Ever feel like your outdoor cooking game is stuck in a burger rut? Tired of the same old BBQ routine? If so, it’s time to explore the wonderful world of griddle cooking.
This flat-top marvel isn’t just for pancakes and hash browns anymore. No matter your cooking level, the griddle offers endless possibilities for culinary creativity.
Let’s get into the art of griddle cooking and take your outdoor culinary adventures to the next level.
Why You Should Cook on an Outdoor Griddle
The standard grill can be limiting. Dealing with uneven heat distribution and flare-ups can be frustrating. And the constant struggle for that perfect char can leave your food less than ideal. That’s where outdoor griddles step in to save the day.
Here’s why they’re gaining traction in the world of outdoor cooking.
Even Heat Distribution
The griddle’s large, flat surface ensures consistent heat across the entire cooking area. It guarantees evenly browned burgers, perfectly golden pancakes, and flawlessly seared steaks. No more burnt edges and raw centers
Quick Heat
Gone are the days of slow grilling. The griddle’s direct heat transfer cooks food significantly faster, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Imagine sizzling fajita veggies in minutes or whipping up a breakfast feast for the whole family at sunrise.
Easy Cleanup
We all know the struggle of cleaning a greasy grill. But the griddle’s flat surface makes cleaning a breeze. No more scraping burnt-on food or dealing with flare-ups. Simply wipe it down with a spatula or a damp cloth, and you’re ready for your next meal.
What to Cook on a Griddle
The griddle may be flat, but its culinary potential is anything but. Let’s explore the endless possibilities of what you can cook up.
Griddle Breakfast
- Breakfast burritos: You can whip up breakfast burritos directly on the griddle. Scramble eggs, cook chorizo, saute peppers and onions, all on the griddle. Then assemble your burritos with tortillas warmed directly on the heat.
- French toast and pancakes: Ditch the soggy mess in the kitchen. Create perfectly caramelized, griddle-cooked French toast. And whip up some fluffy pancakes – a griddle classic.
- Omelets: The griddle is your omelet playground. Create fluffy egg masterpieces filled with sautéed veggies, melted cheese, and savory meats.
Lunch on the Griddle
- Smash burgers: Take your burger game to the next level. Season ground beef patties and cook them directly on the griddle until crispy. Then smash them down for maximum surface area and caramelization. Top with melty cheese, caramelized onions, and your favorite burger fixings
- Hibachi stir-fry: Transform your griddle into a hibachi grill. Sear marinated chicken or shrimp on one side, stir-fry veggies on another, and cook fried rice in the middle. Finish with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: Make a perfectly crisp grilled cheese. Griddles make it easy to create golden exteriors and melty, gooey centers. Experiment with different cheeses, breads, and add-ins like sliced apples or caramelized onions.
Dinner Ideas
- Steakhouse dinner: Sear your steaks to perfection on the griddle. Get that restaurant-worthy crust and delicious caramelization, whether you prefer New York strips, ribeyes, or flank steaks.
- Seafood: From delicate scallops to flaky salmon, the griddle cooks seafood flawlessly. Experiment with marinades, herbs, and spices to create tasty dishes outdoors.
- Lots of veggies: Don’t push veggies to the sidelines. The griddle creates beautiful grill marks and caramelizes them to perfection. Try colorful bell peppers, zucchini skewers, or even grilled portobello mushrooms for a meatless main course.
Griddle Desserts
- Grilled fruit: The griddle can caramelize fruits perfectly. Try pineapple, peaches, and bananas for a truly unique and delicious treat. Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey for an extra-special finish.
- S’mores: No time to build a fire? The griddle can take your classic s’mores up a notch. You can toast marshmallows and melt chocolate, all thanks to the griddle’s even heat distribution. Get creative with different cookie and chocolate combinations.
Griddles are masters of versatility. There’s not much they cannot cook. However, hot dogs and sausages might fare better with the convenience of a grill grates.
This is just a glimpse into the endless amount of griddle cooking ideas. So, fire up your griddle and unleash your inner foodie.
Outdoor Griddle Cooking Tips
Preheating
Getting your griddle ready just right is key to nailing those perfect pancakes or burgers. Start on low heat for about 10-12 minutes, making sure every inch heats up nicely. This way, you’ll avoid any uneven cooking or hot spots that can burn your food.
Oil Up for Success
Different foods require different oils. If you’re cranking up the heat for some sizzling steaks or fajitas, go for oils like avocado or canola. But for lower-heat cooking like pancakes or eggs, butter or grapeseed oil are great choices. Apply a thin layer of oil just before cooking to prevent sticking.
Master the Zones
Most griddles have different heat zones. Use the hotter zones for searing steaks and burgers, and the cooler zones for pancakes and delicate fish. Experiment to find the sweet spot for each dish.
Utensil Essentials
Invest in a good spatula and scraper. A wide, sturdy spatula helps flip food confidently, while a scraper tackles stubborn stuck-on bits after cooking. We’ve got you covered with an essentials griddle kit ready to go.
From Backyard Chef to Griddle Master
The griddle has become more than just a breakfast sidekick. The even heat distribution and lightning-fast cooking abilities can take your backyard BBQ to the next level. With these tips, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-worthy dishes that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Check out our top-rated outdoor griddles to find the perfect match for your cooking goals and outdoor adventures.