserie spit, is one of the oldest cooking methods. It means spearing meat on a long rod (called a spit) and slowly turning it over a fire or heat source so it cooks evenly. Think of it as barbecue meets campfire.

Spit roasting guide tip: The secret is slow, steady rotation. That’s what gives the meat its crispy outside and juicy inside.

There are different spit roasting machines for different meats. Some people use a simple rod over a fire, while others use a hog roast machine for bigger meats, like a whole pig or lamb.

Why Cook Meat on a Spit?

Let's be honest. Spit-roasted meat looks impressive and tastes fantastic. But that's not all. Here’s why you should give it a shot:

• Meat cooks evenly on all sides.
• Juices are sealed in, giving you tender and moist results.
• You can feed a crowd with less effort.
• It’s fun. Who doesn’t love standing around the fire, smelling roasting meat, and chatting until it’s done?

Pro tip: It's also a hands-off cooking style. Once it’s set up and turning, you won’t be babysitting it every second.

What You Need to Start Spit Roasting

Before we jump into how to cook lamb, pork, or chicken on a spit, let's check what you need:

• A rotisserie spit (manual or electric)
• A charcoal or wood fire (or gas burner)
• Good quality meat (lamb, pork, or chicken)
• Seasonings or marinade
• Sturdy tongs or gloves
• A drip tray for fat
• Long-handled thermometer (for safe checking)
  

If you’re thinking of going big with a whole animal roast, consider using a proper hog roast machine. It makes the process a lot easier, safer, and cleaner.

Spit Roasting Guide: Preparing the Meat

Getting your meat ready is step number one. Here’s how to prepare each kind:

How to Cook Lamb on a Spit

Lamb is perfect for spit roasting because the fat keeps it moist while it cooks.

Steps:

• Choose a whole lamb or significant leg/shoulder cuts.
• Clean the cavity and pat the lamb dry.
• Season inside and outside with salt, pepper, garlic, herbs (like rosemary and thyme), and olive oil.
• Secure tightly onto the spit, tie legs and shoulders with butcher's twine so nothing dangles.
• Insert the spit rod through the mouth and out the other end for a whole lamb.

Tip: Keep the lamb balanced on the spit. Uneven meat will wobble and cook unevenly.

How to Cook Pork on a Spit

Pork, especially a whole pig, is a showstopper.

Steps:

• Select a whole pig or a large pork shoulder.
• Score the skin with a sharp knife (helps make crackling).
• Rub with salt, pepper, and your favourite spices (coriander, fennel, paprika work well).
• Secure with strong ties, pork can get heavy and slippery.
• Place a drip tray under the spit to catch fat (you can use this for gravy).

Tip: Use a hog roast machine for pigs. It holds big weights and turns steadily.

Cooking Chicken on Rotisserie Spit

Chicken on a rotisserie spit is the fastest and maybe the easiest way to start.

Steps:

• Pick a large, fresh chicken.
• Remove giblets, rinse, and pat dry.
• Season inside and out with a mix of salt, pepper, lemon zest, herbs, and a little oil.
• Truss with twine, tie the legs together and wings under so they don’t flop.
• Push the spit rod through from end to end and secure.
• Optional: Add some lemon or garlic cloves inside for flavour.

Building Your Fire (Or Setting Up Gas)

Cooking low and slow is the key to tender, tasty meat.

• If using charcoal or wood, let it burn until covered with grey ash (no big flames).
• Make an even bed of coals. If your spit is big, put most coals in the centre, fewer at the edges.
• If using gas burners, set to medium-low.

Safety: Always keep a bucket of water or an extinguisher nearby.

Spit Roasting Guide: Cooking the Meat

Here’s where the magic happens.

Cooking Lamb

• Place the spit with the lamb about 18 inches above the coals/flame.
• Rotate slowly (manual or electric motor).
• Cook for about 4-5 hours for a whole lamb. Internal temp should hit at least 63°C (145°F) for medium.
• Baste the lamb every 30 minutes with a mix of herbs, oil, and lemon juice to keep it moist.
• Let the lamb rest 20-30 minutes before carving.

Cooking Pork

• Place pork spit over moderate heat, turning constantly.
• Try to keep the skin dry, pat with a paper towel as it cooks. This helps make crackling.
• Whole pigs take about 6-8 hours, depending on size.
• Internal temp should be at least 71°C (160°F).
• Rest after cooking so juices settle.

Cooking Chicken on Rotisserie Spit

• Chicken cooks faster, about 1-1.5 hours for a medium bird.
• Place chicken spit over indirect heat.
• Keep the lid down if using a covered BBQ to hold in heat.
• Baste often with seasoned butter or oil.
• Internal temp in the thickest part should be at least 74°C (165°F).

Spit roasting guide reminder: Juices should run clear, not pink, when poked.

Tips for Perfect Spit Roasted Meat

• Balance is everything. Center your meat so it turns evenly.
• Don’t rush. Low and slow is better than high heat and fast.
• Check temps often. Use a meat thermometer.
• Baste regularly. Keeps meat moist, adds flavour.
• Let it rest after cooking. Resting helps juices reabsorb, so your meat stays juicy.

Spit Roasting Guide: What to Serve With

Don’t forget the sides! Here are some classic ideas:

• Crispy roast potatoes (make them in a tray under the spit for extra flavour)
• Grilled veggies
• Fresh salads
• Bread and dips

Food cooked this way is perfect for sharing. Everyone gets together, eats with their hands, and just enjoys the simple things.

Troubleshooting: Common Concerns

• Meat is dry: Try basting more often, or lower your heat.
• Skin doesn’t crisp: Dry it well before roasting and use lots of salt.
• Meat isn’t cooking evenly: Check if the spit is balanced. Shuffle coals if needed.
• Not sure if it’s done?: Use a thermometer! Don’t guess.

Spit Roasting Guide: Cleaning Up

• Let everything cool before handling.
• Scrape off burnt pieces from the grill and the spit.
• Wash with hot, soapy water. Dry well before storing.
• Check for any fat drips that could cause a mess or fire next time.

If you enjoy spit roasting and want to try something big, a hog roast machine makes the job much simpler. It’s built for pigs or large joints, holding them secure while turning evenly over the heat. Thinking of a backyard party or family reunion? A hog roast machine could be your new best friend.

For more advice on safe cooking temperatures and food safety, check this guide from the NHS on cooking meat properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best meat for spit roasting?

Lamb, pork, and chicken are classic choices. Each is juicy and easy to turn on a spit.

How do I stop the meat from burning outside and staying raw inside?

Cook over medium heat and turn the spit constantly. Slow and steady wins the race.

How do I know the meat is done?

Use a thermometer to check the inside temp: 63°C (lamb), 71°C (pork), 74°C (chicken).

Can I spit roast on a regular BBQ?

You can, as long as it can hold a spit rod safely and lets you cook over indirect heat.

Should I marinate meat before spit roasting?

Yes, Marinating adds moisture and flavour. Just don’t overdo it with sugar, as it can burn.

Conclusion

Spit roasting takes your outdoor cooking to another level. It’s simple, fun, and anyone can do it with a bit of care. Here at Sunshine BBQs, we love seeing people try spit roasting for the first time and discovering just how good it is.

Ready to try out your first spit roast or looking for tools and tips? Check out our range and let Sunshine BBQs help you make your next gathering unforgettable. Want to learn more or have questions? Contact us today, we're always here to help you become a BBQ champion!