Griddle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ณ
griddle
[หษกrษชd(ษ)l ]
Definitions
cooking surface
A flat metal surface used for cooking, typically with a series of parallel ridges or grooves to allow the fat to drain away from the food being cooked.
Synonyms
cooktop, grill, hotplate, skillet.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| griddle |
A griddle is often used in a home kitchen or commercial setting for cooking foods like pancakes, eggs, and bacon. It's a flat surface that allows for even cooking over a wide area.
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| grill |
A grill is used for cooking food by direct heat. Itโs commonly used outdoors for barbecuing meat, vegetables, and grilling sandwiches.
|
| skillet |
A skillet is a type of frying pan used for sautรฉing, searing, and frying foods on the stove. It's deeper than a griddle and often has sloped sides.
|
| hotplate |
A hotplate is a portable, small appliance with one or more electric burners, suitable for temporary cooking setups or small spaces like dorm rooms.
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| cooktop |
A cooktop is a built-in stove surface usually found in kitchens. It can have gas, electric, or induction burners for a variety of cooking tasks.
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Examples of usage
- The pancakes sizzled on the griddle.
- I love the charred marks that the griddle leaves on the steak.
cooking action
To cook food on a griddle.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| griddle |
Used when cooking food on a flat, heated surface, often to give a crispy texture. Commonly used for pancakes, bacon, and burgers.
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| cook |
Used in a general sense when preparing food by applying heat. It doesn't specify the method of cooking.
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| fry |
Refers to cooking food in hot oil or fat. Often used for foods like eggs, potatoes, and chicken.
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| grill |
Refers to cooking food over direct heat, often with a distinctive char and smoky flavor. Typically used for meats and vegetables.
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Examples of usage
- She griddled the vegetables for the stir-fry.
- Griddle the bread until it is golden brown.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Use
- Griddles can be made from various materials, including cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel, which affect heat distribution.
- In many cultures, griddles are used for specific traditional dishes, such as 'arepas' in Colombia and 'dosa' in India.
- Besides pancakes, griddles are ideal for searing meats and vegetables, as well as toasting sandwiches.
Historical Significance
- Historically, a griddle was a staple in kitchens and was often used in communal cooking settings, especially before the advent of modern stoves.
- Native American tribes utilized flat stones as griddles for cooking various foods, showcasing the tool's ancient roots.
- The use of griddles became widespread with the introduction of cast iron cooking equipment in the 18th century, revolutionizing home cooking.
Cultural Impact
- In American cuisine, the griddle is famous for its connection to diner culture, where pancakes and burgers are classically served.
- Many family traditions revolve around cooking breakfast items on the griddle, fostering shared meals and community bonding.
- In Japan, 'teppanyaki' style cooking utilizes a flat griddle to grill meat and vegetables in an entertaining way, merging food with performance.
Science of Cooking
- Griddles work on the principle of conduction, allowing even heat distribution for consistent cooking.
- The Maillard reaction, which gives grilled food its distinct flavor, occurs on a griddle due to high-temperature cooking.
- The Surface temperature control on griddles can lead to various textures, from crispy edges to fluffy insides.
Origin of 'griddle'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old French term 'gridille,' which referred to a metal plate for cooking.
- In Latin, 'craticula' means 'a grill' or 'small grid,' showing the link between different cooking surfaces across languages.
- The term evolved over centuries, adapting to various cooking methods before settling into its current form in English.
The word 'griddle' has its origin in the Middle English 'gredil', which in turn comes from the Old French 'gridil'. The concept of cooking on a flat metal surface has been around for centuries, with griddles being used for various culinary purposes. Over time, griddles have evolved to include different materials and designs, but the essence of cooking on a smooth, flat surface remains the same.
See also: griddlecake, griddlecakes.