Steaming On A Griddle: Can It Be Done?

Griddles are large, flat cooking surfaces that are typically square or rectangular, although some are round. They are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from breakfast staples like pancakes, eggs, and bacon to burgers, steaks, and seafood. Griddles can be made from various materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel, and can be used on stovetops, campfires, or outdoor grills. One unique feature of griddles is their ability to cook smoked and steamed dishes, adding distinct flavours to your meals. So, can you cook steam on a griddle? Absolutely! Let's explore the possibilities.

How to steam on a griddle

Yes, you can steam on a griddle! Here's how to do it:

First, you'll need a resting rack. Then, throw some water onto your griddle with a dispenser. Put your ingredients on the resting rack on the griddle and cover with a basting cover. Wait for your meal to cook or, if you're making a cheese dish, for the cheese to melt.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Griddles are great for steaming seafood and vegetables.
• You can also steam chicken and pork, as long as they are finely chopped and diced.
• The ancient Chinese and Japanese used steaming as their main cooking technique for centuries to keep meals nutritious and fresh.
• Griddles are fantastic for cooking in general—they're surprisingly healthy and are ideal for searing meats and scorching vegetables.

What foods can be steamed on a griddle

Steaming is best for seafood and vegetables. It cooks up ingredients nicely and completely, making every bite moist and delicious. The juices stay locked in, making for an even cook and tender dish. You can cook up chicken and pork, too, as long as they're finely chopped and diced.

• Prawns
• Spinach
• Chicken
• Pork
• Any vegetables, such as bell peppers or grilled onions

You can also steam cheese on a griddle to melt it all over patties for delicious burgers.

To steam on a griddle, throw some water on your griddle, put your ingredients on a resting rack on the griddle, cover it up with a basting cover, and wait for the meals to cook.

How to clean a griddle

Keeping your griddle clean is essential to maintaining its performance and longevity. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean a griddle:

Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Food and Residue

Use a flat-edged metal spatula or a bench scraper to remove burnt food, black residue, and debris from the griddle surface. Ensure that the scraping tool has a flat edge and is firmly pressed against the griddle to prevent scratching. Scrape the debris into a catch tray or the grease drain.

Step 2: Apply Water or a Water-and-Soap Solution

While the griddle is still hot, pour water or a mixture of water and a mild dish soap over the surface. The heat will help loosen any greasy buildup. You can also use a plastic squirt bottle to apply the liquid for more control.

Step 3: Scrub the Griddle Surface

Place a folded paper towel on the wet griddle and scrub it with the metal spatula or a clean putty knife. This will remove the dirty water and any remaining debris. Repeat this step as needed until the surface is relatively clean.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Griddle

Once the majority of the grease and food residue is removed, use paper towels or a clean rag to thoroughly wipe down the griddle surface, including the inside and outside of the sidewalls. This step helps dry off the griddle and prevents rusting.

Step 5: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil

After cleaning, apply a thin layer of oil, such as avocado oil or another high-heat cooking oil, to the griddle surface. This step helps protect the griddle from rust and maintains its non-stick properties.

Additional Tips:

• Clean your griddle immediately after cooking. Do not let grease and food particles cool and bake onto the metal surface, as this will make cleaning more difficult.
• For deep cleaning, use a pumice grill stone or a "grill brick" to remove rust, flaking, or stubborn residue.
• Avoid using soap for everyday cleaning, as it can remove the seasoning from the griddle, making it less non-stick over time.
• Always clean your griddle before its surface cools down completely, especially if you're cooking dishes with sugary sauces like teriyaki chicken.

Griddle cooking tips

Griddle cooking is an art, and with the right techniques, you can truly shine. Here are some tips to elevate your griddle cooking game:

Preparation is Key:

Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools within reach. Griddles cook food quickly, so you won't have time to chop veggies or fetch ingredients mid-cook. It's best to have your food prepped and ready to go on the griddle.

Clean as You Go:

Scraping the griddle surface with a scraper during and after cooking helps prevent food from sticking and makes cleaning easier. Use a scraper to clean the grill, starting at the top and moving towards the grease trough.

Preheat Smartly:

Preheat your griddle on low or medium while you prepare your ingredients. If you're cooking food straight out of the fridge, preheat at a higher temperature initially to compensate for the drop in temperature when you add cold food.

