Sizzle Under the Sun: Unveiling the Best Outdoor Griddle Recipes
Outdoor griddle cooking has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. It offers a vast, even cooking surface, perfect for everything from pancakes and eggs to fajitas and smash burgers. The versatility of an outdoor griddle is unmatched, making it a fantastic addition to any backyard setup. Ditch the traditional grill for a while and discover the joy of cooking al fresco with these incredible griddle recipes.
## Why Choose an Outdoor Griddle?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why an outdoor griddle is a game-changer for outdoor cooking:
* **Versatility:** From breakfast to dinner, and even desserts, a griddle can handle it all. Think pancakes, bacon, eggs, stir-fries, burgers, steaks, seafood, and more.
* **Even Heat Distribution:** Griddles provide a consistent cooking surface, eliminating hot spots and ensuring food cooks evenly.
* **Large Cooking Surface:** Ideal for cooking for a crowd, a griddle offers ample space to prepare multiple items simultaneously.
* **Easy Cleanup:** With a smooth, flat surface, griddles are typically easy to clean. Most models feature a grease trap for convenient disposal.
* **Outdoor Enjoyment:** Cooking outdoors is a wonderful way to enjoy the weather and socialize with friends and family.
## Essential Outdoor Griddle Tools
Before you start grilling, make sure you have the following essential tools:
* **Metal Spatulas:** A variety of sizes is helpful for flipping, scraping, and serving.
* **Scraper:** For cleaning the griddle surface after use.
* **Squeeze Bottles:** Perfect for dispensing oil, sauces, and condiments.
* **Heat-Resistant Gloves:** To protect your hands from the heat.
* **Thermometer:** To ensure your food is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Griddle Cover:** To protect your griddle from the elements when not in use.
* **Paper Towels:** For quick cleanups.
* **Oil Sprayer or Basting Brush:** For evenly coating the griddle surface with oil.
## Getting Started: Seasoning Your Griddle
Seasoning your griddle is crucial for creating a non-stick surface and preventing rust. Here’s how to do it:
1. **Clean the Griddle:** Remove any manufacturing oils or debris with warm, soapy water and a scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
2. **Apply a Thin Layer of Oil:** Use a high-smoke-point oil, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil. Pour a small amount onto the griddle and spread it evenly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Ensure every part of the surface, including the edges and corners, is coated with a very thin layer.
3. **Heat the Griddle:** Turn the griddle to medium-high heat until the oil begins to smoke. Allow it to smoke for about 15-20 minutes, or until the smoking subsides.
4. **Repeat:** Let the griddle cool slightly, then repeat steps 2 and 3 several times (3-4 times is ideal). Each layer of oil will polymerize and create a protective, non-stick coating.
5. **Maintenance:** After each use, scrape the griddle clean, apply a thin layer of oil, and heat it until it smokes slightly. This will help maintain the seasoning and prevent rust.
## The Best Outdoor Griddle Recipes:
Now, let’s get to the recipes! These recipes are designed to showcase the versatility of an outdoor griddle and provide delicious meal options for any occasion.
### 1. Smash Burgers
Smash burgers are a griddle classic. The key is to smash the burger patties thin onto the hot surface to create a crispy, caramelized crust.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 hamburger buns
* 4 slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar, American, or pepper jack)
* Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, sauce)
* Butter or oil for toasting the buns
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Beef:** Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball. Do not overwork the meat.
2. **Preheat the Griddle:** Heat your griddle to medium-high heat.
3. **Smash the Burgers:** Place the beef balls on the hot griddle. Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, immediately smash each ball down to about 1/4-inch thickness. The thinner, the better for that crispy crust. Season with salt and pepper.
4. **Cook the Burgers:** Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a deep brown crust forms. Flip the burgers and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
5. **Add Cheese:** In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each burger and let it melt.
6. **Toast the Buns:** While the cheese is melting, butter or oil the hamburger buns and toast them on the griddle until golden brown.
7. **Assemble the Burgers:** Place the cheeseburgers on the toasted buns and add your favorite toppings.
8. **Serve immediately and enjoy!**
**Tips and Variations:**
* For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the beef before smashing.
* Experiment with different cheeses and toppings to customize your smash burgers.
* Use parchment paper between the spatula and the burger to prevent sticking during the smashing process.
* A burger press is a great tool for achieving a perfectly flat smash burger.
