Outdoor griddles are known for their versatility, making them perfect for cooking an extensive variety of dishes. Whether you’re planning breakfast, lunch, or dinner, an outdoor griddle can handle it all. From sizzling bacon to stir-fried vegetables, this guide will give you inspiration on what to cook on your griddle, no matter the occasion.
What To Cook On A Griddle?
Any great meal starts with a plan, and a griddle is no different my friends! So, lets have a quick chat about what to cook on your new griddle!
1. Breakfast on a Griddle
Nothing beats a hearty breakfast on an outdoor griddle. Some popular breakfast dishes include:
- Pancakes: Griddles provide a smooth surface and even heat for golden-brown pancakes.
- Bacon and Eggs: Cook these side by side, allowing the bacon grease to add flavor to the eggs.
- Hash Browns: The flat surface is perfect for crisping hash browns evenly.
Breakfast on a griddle is fast, easy, and adds a delicious flavor that’s hard to replicate on a stove.
2. Sandwiches and Wraps
Griddles excel at creating sandwiches with a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior. Here are some crowd favorites:
- Grilled Cheese: With plenty of butter, the griddle makes a perfectly golden, melty grilled cheese.
- Paninis: Even without a panini press, a griddle can give sandwiches that irresistible toasted finish.
- Breakfast Burritos: Cook the fillings directly on the griddle, then wrap them up for a hearty meal on the go.
3. Lunch and Dinner Entrées
For lunch or dinner, an outdoor griddle offers plenty of options. From juicy burgers to stir-fries, here’s what works best:
- Burgers: Griddles allow for an even sear, resulting in juicy, flavorful burgers.
- Philly Cheesesteak: Sauté onions, peppers, and thin-sliced steak directly on the griddle, then top with cheese.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A griddle’s even surface helps vegetables cook quickly, keeping them crisp and full of flavor.
A griddle is especially handy when cooking for a crowd, as it offers enough space to cook multiple items simultaneously. And when you start talking burgers and melting things. you may start to wonder about if you need a lid (or hood) for your griddle, check out this guide here and griddle lids and hoods.
4. Seafood and Delicate Proteins
The controlled heat of a griddle is ideal for cooking seafood and proteins that require a gentle touch:
- Shrimp Skewers: Griddles cook shrimp quickly without drying them out, perfect for kabobs or tacos.
- Salmon Fillets: A griddle lets you achieve a delicate sear without sticking.
- Scallops: The flat surface allows scallops to sear perfectly without risk of falling through grates.
Using a griddle for seafood preserves natural flavors and keeps the proteins tender.
5. Vegetables and Sides
Griddles are perfect for preparing a variety of sides that complement any meal:
- Sautéed Peppers and Onions: These cook evenly, making them perfect for fajitas, burgers, or stir-fries.
- Corn on the Cob: Lightly char corn directly on the griddle for a sweet, smoky flavor.
- Zucchini and Squash: Sliced and lightly oiled, these vegetables cook quickly on a griddle, enhancing their natural flavors.
Vegetables on a griddle retain their nutrients and texture, adding a wholesome side to any main dish.
What You Should Not Cook on a Griddle
While griddles are incredibly versatile, they’re not suited for every type of cooking. Here’s what to avoid:
Large Roasts and Whole Poultry
Why Not? Griddles provide direct, high heat, which isn’t ideal for cooking large, thick pieces of meat that require indirect heat to cook evenly.
Alternative: Use a traditional oven or a grill with a lid that allows for indirect cooking.
Deep-Fried Foods
Why Not? Griddles aren’t designed to hold large amounts of oil needed for deep frying. Attempting this can be dangerous due to splattering and risk of burns.
Alternative: Use a deep fryer or a pot designed for frying on a stove or grill.
Foods Needing Low and Slow Cooking
Examples: Brisket, ribs, pulled pork.
Why Not? Griddles can’t maintain the low temperatures needed for slow cooking over extended periods, nor do they have lids to trap smoke.
Alternative: Use a smoker or a grill set up for indirect, low-temperature cooking.
Baked Goods Requiring Rising
Examples: Bread loaves, cakes, soufflés.
Why Not? These items need consistent, enclosed heat to rise properly, which a griddle can’t provide.
Alternative: Use an oven or a grill with a baking stone and lid.
Tips for Successful Griddle Cooking
- Preheat Properly: Give your griddle ample time to reach the desired temperature before adding food. This step ensures even cooking and helps prevent sticking.
- Use Appropriate Oils: Choose oils with high smoke points, like canola or vegetable oil. Apply a thin layer to the griddle surface.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Keep your griddle clean to prevent off-flavors and ensure food doesn’t stick. Scrape off debris after each use.
- Season Regularly: If your griddle is cast iron or carbon steel, season it to maintain a non-stick surface and prevent rust.
- Organize Your Workspace: Have all ingredients and tools ready. Griddle cooking can be fast-paced!
- Control Heat Zones: If your griddle has multiple burners, use different heat zones to cook various foods simultaneously.
Sample Cooking Times and Temperatures
Here’s a handy table to help you get started with common griddle-cooked foods:
| Food Item | Temperature | Cooking Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pancakes | 375°F | 2-3 mins per side | Flip when bubbles form on top |
| Burgers | 400°F | 4-5 mins per side | Press lightly for even sear |
| Steaks (1″ thick) | 450°F | 3-4 mins per side | Let rest before slicing |
| Shrimp | 350°F | 2-3 mins total | Cook until pink and opaque |
| Vegetables | 375°F | 5-7 mins | Stir frequently |
| Fried Rice | 375°F | 8-10 mins | Use cold, leftover rice for best results |
| Quesadillas | 350°F | 2-3 mins per side | Press down with spatula for even melting |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use metal utensils on my griddle?
Yes, if your griddle has a steel or cast iron surface. Metal utensils are durable and effective for scraping and flipping. Avoid metal on non-stick surfaces.
2. How often should I season my griddle?
For cast iron or carbon steel griddles, season after each use initially. Once a good seasoning layer is built up, you can season less frequently, but keep the surface oiled.
3. Can I cook frozen foods directly on the griddle?
It’s best to thaw meats and vegetables first for even cooking. However, frozen foods like pre-made burgers or vegetables can be cooked; adjust cooking times accordingly.
4. Is griddle cooking healthy?
Griddle cooking can be healthier since you can control the amount of oil used, and excess fats can be drained away. Plus, cooking vegetables and lean proteins is always a good choice.
5. Can I use my outdoor griddle indoors?
No, outdoor griddles should not be used indoors due to ventilation and carbon monoxide risks. Use an electric griddle designed for indoor use instead.
6. Are outdoor griddles good for steaks?
Absolutely! Griddles can create a nice sear on steaks, though the flavor may differ from a grill. Use high heat for a good crust.
7. Can I use oils or sauces on a griddle?
Yes, oils like canola and sauces like soy work great on griddles, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
8. How do I prevent food from sticking to the griddle?
A well-seasoned griddle and a light coating of oil before cooking help prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
From breakfast to dinner, an outdoor griddle can cook it all. Experiment with different recipes to get the most out of your griddle, and enjoy delicious meals with friends and family. Whether you’re making pancakes or Philly cheesesteaks, a griddle adds flavor, versatility, and fun to any outdoor cooking experience.
There are so many great resources to griddle recipes, in-fact, check out this sweet list over at Food & Wine on their griddle recipes.
So, fire up your griddle, try out new recipes, and enjoy the process of creating delicious meals in the great outdoors. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you!
Happy cooking! If you have favorite griddle recipes or tips, feel free to share them in the comments below. Let’s keep the culinary conversation going!
