What Are Griddles Used For?
Griddles are used for cooking a variety of foods on their broad, flat cooking surface.
They can be movable pans or plates, built-in surfaces on stoves or ranges, or standalone machines.
Griddles can be heated using wood, coal, gas, or electricity, and are made from materials such as cast iron, non-stick varieties, aluminium, chrome steel, or carbon steel.
They are commonly used in commercial settings for preparing breakfast items, stir-fries, and meat dishes.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Griddles were originally made from cast iron and were primarily used for cooking flatbreads, such as pancakes and tortillas, by indigenous peoples in Central and South America.
2. In ancient Greece, a variation of the griddle called a “plegmone” was used to cook thin, round cakes made from wheat or barley.
3. The word “griddle” comes from the Middle English word “gredil,” which was derived from the Old Norse word “greitha,” meaning “to make flat or level.”
4. In some Asian countries, particularly Korea, griddles known as “pans” or “pangchi” are traditionally used for grilling meat and vegetables.
5. The largest griddle ever made measures a whopping 298 square meters (nearly 3,207 square feet) and was created in California, USA, in 2008. It was used to make a massive pancake weighing over three tons!
Introduction To Griddles And Their Uses
Griddles, also known as girdles in the UK, are essential cooking devices that feature a broad, flat cooking surface. These versatile kitchen tools can be found in different forms, including movable metal pans or plates, flat surfaces integrated into stoves or kitchen ranges, or compact cooking machines with their heating systems.
Griddles can be heated directly or indirectly using various heat sources such as wood, coal, gas, or electricity. In commercial settings, griddles commonly run on electricity, natural gas, or propane. They can be constructed using a variety of materials, including cast iron, non-stick varieties, aluminium, chrome steel, or carbon steel. A majority of commercial-grade griddles are manufactured from A36 steel, while the plate surfaces may come in cast iron, polished steel, cold-rolled steel, or with a chrome finish.
The word “griddle” derives from the Anglo-French term “gridil,” which originates from the Latin word “craticula”. Interestingly, in British English, it is also referred to as a “girdle.” Over the years, griddles have taken various traditional forms, such as stone or brick slabs, shallow platters filled with sand, and removable iron plates on wood-fired cookstoves. In Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, a convex griddle known as a “saj” is used for cooking flatbreads, while in Latin America, the traditional “budare” griddle is made from stone or clay for cooking flatbreads.
Types And Materials Of Griddles
Griddles offer a range of options when it comes to both material and type, allowing cooks to find the perfect fit for their specific needs. Among the popular choices are cast iron griddles, which are known for their impressive heat retention and ability to evenly distribute heat. They are especially great for achieving a beautiful sear on meats, but it’s important to properly maintain them to prevent rust.
Non-stick griddles, on the other hand, are coated with a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to make food release and clean-up a breeze. This type of griddle is ideal for cooking delicate items like eggs and pancakes, as the non-stick surface prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
For those who prioritize quick and energy-efficient cooking, aluminium griddles are lightweight and heat up rapidly. However, it’s worth noting that they may not match the same level of heat distribution as cast iron.
If you’re looking for a griddle that offers a combination of stainless steel and cast iron qualities, chrome steel and carbon steel griddles are an excellent choice. Not only do they provide exceptional heat distribution and durability, but they also resist corrosion.
Overall, griddles come in a variety of types and materials, each with its own advantages. Whether you’re searing meats, cooking delicate foods, or aiming for quick cooking times, there is a griddle that will suit your needs perfectly.
Traditional Griddles From Different Cultures
Griddles have been an integral part of various cultures around the world, each with their unique traditions and cooking techniques. From the saj in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines to the budare in Latin America, these traditional griddles have played a crucial role in shaping regional cuisines.
In Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, the saj griddle takes center stage. Its convex shape allows for easy cooking of flatbreads such as lavash and markook. The saj’s versatility extends to cooking other delicacies such as meat, vegetables, and even desserts.
Latin American cuisines have their own traditional griddle called the budare. Constructed with stone or clay, the budare is primarily used for cooking flatbreads, arepas, and tortillas. Modern versions of the budare are usually made from metal and known as comals, which are commonly used for commercial purposes.
In Britain, griddles, also referred to as girdles, have a long-standing history in baking. They are commonly used for making traditional treats such as scones, bannocks, pancakes, and oatcakes. The Welsh bakestone, a type of griddle, is dedicated to cooking Welsh cakes, pikelets, and crepes, showcasing the cultural significance of griddles in different parts of the world.
- The saj griddle is used in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines for cooking flatbreads, meat, vegetables, and desserts.
- The budare griddle is common in Latin American cuisines and is used for cooking flatbreads, arepas, and tortillas.
- Griddles, referred to as girdles in Britain, have a rich history in baking and are used for making scones, bannocks, pancakes, and oatcakes.
- The Welsh bakestone is a type of griddle used for cooking Welsh cakes, pikelets, and crepes.
“Griddles have been an integral part of various cultures around the world, each with their unique traditions and cooking techniques.”
Griddles For Specific Foods: Scones, Pancakes, And Flatbreads
Griddles play a vital role in the preparation of specific foods that require a flat cooking surface. Whether it’s the light and fluffy scones, fluffy pancakes, or deliciously charred flatbreads, griddles are the go-to tool for achieving perfection.