### 2. Griddle Fajitas
Fajitas are another fantastic griddle dish. The large surface allows you to cook the meat and vegetables simultaneously, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs skirt steak or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
* 1 large onion, thinly sliced
* 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 packet fajita seasoning
* 1/4 cup lime juice
* Flour tortillas, warmed
* Toppings of your choice (salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese)
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Steak:** In a bowl, combine the sliced steak, olive oil, fajita seasoning, and lime juice. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
2. **Preheat the Griddle:** Heat your griddle to medium-high heat.
3. **Cook the Vegetables:** Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the griddle and cook until softened and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the griddle and set aside.
4. **Cook the Steak:** Add the marinated steak to the griddle and cook until cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the slices. Avoid overcrowding the griddle; cook in batches if necessary.
5. **Combine and Serve:** Return the cooked vegetables to the griddle with the steak. Toss everything together to combine the flavors.
6. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the flour tortillas on the griddle for a few seconds per side, or until pliable.
7. **Assemble the Fajitas:** Serve the steak and vegetable mixture with the warmed tortillas and your favorite toppings.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use chicken or shrimp instead of steak for a different twist.
* Add a jalapeño pepper to the vegetables for a spicy kick.
* Serve with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.
* Consider adding a splash of beer to the vegetables as they cook for added flavor.
### 3. Griddle Pancakes
The even heat distribution of a griddle makes it perfect for cooking pancakes. You can cook a large batch at once, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a warm breakfast together.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 1/4 cups milk
* 1 egg
* 3 tablespoons melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. **Preheat the Griddle:** Heat your griddle to medium heat.
5. **Cook the Pancakes:** Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, butter, fruit, and whipped cream.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or bananas to the batter for flavored pancakes.
* Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier flavor.
* For fluffy pancakes, let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
* Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
### 4. Griddle Breakfast Hash
This hearty breakfast hash is a great way to start your day. It’s packed with potatoes, vegetables, and your choice of protein, all cooked to perfection on the griddle.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
* 1 onion, diced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
* 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, crumbled
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 eggs
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, salsa, hot sauce
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Griddle:** Heat your griddle to medium heat.
2. **Cook the Potatoes:** Add the diced potatoes to the griddle and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Add Vegetables:** Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the griddle with the potatoes. Continue cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Add Protein:** Add the cooked sausage or bacon to the griddle and stir to combine with the potatoes and vegetables.
5. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Cook the Eggs:** Create four small wells in the hash mixture. Crack an egg into each well and cook until the eggs are cooked to your liking (sunny-side up, over easy, or scrambled).
7. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the breakfast hash immediately with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, salsa, or hot sauce.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn, to the hash.
* Use chorizo instead of sausage or bacon for a spicier flavor.
* Top with avocado slices for a creamy texture.
* Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tang.
### 5. Griddle Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick and easy griddle meal. You can customize them with your favorite fillings and cook them to a golden brown perfection.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 flour tortillas
* 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
* Optional fillings: cooked chicken, beef, or vegetables (onions, peppers, corn, black beans)
* Butter or oil for cooking
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Griddle:** Heat your griddle to medium heat.
2. **Assemble the Quesadillas:** Spread a layer of cheese on one half of each tortilla. Add any desired fillings on top of the cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.
3. **Cook the Quesadillas:** Brush the top of each quesadilla with melted butter or oil. Place the quesadillas on the hot griddle, buttered side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
4. **Cut and Serve:** Remove the quesadillas from the griddle and cut them into wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or pico de gallo.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Experiment with different cheeses and fillings to create your own unique quesadillas.
* Add a layer of refried beans for extra flavor and texture.
* Cook the quesadillas in a panini press for even cooking and defined grill marks.
* Use smaller tortillas for bite-sized quesadillas.
### 6. Shrimp Scampi on the Griddle
This elegant dish is surprisingly easy to make on a griddle and is perfect for a summer evening. The shrimp cook quickly and absorb all the delicious garlic and lemon flavors.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Griddle:** Heat your griddle to medium heat.
2. **Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic:** Melt the butter on the griddle. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. **Add Shrimp:** Add the shrimp to the griddle and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. **Deglaze with Wine (Optional):** If using wine, pour it onto the griddle and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly. This will add a rich flavor to the scampi.
5. **Add Lemon Juice and Parsley:** Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the shrimp scampi immediately over cooked pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
* Use a mixture of butter and olive oil for a richer flavor.
* Serve with a side of steamed asparagus or broccoli.
* Garnish with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
### 7. Griddle Corn on the Cob
Griddling corn on the cob gives it a slightly smoky flavor and a beautiful char. It’s a simple and delicious side dish for any outdoor meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Griddle:** Heat your griddle to medium heat.
