Ella Walter
A cast iron griddle is a versatile cooking tool that can be used on various heat sources, including stovetops, grills, and campfires. It has a flat cooking surface with slightly raised edges, making it perfect for cooking foods like pancakes, french toast, eggs, sausages, and grilled cheese sandwiches. The low edges of a griddle, compared to the higher sidewalls of a skillet, make it easier to manoeuvre cooking utensils. Cast iron griddles are also excellent for cooking larger cuts of meat, like skirt steak, that may not fit in a skillet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sides | Low |
| Cooking Surface | Large |
| Food | Meat, Fish, Vegetables, Bread, Sauces, Baked Goods |
| Use | Stovetop, Induction, Grill, Campfire |
| Cleaning | Wash, Dry, Lightly Oil |
What You'll Learn
Seafood
Cast-iron griddle pans are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of seafood dishes. Not only do they prevent delicate seafood from sticking to the grill, but they also allow you to cook indoors, avoiding any unwanted fishy odors in your home.
When preparing fish on a griddle pan, it's best to bake rather than fry. Marinating your fish of choice in lemon juice or adding herbs and spices can enhance flavor. Wrapping your fish in tin foil and placing it on the griddle pan is a great way to lock in those flavors and juices. Salmon is a popular choice for griddle pan cooking and can be cooked this way.
For a more direct cooking method, shrimp can be placed straight onto the griddle pan. A garlic butter sauce can be used to add flavor and moisture to the shrimp. Scallops are another seafood option that can be cooked on a griddle pan. To prepare, simply remove the abductor muscle from the side of each scallop and place them on paper towels before seasoning.
If you're feeling adventurous, lobster tails can also be cooked on a griddle pan. To prepare, use kitchen shears to cut down the middle of the top of the shell, then work your fingers between the tail and shell to separate them. Season the exposed lobster meat and brush with melted butter before placing on the griddle pan.
With its excellent heat retention and generous cooking surface, a cast-iron griddle pan is a great choice for cooking seafood. Whether you're baking fish in tin foil or searing shrimp and scallops directly on the pan, your cast-iron griddle will deliver delicious results.
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Vegetables
A cast-iron griddle pan is a great way to cook vegetables, either indoors or outdoors. Griddle pans are especially good for vegetables that would fall through the grates of a grill, such as thinly sliced zucchini, asparagus, sliced onions, and garlic scapes.
To cook vegetables on a cast-iron griddle pan, first, preheat the pan to a medium heat for 4-5 minutes. You can test if the pan is hot enough by flicking a little water on it—if the water sizzles and steams, it's ready. You can also test the temperature by grilling a single slice of zucchini or squash or a pepper.
Next, chop your chosen vegetables and toss them in olive oil. You can also add spices to amp up the flavour—a blend of cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper works well. Place the vegetables on the griddle pan, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook time will depend on the type and quantity of vegetables, but here are some guidelines:
- Corn: Grill, turning as you see grill marks, for about 10-12 minutes.
- Zucchini and yellow squash: Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
- Bell peppers and tomatoes: Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
- Asparagus: Grill for about 3 minutes per side.
- Onions: Leave whole while cooking to prevent burning, then slice before serving.
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and serve. Enjoy!
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Meat
Cast iron griddle pans are ideal for cooking meat, especially steak. The pans' excellent heat retention and generous cooking surface make them perfect for cooking large cuts of meat that wouldn't fit in a skillet.
If you're cooking steak, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking so it has time to come to room temperature. This will prevent under-cooking and make it easier to develop a sear on the outside of the meat. Season the steak with a light coating of olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs.
Preheat your griddle pan to 300°F. Place the steaks on the non-oiled surface of the pan and cook for about 3 minutes per side. When the steak is finished, take it off the griddle and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will enable the juices to redistribute back into the meat.
You can also use a cast iron griddle pan to cook other meats like smash burgers, sausages, and bacon. The angled grease slope ensures that unwanted fat drains away from your meal.
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Breads
A cast-iron griddle pan is perfect for baking bread. The even heat distribution of cast iron pans makes them ideal for achieving a crispy crust.
Rustic Bread
You can make a delicious loaf of rustic bread in a cast-iron skillet without any special tools, ingredients, or equipment. This recipe takes a few hours, but the result is a crusty loaf with a soft and airy crumb. The recipe can be adapted for different serving sizes, from a half loaf for one or two people to an extra-large loaf for 4-6 people.
Skillet Bread
This simple skillet bread recipe only takes about 90 minutes and uses six basic ingredients. The result is a soft and fluffy loaf that's perfect for spreading with butter or honey butter, or dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Sourdough Bread
Cast iron pans are also great for baking sourdough bread. The even heat distribution and steam created by the pan help to achieve a perfect oven spring and a crackled, crispy crust.
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Simmering water
Secondly, be cautious when simmering acidic dishes, such as those containing tomato sauce, as these can also break down the seasoning. If you do simmer acidic foods, be sure to reseason the pan afterward if needed. Additionally, always use lukewarm or warm water when filling the pan, as adding cold water to a hot pan can cause it to crack or warp.
Finally, if you're using a newer pan, be extra careful when boiling water for extended periods, as the seasoning layer may not be as tough as that of an older pan.
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Frequently asked questions
A cast iron griddle pan has a flat cooking surface with slightly raised edges to keep oil, batter, and other ingredients contained. Griddle pans have a larger cooking surface than skillets, making them perfect for family gatherings and parties. They are also versatile and can be used on any stovetop, grill, or over a campfire.
Cast iron griddle pans are great for cooking a variety of foods, including pancakes, french toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, skirt steak, fish, roasted vegetables, and more. They are especially useful for cooking smaller vegetables that would fall through the grill grates, delicate seafood, and saucy side dishes.
To use a cast iron griddle pan, gradually preheat the pan to medium heat, add a little oil or fat, and then add your food. For best results, be sure to preheat the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes before cooking.
Cast iron griddle pans should be washed by hand and dried thoroughly after each use. It is important to avoid using soap or putting the pan in the dishwasher, as this can remove the seasoning and cause rust. Instead, wash the pan with hot water and a stiff brush, then dry it completely and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rusting.