In the UK, girdles, which are similar to griddles, excel at creating scones. These thick iron plates, often equipped with handles, evenly distribute heat, resulting in golden brown scones with a delicate crumb texture. Pancakes, another beloved breakfast item, benefit from the even heat distribution of griddles, allowing for uniform browning and a fluffy interior.
Venturing beyond the British Isles, griddles find purpose in the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Latin American cuisines mentioned earlier. Flatbreads such as naan, pita, tortillas, and arepas owe their distinct textures and flavors to the use of griddles. These versatile cooking tools ensure even cooking, retaining moisture, and creating those signature blistered surfaces that are sought after in these traditional breads.
- Griddles are essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in specific dishes.
- Girdles in the UK are ideal for making scones with a golden brown color and delicate crumb texture.
- Pancakes benefit from the even heat distribution of griddles, resulting in uniform browning and a fluffy interior.
- Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Latin American cuisines depend on griddles for making flatbreads like naan, pita, tortillas, and arepas.
- The use of griddles in bread making ensures even cooking, retains moisture, and creates signature blistered surfaces.
“Griddles are the go-to tool for achieving perfection in dishes that require a flat cooking surface.”
Commercial Griddles: Size, Design, And Functions
In commercial settings such as restaurants and catering services, griddles play a critical role in high-volume cooking. Commercial griddles come in various sizes, typically ranging from 2 to 6 feet wide and 18 to 30 inches deep. This allows chefs and cooks to handle large quantities of food efficiently.
The design of commercial griddles may feature flat or grooved plates, depending on the specific requirements of the establishment. Flat griddles are ideal for cooking breakfast items like eggs, bacon, and pancakes, as well as stir-fries and delicate seafood. On the other hand, grooved griddles are perfect for achieving those distinct grill marks on meats, making them an invaluable tool for cooking hamburgers, chicken breasts, and vegetables.
The functions of commercial griddles extend far beyond breakfast and grilled items. With their large cooking surfaces, they are also used in preparing meat dishes, such as steaks and chops, ensuring even heat distribution for delicious results.
Control And Temperature Options For Griddle Cooking
Griddle cooking requires precise control of temperatures to achieve the desired results. Most commercial griddles are equipped with manual or thermostat-controlled burners, allowing chefs to regulate the heat according to each dish.
Manual controls provide flexibility for chefs to adjust the heat manually by manipulating the gas or electric burner settings. This allows for quick adjustments, especially when preparing multiple dishes simultaneously.
Thermostat controls provide precise temperature management. Chefs can set a specific temperature on the griddle, enabling consistent cooking results. This level of control is particularly crucial in delicate preparations such as pancakes and crepes, where achieving the perfect texture is essential.
Griddles offer a wide range of temperature options, allowing cooks to sear meats at high temperatures and maintain a low and steady heat for delicate items such as eggs or fish.
Griddles are versatile cooking tools that have been utilized throughout history in various cultures. From traditional methods to commercial applications, griddles have proven to be indispensable in creating a wide array of dishes, from breakfast favorites to delicate flatbreads and flavorful grilled meats. With their diverse types, materials, and temperature control options, griddles continue to sizzle in kitchens around the world, bringing culinary delights to our plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a griddle?
The purpose of a griddle is to provide a wide and flat surface for cooking various types of food, such as pancakes, French toast, and eggs. Its size and shape allow for the simultaneous cooking of multiple servings, optimizing efficiency and time management. Whether in a professional kitchen or for home use, a griddle offers a convenient and versatile cooking option, ensuring evenly cooked and delicious meals with ease.
Why use a griddle instead of a pan?
Using a griddle instead of a pan brings unique benefits to the cooking experience. The rectangular shape and low/no walls of a griddle offer a larger cooking surface, allowing for more food to be cooked simultaneously. This is especially advantageous when preparing breakfast staples like pancakes or bacon. Moreover, griddles are designed to distribute heat evenly, ensuring uniform cooking throughout. This quality makes them particularly useful for foods that require high temperatures and quick cooking, such as searing steaks or stir-frying vegetables. By choosing a griddle, you can enjoy the efficiency of rapid cooking and the convenience of preparing larger quantities of food at once.
Are griddles useful?
Griddles are undeniably useful for a variety of reasons. Their versatility makes them an essential kitchen tool, particularly for breakfast lovers. Whether it’s pancakes, eggs, bacon, or French toast, a griddle can effortlessly handle these morning staples with ease. Moreover, its ability to cook burgers and hot sandwiches like grilled cheese expands its utility beyond breakfast. Additionally, electric griddles offer several advantages, such as easy temperature control and a larger cooking surface, that make them even more convenient than stovetop alternatives. Overall, griddles prove to be a worthwhile addition to any kitchen, offering a hassle-free way to prepare a wide range of delicious meals.
What do people cook on griddles?
The versatile griddle offers a wide variety of culinary possibilities. It serves as a canvas for cooking chicken breasts to utter perfection or sizzling up succulent steaks with those enticing grill marks. Additionally, one can delight in the art of stir fry, where a vibrant ensemble of fresh vegetables dances on the griddle, while the aromatic fried rice adds a delightful touch to any meal. Moreover, the griddle allows for the creation of delightful seafood delicacies, from delectable shrimp skewers to mouthwatering grilled fish. With the griddle, the culinary boundaries are limitless, making it the perfect tool for crafting an array of food wonders.