We don’t want to sound dramatic, but learning how to use griddle on stove tops is one of the biggest game changers out there when it comes to preparing food. And it’s time for you to start using it!Griddles are more than just an alternative frying pan since they offer more space and flexibility than you could imagine, and they’re easy to set up too. The biggest thing that you just have to overcome is the fear of using it.
Now, let’s go through the basics of how to use a griddle on a stove top. Then, we’ll share some secret tips and tricks from the experts.
What is a Griddle?
A griddle is a large, continuous pan that usually spans about two burners on your stove top. Typically, griddles have smooth surfaces, and they can be made of cast iron, steel, or even copper. Different materials have different benefits, but all three can be incredibly beneficial to have in the kitchen.Most people consider griddles to be a larger replacement for a frying pan, but some griddles are like grill pans and can be used to grill food indoors. There are both electric griddles and stovetop griddles. Electric griddles are standalone appliances that run off of electricity, while stovetop griddles can be put on kitchen stoves to be heated and used.
How to Use a Griddle on Stove Tops
Using a griddle on a stove top is easy. While many people believe that they can only be used with a gas stove top, griddles can be used with either electric or gas burners.
Step 1: Set Up Your Griddle
Put your griddle on top of your stove top. If you have a flat range, do not slide the griddle to reposition it, as this could cause damage. Instead, lift it up to move it and place it down again.Find the two burners that are closest together while still being big enough to heat the griddle, and place the griddle on top of them. Try to keep the heat even on both burners to keep the griddle pan heating evenly.
Step 2: Heat It Up
Turn the temperature up to your desired level and then give the griddle some time to heat. Depending on the material that the griddle is made of, it can take different amounts of time to heat up.If you’re unsure if the griddle is ready or not, splash a few drops of water on it. If the water immediately sizzles, the griddle is very hot. If the water dances around, it is at a medium-high heat. If the water only barely sizzles, it is still at a low temperature.Depending on what you are preparing, any of these temperatures might be right, so pay attention to the water as it is your visual cue to decide when your pan is hot enough.
Step 3: Oil It (Or Don’t)
If you have a cast iron or steel griddle pan, you’ll want to apply some sort of fat coating to prevent food from sticking. This can be anything from butter to vegetable oil, but you should take some steps to prevent sticking.If you have a copper nonstick griddle pan, you can skip the fats and just cook the food. The surface of this type of pan should not allow sticking.
Step 4: Get Cooking
Follow your recipe, and get cooking. If you’re cooking multiple batches of something, you may want to consider adding more butter or oil to prevent sticking. If your griddle begins to smoke, that is a sign that it is getting too hot, so lower the temperature and allow the griddle to cool down before you continue cooking.
What Should I Cook on My Griddle?
Now that you know how to use griddle on stove tops, you may be wondering what you should try cooking. Many different kinds of food can be successfully cooked on a griddle, but these are some of the most popular things to prepare using this cookware and method:
- Pancakes
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Meats
- Eggs
- Omelets
- Vegetables
- Bacon or sausage
- French toast
- Potatoes
The griddle offers a lot of versatility, so try to cook many different things on it. If you would normally make something in a frying pan, it can probably be prepared on your griddle without much of a difference.
Make the Most of Your Griddle
Now that you have learned more about how to use your griddle, it’s time to make the most of it! Griddles are especially popular when cooking breakfast for a crowd, so invite some friends or family over and have brunch. They’ll be impressed with your cooking skills, and you’ll be impressed with how effectively you can prepare a large meal with a griddle.Using your griddle doesn’t have to be hard. Practice with it, and you’ll be a griddle master in no time!
