Hey there! If you’re new to griddle cooking or just starting out, then you’ve come to the right place. Griddle cooking can seem daunting, but with a few tips and tricks, it can be pretty straightforward, even for beginners.
Today, I’ll be sharing some of my best griddle cooking tips and tricks, basic techniques, ingredients and seasonings, and tips for maintaining the temperature. Let’s jump right in!
Heat It Up!
One of the most important things to keep in mind when griddle cooking is to make sure your griddle is properly heated before you start cooking.
Before you start, I suggest preheating your griddle on medium-high for at least 5 minutes so you get an even heat.
Once your griddle is properly heated, the next step is to select the appropriate fats for your griddle cooking. Fats are the primary means to transfer heat from your griddle to your food, so it’s important to select the right one.
For example, for egg-based dishes, butter is best because it has a low smoke point. When cooking meats or vegetables, oil or lard is usually the preferred choice.
Griddle Accessories Do Help
Another important tip when griddle cooking is to use the right utensils. As a general rule of thumb, use long-handled metal utensils because they won’t scratch the surface and can help keep your griddle clean.
While wooden utensils may seem like a safer choice, they can actually cause more damage over time because they absorb fat, leading to food sticking and lifting up.
The Right Ingredients
When it comes to ingredients, griddle cooking is all about finding the right balance of flavors. To achieve this, I suggest playing around with different combinations of herbs and spices, like garlic, cumin, oregano, basil, thyme, and more.
Also, if you want to get creative, don’t be afraid to experiment with different acidic ingredients, like balsamic vinegar, or sweet ingredients, like honey. These ingredients can help balance out and add flavor to your dishes.
To season your food properly, I suggest starting with a generous amount of salt before you cook. The salt pulls moisture out of the food, giving it a flavorful crust.
Then, once the food is cooked, you can add other herbs and spices to add more flavor. Just remember, it’s better to add a little at a time and adjust to your taste.
Tips for Maintaining Consistent Temperature on a Griddle
One of the biggest challenges when griddle cooking is maintaining a consistent temperature. To do this, use a thermometer to check the griddle temperature periodically and adjust the heat accordingly.
Also, make sure to scrape away any food bits that may be stuck to the griddle, as this can prevent your griddle from maintaining an even temperature.
Finally, try to keep your griddle as clean as possible. Grease and other food particles can cause the griddle to overheat, so make sure to clean off the griddle after every use.
Griddle cooking offers many advantages, such as the ability to cook a variety of foods at once, the ability to cook quickly, and the ability to use fewer fats and oils.
On the other hand, the biggest downside to griddle cooking is the risk of uneven heating and lack of control over the cooking process.
Griddle cooking is a great way to quickly and easily cook a variety of foods. However, it can seem intimidating for beginners.
With a few tips, tricks, and techniques, you can become a pro in no time. Just remember to always preheat your griddle, pick the right fats, use the right utensils, season properly, and always keep the temperature consistent. Good luck, and happy griddling!