A griddle is a large, flat cooking surface, usually heated by gas or electric elements. Griddles are often used in restaurants to cook food quickly and efficiently. They can also be found in the home kitchen for cooking breakfast foods like pancakes and bacon. Griddles come with different types of coatings that allow you to cook various types of food on them such as eggs, hamburgers, or steak.
In this article, we will look at how to cook steak on a griddle so you can cook your favorite steak on it and make it tasty.
Tips for cooking steak on a griddle
Frying steak on a griddle is one of the many ways to cook it.
You may not be able to achieve that ‘smokey' flavor or get as crispy a crust as you would in a pan, but it can give your steak the same effect as if it were cooked on one of the best indoor grills, with moist meat in the center.
Here are some steps to take when cooking on a griddle.
- Start by heating the surface before adding your steak.
- The griddle should only be heated to around 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above will dry out your meat.
- Sear each side of the steak for approximately 30 seconds per side, then finish cooking at lower heat for another 20 minutes or so until medium-rare.
- To keep the meat as tender as possible, invest in a griddle with fat grooves or ridges. This will help drain off the excess fats.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the steak is cooked. Medium rare should be about 130 degrees Fahrenheit when it's been on the griddle for five minutes, or 135 degrees after 10 minutes.
- Make sure you cover your griddle with aluminum foil or a lid. This will keep the moisture in and prevent it from drying out while allowing for the meat to cook through properly.
- Invest in metal tongs to cook steak on a griddle. They will last longer than wooden ones and won't absorb the excess grease from your food.
When it comes to cooking steak on a griddle, there are many different methods you can try. Starting with an already hot griddle will give your steak a quick sear on each side, bringing out its natural flavor while making the meat juicy and tender.
190 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary for medium-rare steaks that still have a pink center when they're done cooking. The temperature of your griddle should never exceed this, or your steak will be dry and tough.
Basting the steaks with a little olive oil helps add flavor to them and keeps them from sticking to the griddle. Be sure you turn your meat frequently while cooking it on a griddle so that all sides are evenly cooked.
Other recipes that can be cooked on a griddle
You can cook almost anything on top of a griddle. If you're looking for something healthy consider these griddle recipes:
- Salmon grilled with a yogurt sauce – It's a perfect way to get the healthy fat that you need from salmon.
- Griddle burgers – one of the tasty ways for you to start cooking your favorite hamburger. You can easily cook it in minutes and serve it with a side salad or fresh veggies. This is also an excellent recipe if you are just starting on your griddle cooking adventure.
- Crackling smoky bacon is hard to resist, especially when cooked on a greasy hot griddle. This meal could be served with eggs, hash browns, or alone as some people like their bacon crispy and crunchy while others prefer it soft and chewy. Experimenting will give you more ideas of what flavor combinations work well together on top of a hot griddle.
- Crab cakes cooked on a griddle will make you think that you're at some fancy seafood restaurant. If you're a fan of crab meat and like to experiment with griddle recipes, then this is one recipe that you should try out. It's simple to make and tastes great.
- Make your version of a Philly cheesesteak by cooking peppers, mushrooms, and onions on the griddle first then adding your sliced steak to the mix when it's done.
- You can turn any breakfast favorite into a griddle meal. Try cooking pancakes and bacon together on your griddle. You can even serve it with eggs or hash browns for a complete meal in minutes.
- Think of the traditional Italian dish, Chicken Parmesan, but cooked on top of your griddle instead of in the oven to make this easy-to-cook meal.
- Grilled chicken is an excellent way to get lean protein whether you're following a low-fat diet or not. You can easily grill up chicken breasts on your greasy hot surface as well as add vegetables like peppers and onions to give it extra flavor.
- Cooking steak on a griddle is easy enough that even beginners should be able to pull it off but try experimenting with different marinades or sauces to get an added boost of flavor in your meat.
Tips on buying your first griddle
If you are new to griddles, here are some tips for choosing the right one.
Price
The price of a griddle ranges from as low as $100 to upwards of $1000. It is important to invest in a griddle that will suit your cooking needs and not be overpriced.
Fat grooves and ridges
This is important for draining off excess fats from your meat. It will also help lock in the juices during cooking.
Material
While stainless steel or aluminum are usually recommended, some have found cast iron to make crispy toast more evenly without being too demanding on the cookware maintenance. The downside is that it is very heavy so if portability is important, consider another kind of stove-top appliance.
Corded or cordless
In this case, cordless wins. The convenience of not having to drag it around the house is too good to pass up on.
Wattage
Based on the uses, wattage should be considered. If you are planning on using it mainly for breakfast foods, then a 1000-1200watt griddle will be adequate. However, if you plan on cooking more than just breakfast foods, then a higher wattage would be ideal.
Material
The material for your griddle is typically stainless steel or cast iron. If you choose a griddle that is made from stainless steel, make sure it has strong enough metal to withstand high temperatures.
Induction
An induction griddle is a newer kind of metal that heats up faster and more efficiently. It can also be used with other kinds of cookware such as panini press or charbroiler for added versatility. This is an ideal option if you are looking for speed.
Size
The size of yours will depend on how many people you plan on cooking for. A common size is around 20″ x 25″.
Weight
The weight of your griddle will depend on whether or not it has a frame supporting the surface. Typically, a portable griddle weighs about 50 pounds, while heavier units are close to 75 pounds.
Accessories
Look for accessories such as temperature controls and a grease drainage system that could help make your cooking easier.
How much is a commercial griddle?
A full-size commercial restaurant griddle tops out around $3,000. So, for these prices, you should expect great quality and durability.
Although they may cost more than other types of griddles, commercial griddles typically have higher wattages and can be used for a wide variety of cooking jobs. This means that they are better equipped for the needs of a larger establishment.
How can I save money on my griddle purchase?
There are many ways to get your hands on a commercial griddle without breaking the bank:
- Try getting it second-hand. There is an excellent chance that you can find one at a restaurant supply store or someone nearby who's looking to sell theirs for cheap. You will just have to compare prices and see which seller offers you the best deal on it.
- Look online. While this may be considerably less convenient than actually going out and checking out various stores, buying from websites could offer big savings on the griddle you're looking for. Discounted prices are easily available so long as you know how to search for the right one. Plus, you get to shop in the comfort of your own home. It's just like online shopping on Amazon but for a griddle.
How to clean and maintain your griddle
If you plan on keeping yours running at maximum efficiency, then proper care and maintenance are essential. It will take more effort than when you have one of those smaller ones at home but if you want to get the most out of your purchase, then this is your best bet:
Removing stains – To remove stains from certain kinds of foods that might stick onto the surface, try rubbing some baking soda over them. Then use a sponge soaked in water to rub off any residue left behind by the baking soda. You may need to apply some elbow grease for tougher stains.
Removing oil stains – For greasy areas, it's best to use a degreaser product that contains ingredients such as citrus extract or vinegar. Then just wipe off the residue with soapy water and you're done.
Commercial Vs Residential Griddles
The main difference between commercial griddles and residential ones is their size. Although both can be used to cook various kinds of food, commercial ones are larger, giving them more cooking space than what you get from a smaller one. This makes them ideal if you plan on cooking for large groups and want to minimize the time spent waiting on your food.
Final thoughts on how to cook steak on a griddle
In conclusion, a griddle has many uses in the kitchen and is used for a wide variety of tasks. For example, you could use it to cook your favorite steak or add more options to your menu.
You probably have your favorite foods that you like to cook on the griddle so why not try teaching yourself how to cook it on a griddle and enjoy some homemade treats?
Check out our line of top 10 cast iron griddles for more information when it comes to choosing the right griddle for you.
