What to Cook on a Griddle: A BBQ Enthusiast's Guide to Delicious Griddle Dishes
Written By Avi Green
Barbecue enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to enhance their grilling experience. One versatile and indispensable tool in your BBQ arsenal is the griddle. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your grilling journey, knowing what to cook on a griddle can open up a world of culinary possibilities. In this guide, we'll dive deep into the art of griddle cooking and explore a variety of delectable dishes you can create right in your own backyard.
Why Choose a Griddle?
If you're wondering why you should consider using a griddle for your BBQ adventures, the answer lies in its versatility and convenience. A griddle provides a flat, even cooking surface that allows for precise temperature control, making it ideal for a wide range of dishes. Unlike traditional grills, which can sometimes lead to uneven cooking, a griddle ensures that your food is consistently cooked to perfection.
Griddles also come in various sizes and styles, from portable electric griddles to large cast-iron models that can be placed directly on your grill. This flexibility means you can use a griddle for both indoor and outdoor cooking, making it a valuable addition to any BBQ enthusiast's toolkit.
Breakfast Delights
One of the best ways to kickstart your day of grilling is by preparing a sumptuous breakfast on your griddle. Here are some mouthwatering breakfast delights you can whip up:
Fluffy Pancakes
Pancakes are a breakfast classic, and a griddle is perfect for achieving that golden-brown perfection. Mix up your favorite pancake batter and pour it onto the hot griddle. The even heat distribution ensures that your pancakes cook evenly, resulting in perfectly fluffy stacks. Don't forget to top them with butter, maple syrup, or fresh berries for a delicious morning treat.
Crispy Bacon
No breakfast is complete without crispy bacon. Cooking bacon on a griddle is a breeze. Lay the bacon strips flat on the griddle, and watch as they sizzle and crisp up. The griddle's flat surface prevents the bacon from curling, ensuring every strip is perfectly cooked.
Learn more about how long to cook bacon on a griddle.
Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are another breakfast staple that can be effortlessly prepared on a griddle. Whisk your eggs with a touch of milk, season them to your liking, and pour the mixture onto the hot griddle. Use a spatula to gently fold and scramble the eggs until they're light and fluffy. Add some grated cheese, sauted vegetables, or cooked sausage for extra flavor.
Lunch and Dinner Favorites
Your griddle isn't just for breakfast it can also help you create a variety of mouthwatering lunch and dinner dishes that will impress your family and friends:
Smash Burgers
Smash burgers are a must-try on a griddle. The high heat of the griddle allows you to achieve that crispy, caramelized crust on your patties. Start with a ball of seasoned ground beef, place it on the griddle, and use a spatula to press it down into a thin patty. Cook each side until it's beautifully seared and cooked to your desired doneness. Serve your smash burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
Grilled Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick and satisfying meal that can be easily prepared on a griddle. Lay a tortilla flat on the griddle, sprinkle it with your choice of cheese, and add cooked chicken, beef, or vegetables. Top it with another tortilla and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Teriyaki Chicken
Marinated teriyaki chicken is a flavorful and healthy option for your griddle. Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic, and then grill them on the griddle until they're cooked through and caramelized. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a delicious, complete meal.
Learn more about what is a griddle and its versatile uses.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Griddle cooking isn't just for meat lovers there are plenty of delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes you can create:
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Vegetable skewers are a healthy and colorful option for your griddle. Thread chunks of bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms onto skewers, and grill them on the hot griddle. Baste with a marinade of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Portobello mushrooms make a fantastic meatless burger option. Brush large Portobello caps with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill on the griddle until they're tender and slightly charred. Serve on buns with your favorite burger toppings for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Tofu Stir-Fry
Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a delicious stir-fry on your griddle. Cut tofu into cubes, and saut with your choice of vegetables and a flavorful stir-fry sauce. The griddle's even heat ensures that the tofu gets crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Read more about the how to use a griddle effectively.
Dessert Delights
Believe it or not, your griddle can even be used to create mouthwatering desserts:
Grilled Fruit
Grilled fruit is a simple and delicious dessert option. Slice fruits like pineapple, peaches, and bananas, and grill them on the griddle until they develop caramelized grill marks. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for a sweet treat.
Pancake Tacos
Transform your pancakes into a fun and unique dessert by making pancake tacos. Cook small, round pancakes on the griddle, and then fold them in half and fill them with whipped cream and fresh berries. These sweet treats are sure to impress your guests.
Chocolate Quesadillas
For a decadent dessert, try making chocolate quesadillas. Spread a generous layer of chocolate hazelnut spread on a tortilla, fold it in half, and cook on the griddle until the chocolate is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Griddle Cooking
To ensure your griddle cooking endeavors are a success, keep these tips in mind:
1. Preheat Your Griddle
Always preheat your griddle before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve those beautiful sear marks on your food.
2. Oil the Surface
Lightly oil the griddle surface before adding your ingredients to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
3. Use a Thermometer
For precision cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meats. This will help you achieve the perfect level of doneness.
4. Practice Patience
Allow your food to cook without constant flipping and pressing. Let those natural juices and flavors develop for the best results.
FAQ
1. What can I cook for breakfast on a griddle?
On a griddle, you can cook a variety of breakfast dishes, including pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and more.
2. How do I clean a griddle after cooking?
Cleaning a griddle is simple. Let it cool slightly, scrape off any food residue, and wipe it down with a damp cloth. For stubborn grease, you can use a mixture of water and mild dish soap.
Find out more about how to clean an electric griddle effectively.
3. Can I use a griddle for outdoor BBQs?
Absolutely! Many griddles are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making them perfect for BBQs and outdoor cooking.
Incorporating a griddle into your BBQ repertoire opens up a world of culinary possibilities, from hearty breakfasts to savory dinners and even delightful desserts. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, knowing what to cook on a griddle ensures you'll never run out of delicious ideas.
For more information and inspiration, check out the detailed how to use a griddle effectively.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
