How to Use a Griddle on Stove Tops
Now, this might seem like something very obvious and of common knowledge, but knowing the knicks and knacks of using cookware is exactly what makes you a better cook than others. Once you implement these techniques, you will feel the change yourself and be so grateful for having known them.
Griddles offer much more than a pan as they give you the flexibility of cooking, frying or grilling things! You just need to learn how to use a griddle and get familiar with the technique.
Let’s go over the basics first if you are completely new to the concept of a griddle.
What is a Griddle?
A griddle is a large pan, the size of two burners on an average stovetop. Griddles can be of various types depending on the material they are made of the mode of energy. Based on material, typically a griddle is made up of cast iron, steel or copper. On the basis of the mode of energy, griddles can be electric or stovetop. In this article, we will be covering stovetop griddles.
Most people prefer griddles because they are convenient to use and can be used for various purposes as well as a barbecue.
How to Use a Griddle on Stove Tops?
Using a griddle on a stovetop can be really easy but you just need to keep in mind the temperature that is required for the dish that you are preparing.
Step 1: Set Up Your Griddle
Turn on the flame and place your griddle on the stove top. If you have a flat range, then adjust the griddle by lifting and repositioning it as sliding may cause damage. Place the griddle on the two burners that are closest on your stove top. Keep the heat on both the burners even so that the griddle heats up evenly.
Step 2: Heat It Up
Turn the temperature up as the recipe requires for what you are going to cook. Give the griddle some time to heat. Depending on the material, the griddle will take different times for eating up. You can check for the right temperature by sprinkling some water droplets on the griddle. If the water droplets sizzle and dance, the temperature is right to start cooking. Otherwise, either the heat is low or too much.
Step 3: Oil The Griddle
This step is also known as seasoning a griddle. If you want to get familiar with this process in detail, you can check out our article on ‘How to Season a Stainless Steel Griddle’. We will guide you briefly on it.
If the griddle that you are using is of cast iron or steel, then apply a coating of oil to prevent the food from sticking to the surface. You could either use butter or any type of vegetable oil for it. If you have a copper nonstick griddle then you can just skip this step.
Step 4: Start Cooking
Follow the recipe of the dish you are going to cook and heat the griddle accordingly. If you are cooking multiple batches, then remember to oil the griddle with each batch as the food will absorb the oil.
While cooking, if the griddle begins to smoke, turn down the heat immediately to make sure that the food does not burn as smoking of a griddle is a sign of too much heat.
What to Cook on your Griddle?
From a fancy breakfast to a hearty meal, you have multiple options to choose from. And you always have the option of experimenting and trying something new. The dishes that most of the people love or prefer to cook on a griddle are as follows to give you some idea:
- Pancakes
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Meats
- Eggs
- Omelettes
- Bacon or sausage
- French toast
- Roasted vegetables
- Homemade fries
- Smashed potatoes
- S’mores
- Steak
You can cook normally like a pan, barbecue meat on it, or use it as a frying pan. A griddle offers so much versatility that you can try something new each time.
Conclusion
You know how to use a griddle, now get cooking in the kitchen to fill your house with that delicious aroma of mouth-watering food. Impress your friends with your skills, host brunches, or have a chill barbecue with family on weekends.
