When it comes to outdoor cooking, grilling has long been the reigning champion. However, a culinary revolution is on the horizon, and it’s outdoor griddle cooking.
In this article, we’re going to explore what a griddle is and why outdoor griddle cooking might just be better than grilling, offering versatility and mouth-watering results that are sure to change the way you approach outdoor cuisine.
The rise of outdoor griddle cuisine
An outdoor griddle is often referred to as a flat-top grill. It is a flat, wide cooking surface, usually made of flat, cold-rolled carbon steel. It’s heated from underneath for even cooking. Usually seen in diners and restaurant kitchens, the griddle is now manufactured for home cooks who want to expand their outdoor cooking options.
Outdoor griddle cooking is more than just a culinary trend. It’s a movement gaining momentum across the globe.
Fueled by the growing influence of social media platforms, home cooks and chefs alike are showcasing their griddling skills and sharing mouth-watering recipes. Cooking enthusiasts and food influencers also offer tips and tricks to help you season, clean, and accessorize your griddle.
As people seek unique outdoor dining experiences and healthier cooking options, the surge in outdoor griddle popularity reflects a broader shift towards more flavorful and creative culinary experiences.
Outdoor griddle vs. grill cooking
Regular backyard barbeque grills feature a cooking surface made from a series of slatted cooking grates, usually made from wire, chromed steel, or cast iron. Benefits of grilling include accommodating large cuts of meat and letting excess fat and moisture fall through the grates.
With outdoor griddles, metal spatulas move the excess fats, off the surface to the grease trays, where the collected excess can be easily removed after cooking.
Charcoal and wood-fired barbeque grills take time to set up—as opposed to natural gas or propane grills but develop that distinct smoky flavour.
Teppanyaki cooking on a 30-inch gas griddle by Blaze.
With griddles, you can add any number of sauces and flavours to your food during cooking. They are perfect for cooking small vegetables, seafood, delicate fish, fried rice, and noodles.
Grilling often involves guesswork when it comes to temperature control, which can result in unevenly cooked food. There are also flare-ups to contend with.
The Alfresco 30″ professional griddle has a dual-zone solid steel surface that is designed to create precise even heating over the entire cooking area.
Griddles offer precise, even temperatures across the entire surface without the threat of flare-ups. Whether you’re using natural gas, propane, or electricity, the outdoor griddle’s flat-top stainless steel construction and under-the-hood BTU distribution ensure even heat.
The versatile world of outdoor griddle cooking
Grilling may be the go-to method for cooking outdoors now, but outdoor griddles are here to shake things up.
With a griddle, you’re not limited to flipping burgers. You can prepare an entire breakfast spread, stir fry veggies, or go full gourmet with seared foie gras and perfectly cooked Wagyu steak. The perfect sear and caramelization are only a sizzle away.
The 30″ Asado Cooktop by Lynx is a flat-top grill that makes it easy to cook large batches of food.
Preparing meals outdoors on a griddle is convenient. You can cook large batches of food at the same time. Imagine bacon sizzling beside perfectly fried eggs, savoury sausages, and fluffy pancakes—the whole enchilada, simultaneously.
While your protein is cooking, you can sauté vegetables or other sides on the griddle surface to accommodate the specific dietary needs and preferences of your guests.
Elevating culinary experiences
Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a family barbeque, or a casual gathering with friends, the versatility of an outdoor griddle adds a delightful element to your hosting capabilities.
From stir-frying a medley of Asian-inspired dishes to smash burgers the interactive nature of griddle cooking fosters an entertaining, social atmosphere.
Mussels cooking on the Asado Cooktop by Lynx.
Guests can gather, chat, and watch their favourite dishes come to life, transforming your gathering into a memorable culinary experience.
Integrating a griddle into your existing outdoor kitchen
Any outdoor kitchen will be instantly elevated with a built-in griddle. Some manufacturers, like Blaze, include features like a stainless steel lid and a full-width pull-out grease tray for easy maintenance.
Built-in griddles tend to have a larger cooking surface and be more powerful than free-standing models. This is handy if you’re cooking for a large group at once.
They’re built to be strong, long-lasting, and durable. The upfront cost may be greater but their low maintenance and durability will save you in the long run. Also, a great outdoor kitchen appeals to homebuyers and can increase the value of your property.
Pairing a griddle with your built-in grill allows you the flexibility to cook and prepare entire meals on different surfaces all at once—a true outdoor chef’s kitchen.
This stainless steel griddle plate nests onto an Artisan grill grate. It can be removed when not in use.
If you already have an outdoor kitchen you may be able to insert a griddle plate onto your existing grill. Alfresco has various drop-in grill accessories such as the griddle plate (shown above) and a larger Teppanyaki griddle plate.
Unlock the full potential of your outdoor space
Transform your backyard into a culinary paradise that’s ready for action in any season! With a custom-built outdoor kitchen, including a versatile griddle and other premium outdoor appliances, you can enjoy the pleasures of outdoor cooking all year round. The perfect time to bring your dream outdoor kitchen to life is now.
Don’t let the process overwhelm you. At Outeriors, we offer a free consultation with our expert outdoor kitchen design consultants. They’re ready to guide you through every step of the design process. Request a free consultation today and take the first step towards creating an outdoor kitchen that’s tailored just for you.