Master the Propane Tank:

Open the propane tank valve slowly to avoid low or uneven flames. If issues persist, disconnect and reconnect the regulator. Always turn off the propane at the source (knobs and valve on the tank) to avoid gas leaks.

Water Works Wonders:

Water is an essential component when using a griddle. It helps to soften stuck food, clean the surface, and steam veggies. Use water to loosen stubborn residue, and then wipe the griddle with paper towels before applying oil. For steaming veggies, sprinkle water over them and cover with a basting dome.

Temperature Control:

Use a thermometer to gauge the griddle's temperature. If you put butter on the griddle and it burns, the temperature is too high. Conversely, if the butter doesn't melt and bubble immediately, the griddle is too cold. The temperature will fluctuate when you add colder food, so be prepared to adjust.

Pots and Pans Welcome:

You can use pots and pans directly on the griddle surface to make sauces, broths, or liquid foods. This saves you from running between the kitchen stove and the griddle.

Create Heat Zones:

Create different heat zones to cook multiple foods simultaneously and slide cooked foods into a cooler zone to keep them warm while you finish the rest of the meal. A wire rack on low heat burners can also serve as a warming rack for foods like pancakes or grilled chicken breasts.

Turn Off Early:

Turn off the griddle a few minutes before your food is done to make cleaning easier. The residual heat will continue cooking your food, and turning off the heat early reduces the risk of food debris and sauces burning onto the surface.

Burner Management:

Even on low settings, griddles get extremely hot. When cooking small quantities, you might be tempted to use only one burner. However, this can cause a significant temperature difference between the sides of the grill, potentially warping or buckling your griddle. Instead, turn on all burners at the lowest setting.

Stay Covered:

Use a hardcover and a softcover to protect your griddle from the elements. Prop up the softcover to prevent rainwater from pooling on top. Alternatively, store your griddle under a covered area when not in use.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race:

Always start your griddle on low heat and slowly increase the temperature. Bringing the griddle to a high temperature too quickly can cause warping, and the same goes for placing frozen food on a hot griddle.

Stay Organised:

Use a caddy or storage cart to keep all your tools and accessories in one place. This saves time and keeps you organised during the cooking process.

Easy Cleanup:

Use disposable drip pans or foil drip pans to catch excess food and grease, making cleanup a breeze. Simply lift out the drip pan and toss it in the trash, or reuse the pan liner if you opt for one.

Oil Options:

Use a squirt bottle or an oil spray bottle to apply a thin coating of oil to the griddle and your food. Squirt bottles require no cleaning, and oil sprays are a quick and easy way to coat your food and the cooktop.

Don't Overcook:

Griddles cook food quickly, so keep a close eye on your meal to avoid overcooking.

Seasoning is Key:

All griddle pans need to be seasoned before use. Add a thin layer of oil to the pan and gently heat it to create a non-stick surface. Seasoning also protects your griddle from rust. Remember to season your griddle again after cleaning and before storing it.

Griddle safety tips

Before Cooking

• Ensure you have the proper griddle tools and accessories, such as large spatulas, long basting brushes, and tongs, to maintain a safe distance from the cooking surface.
• Wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the hot surface, grease, and oil.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught on something or hang over the cooking surface.
• Wear flat, slip-resistant, and closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers, to avoid slipping or tripping.
• Keep a safe distance of about 3 feet around the griddle to minimize the risk of accidents and prevent flammable objects from coming into contact with the griddle.
• Ensure there is no excess grease on the cooktop, and clean out any grease traps before cooking.
• Have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby in case of a grease fire.

During Cooking

• Be cautious of the grease accumulation on the griddle, especially when cooking fatty foods. Excess oil can cause burns or kitchen fires.
• Use an oven mitt when handling the griddle, as the handles can get very hot.
• Use a spatula that is appropriately sized for the food you are cooking to avoid unnecessary burns.

After Cooking

• Allow the griddle to cool down before cleaning.
• Clean the griddle with hot soapy water and dry it completely with a clean dish towel.
• Re-season the griddle by applying a thin layer of oil to protect it from moisture and rust.
• Store the griddle in a dry, covered place to protect it from the elements and prevent rusting.

Frequently asked questions