Cooking With a Cast Iron Griddle

Cast iron griddles have been in use for centuries and even today they occupy an important place in the modern kitchen. Anyone who has cooked with a cast iron griddle knows that it is one of the best cookware ever invented. It is versatile, affordable and made to last for generations. The griddle is one of the very few items that get better with regular and constant use.

These types of griddles come in all shapes and sizes. They can be round, square or rectangular. You can use them indoors or outdoors. An iron griddle can be used on the stove top, in the oven, on the grill, or over a camp fire. Simple yet versatile, cast iron griddles have stood the test of time and will never go out of fashion.

They are perfect not only for cooking breakfasts but also for preparing the main meal of the day. Whenever you need an even heat for browning and cooking food, a cast iron griddle will get the job done with ease. A well seasoned griddle is perfect of grilling hamburgers, chicken, fish and vegetables. You can also use it for cooking pancakes, eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches, flatbreads, and many more.

Nowadays double sided iron griddles are available in the market. These griddles have two cooking surfaces. One side is ribbed and ideal for grilling steaks, chicken, burgers, etc. The other side is flat and perfect for cooking pancakes, eggs, grilled sandwiches and French toast.

A cast iron griddle that has been seasoned correctly is nonstick. It is a healthier alternative to cookware with nonstick coating. Over time, the toxic nonstick coating in nonstick cookware peels off and mixes with your food. On the other hand, cast iron cookware provides safe, healthy cooking that only gets better with age. Once your griddle has attained that beautiful black hue, you can cook anything in it with confidence that the food will not stick to the pan.

When cooking with your griddle, preheat it with a small amount of oil. To test if it is hot enough, place a few drops of water on the gridle. The water droplets should sizzle and hop around. When cooking anything, always use the minimum amount of heat required.

To care for your griddle, clean it while still fairly hot. Use very hot water and scrub with a stiff brush with non-abrasive bristles. A mild dishwashing detergent may be used to help remove food particles. Dry the griddle completely and coat lightly with oil. If you take good care of your cast iron cookware, it will last for many generations.