If you’re a foodie or just a kitchen novice trying to figure out a new way to cook, you’ve likely come across a griddle. This essential cooking tool is becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons–from its convenience and versatility to its fun and creative possibilities. There’s no doubt that griddles can provide a whole new level of deliciousness to a meal.
But, it takes a certain set of skills to truly master a griddle in the kitchen. Thankfully, these griddle cooking tips can turn you from an amateur to a pro as soon as you get your griddle out of the box! Let’s get cooking!
Temperature: As with any new cooking device, it’s important to preheat the griddle before use. Simply plug it in and allow it to warm up to the desired temperature before getting started. On most griddles, this can be done by adjusting the knob located on the edge of the device. Once the indicated temperature is reached, hop on in!
Cooking on the griddle: Once the griddle has been preheated and the food ingredients are ready to go, be careful with placement. Avoid crowding the food while still allowing enough space to be able to flip/stir. Another trick to keep in mind is to season the food before it hits the griddle to avoid over seasoning. This also helps to draw out the most flavor from the foods you’re cooking.
Now that you’ve got your food situated and seasoned, take a peek at the griddle itself. Depending on the type of griddle you’re using, there may be a pre-greased surface that allows for none-stickness during cooking. If it’s not pre-greased, use cooking spray or oil. The goal is to keep foods from sticking, so a light coating of oil will do just that!
After the initial cooking session, you may notice that some food has stuck to the griddle. To avoid excess sticking next time, it’s best to scrape off excess debris after each use. Not only will this help keep your griddle clean and free of food residue, but it will also help maintain the overall flavor.
Once the food has been cooked, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Just be sure to turn off the griddle and unplug it before whipping up your masterpiece.
How to Cook Different Foods on a Griddle
Wonder what types of food can be cooked on a griddle? Let us tell you, the options are endless–from classic breakfast staples to grilled veggies, sandwiches and more!
Breakfast: Craving pancakes, French toast or an egg sandwich? This can easily be accomplished with a griddle. Simply spread the batter across the preheated and oiled surface, flip when ready and voila! Traditional breakfast favorites are not the only items that can be cooked on a griddle. Try experimenting with larger items like hashbrowns for a tasty alternative.
Grilled sandwiches: Ahhh, the classic grilled cheese. While one of the most recognized griddle-cooked dishes, a grilled sandwich doesn’t have to just be the classic cheese, tomato, and lettuce combination. Vegetables, deli meats, and other ingredients can all be thrown between two slices of bread, grilled and enjoyed.
Vegetables: Veggies can easily be cooked up on a griddle. Try cooking up thinly sliced zucchini, squash, mushrooms and other favorites that can be cooked in a hot skillet. Sautéed veggies are a flavorful addition to any meal for an added punch of iron and vitamins.
The Benefits of Cooking on a Griddle
There is no shortage of benefits that come along with cooking on a griddle. Aside from the convenience of being able to cook multiple dishes at once, griddles provide a few unique advantages that are worth mentioning.
Faster cooking time: Due to the large flat surface of the griddle, it can easily cook up large batches of food in a short period of time. No more waiting around while each separate item is fried up–with a griddle, it’s just one big party of yummy goodness cooking up in no time at all.
Healthy cooking: Griddles are a great way to reduce fat intake as there is no need to cook with oils or butter for many dishes. This is a bonus for those looking to watch their cholesterol and calorie intake, without having to skimp out on flavor.
Easy cleanup: One of the best benefits of griddle cooking are the minimal cleanup time. Since the food is cooking on a flat surface, there is no need for multiple pans, spatulas and measuring utensils. This makes clean up a snap, leaving you with more time to enjoy the meal.
Griddle Cooking Maintenance Tips
Cooking on a griddle is easy and convenient, but just like any other cooking device, it requires some TLC to keep it in prime condition. Fortunately, routine maintenance won’t take up much of your time if you take care of it properly.
Deep Clean: Clean up after each use by wiping down the griddle with a hot rag and mild dish soap. The heat helps soften any food residue on the griddle, making clean-up a breeze. Make sure to scrape off any remaining debris and then dry thoroughly with a paper towel or clean rag.
Store Properly: When storing the griddle, make sure to clean it thoroughly and keep it in a dry spot. This will help make sure the griddle is in top shape each time you use it.
Check for Damage: If somehow, the griddle gets damaged, be sure to inspect it for any loose wiring or general wear and tear. If there is any concern of malfunctioning, it’s best to get it to a professional for repair.
Conclusion
With these griddle cooking tips, tricks, and maintenance tips, you’ll be a griddle master in no time! Griddles provide a convenient and versatile way to whip up delicious dishes. Not to mention, no need to worry about greasing multiple pans or cleaning a mountain of dishes. So get your griddle out and get cooking!