2. **Brush with Butter:** Brush the corn on the cob with melted butter.
3. **Griddle the Corn:** Place the corn on the hot griddle and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender, about 10-15 minutes.
4. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Soak the corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent it from drying out.
* Use flavored butter, such as garlic herb butter or chili lime butter, for extra flavor.
* Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or cotija cheese for a salty, cheesy topping.
* Serve with lime wedges for a zesty flavor.
### 8. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon and Honey
For a delightful dessert, grill pineapple slices and drizzle them with cinnamon and honey. The heat caramelizes the pineapple and enhances its natural sweetness.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Griddle:** Heat your griddle to medium heat.
2. **Brush with Butter:** Brush the pineapple slices with melted butter.
3. **Grill the Pineapple:** Place the pineapple slices on the hot griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is slightly softened.
4. **Drizzle with Honey and Cinnamon:** Remove the pineapple from the griddle and drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the grilled pineapple immediately as a dessert or side dish.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
* Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture.
* Grill peaches, mangoes, or other fruits in place of pineapple.
* Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
### 9. Philly Cheesesteak Griddle Style
Bring the flavors of Philly to your backyard with this griddle-cooked cheesesteak. Thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs thinly sliced ribeye steak
* 1 large onion, thinly sliced
* 2 bell peppers (green or red), thinly sliced (optional)
* 4 hoagie rolls
* 8 slices provolone cheese or cheese whiz
* 2 tablespoons oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Ensure the ribeye is sliced very thinly. Pre-slice the onions and bell peppers (if using). Have the hoagie rolls and cheese ready.
2. **Preheat the Griddle:** Heat your griddle to medium-high heat.
3. **Cook the Onions and Peppers:** Add the oil to the griddle. Sauté the sliced onions (and peppers, if using) until they are softened and caramelized. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Remove them from the griddle and set aside.
4. **Cook the Steak:** Add the thinly sliced steak to the griddle. Cook it quickly, breaking it up with your spatula, until it’s cooked through but still tender. Season with salt and pepper.
5. **Combine and Cheese:** Add the cooked onions and peppers back to the griddle with the steak. Mix everything together. Form the mixture into 4 equal portions.
6. **Add Cheese:** Place two slices of provolone cheese (or a generous amount of cheese whiz) over each portion of the steak and onion mixture. Let the cheese melt.
7. **Assemble the Cheesesteaks:** Using your spatula, carefully lift each cheesesteak portion and slide it into a hoagie roll.
8. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Philly Cheesesteaks immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For an authentic Philly experience, use Amoroso’s rolls if you can find them.
* Consider adding mushrooms to the onion and pepper mixture.
* Some prefer a spicy version with jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
* Provolone and cheese whiz are the traditional cheese choices, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.
### 10. Griddle Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
A healthy and flavorful option, griddle-cooked salmon is quick and easy. The lemon-dill sauce adds a bright and fresh touch.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Lemon-Dill Sauce:
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Lemon-Dill Sauce:** In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
2. **Preheat the Griddle:** Heat your griddle to medium heat.
3. **Prepare the Salmon:** Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. **Cook the Salmon:** Place the salmon fillets on the hot griddle. If the skin is on, place skin-side down first. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. **Serve:** Serve the griddle salmon immediately with the lemon-dill sauce. Garnish with extra dill or a lemon wedge, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* You can use other herbs in the sauce, such as parsley or chives.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* Serve the salmon with grilled asparagus or a simple salad.
* Marinate the salmon in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
## Griddle Maintenance Tips
* **Clean After Each Use:** Scrape the griddle clean with a metal scraper while it’s still warm. Wipe it down with a paper towel.
* **Oil After Cleaning:** Apply a thin layer of oil to the griddle surface after each use to prevent rust.
* **Deep Cleaning:** Occasionally, you may need to deep clean your griddle. Use a griddle cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Scrub the surface thoroughly and rinse with water. Re-season the griddle after deep cleaning.
* **Protect from the Elements:** Cover your griddle when not in use to protect it from rain, snow, and sun.
## Conclusion
Outdoor griddle cooking opens up a world of culinary possibilities. With its versatility, even heat distribution, and large cooking surface, a griddle is the perfect tool for creating delicious meals outdoors. From smash burgers and fajitas to pancakes and salmon, these recipes are just a starting point. So fire up your griddle, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the art of outdoor cooking!
By mastering these griddle recipes and following the maintenance tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a griddle master. Get ready to sizzle under the sun and create memorable outdoor cooking experiences!