If you want to cook for large groups of people, free up space in the kitchen or grill food at home, get a griddle. Choose a traditional one for gas stoves or an electric one and try using it to cook different types of food. For example, you can grill steaks, bake pancakes or toast bread and wraps. It is possible to choose a plate with a smooth or ribbed surface. Wash it and store it properly so it can last for a long time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choose and Prepare the Plate
Step 1. Choose a traditional plate for a gas stove
If you want to cook directly on the gas stove, decide if you prefer a large plate that covers two burners or a smaller one, which fits on only one burner. Since you will not be able to adjust the temperature exactly, you will have to constantly keep an eye on the food as it cooks. You can find traditional plates of the following materials:
- Aluminum;
- Steel;
- Cast iron;
- Stainless steel.
Step 2. Buy a heating pad
If you don't have a gas hob or just want to use the hotplate on a kitchen counter, get an electric one. To use it, all you have to do is insert the plug into the socket. You should also choose this type of plate even if you want to regulate the temperature precisely. Compared to traditional stoves, this will allow you to exercise greater control while cooking.
If you want to keep the plate on the kitchen counter, make sure the plug is long enough to reach the power outlet
Step 3. Buy a ribbed plate
Whether you choose an electric or a gas hob, decide if you prefer smooth or ribbed. Many hot plates come with accessories such as ribbed plates, which can be placed on the cooking surface when needed.
Striped plates are great for cooking foods on which you want the characteristic grill marks to remain. They are also suitable for foods that release fat. For example, they can be used to cook hamburgers or steaks
Step 4. Wash the soleplate before using it
Wash it with warm soapy water after purchasing it. Rinse it to remove all detergent residue and dry it well with a soft towel.
If you need to clean an electric grill, don't immerse it in water. Instead, use a tea towel or sponge
Step 5. Season the plate before putting it on the stove
If you plan to use one for gas cookers, pour some cooking oil on a paper towel. Rub it over the entire surface of the soleplate. Wash it again and rinse it. Dry it before using it.
Generally, electric plates do not need to be cured before use
Part 2 of 3: Cooking Using the Griddle
Step 1. Grill fish, steak or other meat
If you like grilled steaks or burgers, but don't want to go through all the preparations required to use a charcoal grill, opt for the griddle. You can use one with a smooth or ribbed surface to cook steaks, sausages and burgers. How to get the classic grill marks? Cook the food on the first side for half the time allotted and then turn it 90 degrees to finish cooking. Repeat on the other side. This will give you the cross marks typically left by the grid.
Step 2. Use the smooth plate to prepare different types of food
It is no coincidence that smooth plates are widely used in restaurants. They are in fact practical for the purpose of preparing different types of food for many people. Use it to bake pancakes, French toast, potato pancakes, bacon and eggs.
Some plates can be divided to cook different types of food at the same time on both the smooth and ribbed surfaces. This can be useful if you need to fry a product with a high fat content (such as bacon)
Step 3. Use the griddle to reheat the food
If you want to quickly reheat leftovers or toast food, the griddle is very convenient. On its surface you can comfortably put wraps, sandwiches or tortillas for tacos. Set it to a moderate temperature and leave it on until the food has heated up completely.
For example, after grilling burgers, place buttered buns on the hot plate. They will be toasted within a few minutes
Step 4. Use the soleplate as if it were a sandwich press
A large number of grilled sandwiches can be prepared with the griddle. To get pressed or other sandwiches, place the sandwiches on the grill and then put a heavy pan on them to compress them. The bread will become crisp and the filling compact.
Step 5. Use the griddle to make the quesadillas
To make toasted quesadillas, reheat the tortillas with your favorite cheese and filling. You can also press them to make them even more crunchy.
Try not to stuff them with too much cheese, otherwise it could spill on the plate
Step 6. Avoid using abrasive tools
Metal utensils can damage the grill surface, so you should always cook with tools made of nylon, plastic, wood or rubber.
You should also avoid cutting the food directly on the plate. Instead, move it to a cutting board
Part 3 of 3: Wash and Store the Plate
Step 1. Detach the plate or remove it from the hob and allow it to cool
If you are using an electric one, unplug it from the power outlet. If you have a traditional one, take it off the stove. Let the surface cool completely before washing and storing it. Avoid letting food stay on it for too long, otherwise it could become encrusted and make it difficult to remove.
Step 2. Wash the soleplate after each use
Wash it with soapy water after using it for cooking. Pay particular attention to smooth plates. Since they have a smooth surface, you have to treat it in the right way to avoid unevenness. Avoid taking actions that could alter or deform it. For example, never put it in cold water when it is boiling.
It is always best to wash the plate by hand, as dishwasher detergent can damage the surface. Some plates cannot be put in the dishwasher at all, so read the instructions in the product manual
Step 3. Use mild detergents on the soleplate
To avoid damaging the surface, clean it with a soft cloth or sponge that has no metal parts. You shouldn't use tools that could scratch it. For example, avoid steel wool or other metal sponges.
Step 4. Store the plate in an easily accessible place
If you don't want it to take up valuable counter space, store it somewhere where it still remains close at hand. If you put it in a pantry or drawer, do not place pots and utensils on it. Covering the plate could scratch the surface. Also, not having it at hand will make it more difficult to use it regularly.
If you want to leave it on the counter, make sure you have enough space and that it's not in your way
Step 5. If you have a traditional griddle, repeat the seasoning as needed
If you accidentally rub or remove the initial seasoning, you will need to repeat the procedure. Make sure the soleplate is completely dry and clean. Apply a small amount of cooking oil to the surface and rub it with a soft cloth to remove excess.
