If you've never used a contact grill before, you might wonder what kind of food you can cook on the Griddler. Maybe you've asked yourself if it really would be a useful tool in the kitchen. So, I'll answer some of those questions for you.
One of the best things about the Griddler is that you get very flavorful food, but not greasy food. Contact grills are designed to let the fat drain away from meats as they cook, but they also cook the meat very fast so it stays tender and juicy. You have to get used to timing your cooking so that things won't get overdone.
You can cook lots of different meats, from the usual burgers and hot dogs or sausages, to lovely tender pork loin chops. How about boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, done to perfection? Any time I'm cooking a lean mean cut on the grill, I will use a tiny amount of grapeseed oil, or olive oil, spread on the grill with a silicone brush (the silicone will not melt on the hot grill, and a 1/2 teaspoon of oil will do both sides of the grill). This prevents your meat from sticking and helps to seal the surface of the meat so the juices stay in.
Most grills come with instructions not to cook meat with the bone in -- like pork chops or bone-in chicken legs. And most of us have ignored those instructions! It's true that your bone-in cuts will not cook as evenly. The meat close to the bone will tend to overcook, while the thicker parts that have no bone will take longer. It can be done if you want, but be aware that it's not recommeded. I don't worry about it with pork chops, but I wouldn't try to do chicken wings.
If you like fish, the Griddler can be a great way to cook it quickly. When you're doing a delicate filet of fish I would open it flat, using whichever plates you prefer. Use a wee brushing of oil to prevent sticking and watch it carefully so you don't overcook it!
Some other things you can do very nicely on a grill:
- tortilla wraps -- sometimes I fill the wraps and then grill them lightly, other times I will warm the wrap flat between the griddle plates of the Griddler and then fill them at the table. If you're doing them flat try a low heat for 2-3 minutes so they don't get hard.
- Grilled sandwiches -- from traditional grilled cheese, to panini-type grilled sandwiches made with different breads, you can do anything your heart desires. Get creative with your ingredients; if you like open-face sandwiches do them with the Griddler opened flat.
- Grilled vegetables -- you can roast sweet bell peppers, mushrooms, carrot slices, onions. These are best done with the Griddler opened flat so the veggies don't get squashed. I like to toss them with a smidgen (that's a really small amount!) of oil so they won't stick will roast nicely.
- bacon, eggs, sausages, pancakes -- these typical breakfast or brunch items can be done on the open Griddler using the griddle plates.
- use your imagination! Check online for grilling recipes, what kind of marinades or spices can make things interesting, etc.
