To griddle or not to griddle? The answer is always – Griddle! Here is the ultimate guide to griddle cooking.
Griddles have grown in popularity over the last few years, now used as an in-home alternative to teppanyaki and hibachi grills, they are used to make dishes from scratch eggs to perfect steaks. These versatile appliances are a must-have for any foodie.
A little bit of history
A griddle is a cast iron plate that is either flat or ridged. It is placed directly over a gas flame, stovetop, or simply over a grill. Griddles have a rich history in almost every culture. Also known as Budares in South America to Teppanyaki in Japan.
Many cultures use griddles to prepare a variety of dishes such as steak, flatbreads, meats, vegetables, and even used to roast coffee beans throughout the world. Cast Iron retains heat and evenly disperses it, allowing for continued cooking after reducing the heat. This unique benefit has lead to the rise in table-side steaks served on mini cast iron flat griddles.
A well-seasoned dish
Ideally, it would be best if you seasoned your griddle with olive oil, thus ensuring it stays naturally non-stick. The heavy-bottomed nature means it evenly disperses heat, cooking food evenly and consistently. Since cast iron is heavy, it cools slowly once removed from heat.
Flat top griddles have a flat cooking surface, where multiple food items can be prepared and cooked at once. Imagine the bacon sizzles, and the tomatoes grill, all while eggs are fried to one side. These nearly indestructible griddles usually have two surfaces – ridged or flat. The ridged side allows for fast drainage of liquid fat and leaves signature grill marks on food.
Griddle dishes
You can cook nearly anything on a griddle, from meat to vegetables, desserts, and breakfasts such as pancakes and grilled cheese. When it comes to meals that you can cook on a flattop, the sky is the limit. The flat top’s ridged side is perfect for adding stunning sear marks to your steaks or even vegetables!
Griddle top cooking does not have to be greasy and unhealthy. The ridges allow for excess fat and grease to drain off of foods. Many recipes prepared on a flat top can be tasty without compromising your health. Griddles are a perfect kitchen solution for any diet.
Cooking on a griddle
Cooking on a griddle is a lot simpler than previously thought. The key to the perfect grill is a little bit of oil and the correct temperature. Placing your griddle over two burners at different temperatures, you will be able to slow cook on medium heat and fast cook on high heat. When using a double-sided griddle, make sure the griddle is cooled down, or use a heatproof mitt when handling it. Ensure that you wipe down the griddle top before turning it over.
The use of different temperature zones means that you can prepare your bacon and eggs simultaneously at different temperatures. No more putting the bacon on and juggling pots and saucepans around to get everything ready at the same time. Instead, a heat gradient gives you ample space and time to cook different food items at different temperature zones at the same time. Simple right?
Durability with minimal maintenance
Griddles are long-lasting as long as they are taken care of properly. After cooking on a griddle, gently scrape the surface off with a scraping tool. Remove all leftover food matter and wipe the griddle down. It is recommended that you season the griddle before storing it, especially for extended periods.
Try not to soak your griddle in water; this could cause rust to form. If this does happen, scour the rust off with steel wool and a light dish detergent, and season your griddle. It will be ready to use as soon as it is seasoned. Griddles do not require heavy scrubbing and scouring after each use.
Esthetically pleasing as well as functional
Griddles are ultimately a kitchen must-have. If you enjoy entertaining guests and cooking, a griddle (like these at Uno Casa: https://unocasa.com/products/cast-iron-griddle) is a perfect addition to your kitchen. You can prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a griddle! This handy kitchen gadget is not only made for indoor use it is perfect for outdoor events over the fire as well.
If you are looking for meal inspiration, simply swap out the skillet for a griddle. You will soon see that griddle cooking not only means fewer pots to wash but can elevate your cooking to an entirely new level. Try this recipe for your next dinner party.
