
Some people count the days until it’s nice enough to cook outside. When it’s time to dust off your flat top grill, you’re going to want to make some dishes that really impress. Cooking on a flat surface can feel a little daunting at first, but here are some recipe ideas that will ensure you get the most out of your grill while your guests are scrambling for seconds!
1. Flank Steak
A lean cut of beef, flank steaks can be tough so they work well with a marinade which gives the meat a lot of versatility. Ideally, it should be marinated for 24 hours to accept the most flavor, but even a short four- or five-hour soak will help tenderize the meat. Cook it medium rare on high and it across the grain to retain some tenderness. A well-marinated, expertly cooked flank steak will virtually melt in your mouth!
2. Sweet Corn
Corn has been a grilling staple for decades. Some chefs wrap their cobs in tinfoil while others simply place them directly on the heat. Cooking cobs in the husk is a great way to take advantage of your flat top grill and greatly improve the flavor, too. Simply remove the stringy silk from around the corn and rewrap the husk. Soak it in water for about 20 minutes and you’re good to grill.
3. Potatoes
Grilling tubers is another old favorite. Wrapping spuds in tin foil and placing them on the heat will land you a delicious baked potato in just about 30 to 40 minutes. If that’s too long to wait, slice up those taters and place them in a foil packet with some butter, salt, pepper, and chopped garlic. Additional seasonings such as thyme or dill will give them that special something your guests are sure to love.
4. Salmon
Grilling salmon the traditional way can be a real hassle. It requires special cedar cooking planks that prevent the fish from slipping through the grilling surface directly into the flames or coals below. A flat top grill is a perfect solution as it lets you cook salmon to a delicious, crispy texture without worrying bout it falling apart!
5. Veggies
Going leafy green is a great way to eat healthy while getting your grill on. A number of vegetables cook very well on the grill, and using flat top varieties means better heat regulation. Barbecuing will help bring out the vegetable’s flavor, and adding a dry rub or other seasonings can transform what would be a standard side into a well-grilled main course.
6. Stir Fry
One of the major benefits of using a flat top grill is the ease at which you can make certain dishes. Because there aren’t any holes for things like small shrimp and well-chopped veggies to fall through, you can treat the entire cooking area as one big pan. Because the surface area is much larger than standard cookware, you’ll be able to cook much more evenly, too!
7. Garlic Bread
Sometimes the best thing about grilling on a flat top is being able to make unconventional foods. Not many people would be expecting to have a garlic bread appetizer for their cookout, but the nature of griddle-style grilling makes it easy to get each toasty, garlic butter-slathered morsel cooked to golden-brown perfection every time.
8. Burgers
Some burgers just taste better when prepared on a flat top. Many restaurants use a griddle to cook their burgers since the even heat makes it easier to get a nice char on both sides. Since a flat surface is perfect for toasting, many chefs put the buns right in the heat for an extra bit of flair.
9. Quesadillas
Those cheesy tortillas that all kids seem to crave are super easy when made on the grill top. This quick option can be thrown together in mere minutes, and cooking them on a flat top grill helps melt the cheese evenly while not burning the outside. In addition, most griddle surfaces are non-stick, so all that extra cheese bubbling out the sides won’t overstay its welcome.
10. Breakfast
One of the most surprising things you can do with a griddle-topped grill is to make breakfast. Since it looks like a standard grill from the outside, most people associate it with traditional barbecue foods. However, a flat-topped grilling surface is perfect for pancakes, french toast, and even eggs! Pretty soon, starting up the grill will become just another part of your morning routine.
A Will to Grill
Having a grill with a griddle top opens up your culinary world to a wealth of possibilities. Don’t let traditional grilling habits keep you from trying new recipes and discovering novel ways to use your flat-top barbecue. For more options, look for griddle recipes that you may enjoy and bring them outside to give the guests at your next cookout a culinary experience to remember!