In the U.S, around 93% of consumers want to eat healthy occasionally while 63% want to eat well most of the time.
It’s clear we want to develop eating habits and the first place to start is considering how we cook our meals. The jury is out whether griddle or grill is the healthiest way and perhaps you’re wondering the same.
Sound familiar? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out whether griddle vs grill is the healthier option.
What Is a Griddle?
Before deciding whether cooking on a griddle vs grill is healthier, it’s important to know what we mean by a griddle.
This is a flat metal cooking surface that’s heated underneath so you can cook granular foods like brown rice or liquid-heavy items like pancakes. As a general rule, whatever you whip up in a frying pan works with a griddle.
Note that there are different types of griddles you can use. For instance, you can get freestanding gas-powered griddles complete with stand and cart, great for cooking in your backyard.
If you have little space then choose tabletop griddles as they’re small and portable, useful if you’re camping or going to your friend’s cookout. These can also be used in the kitchen and stored away when you’re done.
You can also get insert griddles that fit over a heating element like a firepit. This also works with BBQ or a charcoal grill so you get the best of both worlds.
What Is a Grill?
Still not sure whether to choose griddle cooking vs grill?
Unlike a griddle, grills have multiple cooking grates that sit above a charcoal fire pit or gas burners. Many people love grills because the grease and water from the food (especially meat) runs off between the slate and grate and exposes the ingredients to the open flame. As a result, you end up with a gorgeous smokey flavor.
What Is the Difference Between a Grill and a Griddle?
To help you decide between grilling vs griddle, we must highlight the key differences between the two. Aside from their looks, what sets both apart is the temperature they work best at.
For instance, grills produce the best results when they’re heated to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because it lets the heat pass through the metal grates and produces browned stripes on your favorite meat. If you’re wondering “steaks on griddle vs grill?”, then choose grill because the high-heat means you get a fast sear on the outside without overcooking the center.
In contrast, most people turn griddles to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s hot enough to sear meat or bacon along with your veggies. You’ll find griddles don’t burn the skin so you know it’s properly cooked through.
So the main difference is how your food tastes. Griddles cook your food slower so it’s more like baking or roasting while grills quickly cook the ingredients at a higher temperature. Also, griddles retain the original flavor of the food while grills give your dish a smokey flavor.
What to Cook on Griddles
Before you choose between a BBQ grill vs griddle, decide what you want to rustle up. Because griddles are flat, they’re great for cooking pancakes or eggs which wouldn’t work on grills. Further, people use griddles to cook juicy burgers as you can brown the buns, and melt your cheese.
There are also plenty of healthy griddle recipes like vegetable kebabs, chicken skewers, and griddled beef fajitas.
What to Cook on a Grill
Grills are traditionally used for cooking meat, especially during a summer cookout. You can whip up burgers, chicken breasts, and your favorite veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. If you’re looking for your next grill, consider Nexgrill vs Weber so you can cook your favorite meat dishes.
How to Make Cooking on a Griddle or Grill Healthier
Both griddles and grills are a healthy way of cooking but you can make it healthier if you’re worried.
On grills, you must watch out for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These are chemicals that form when muscle meat like beef or pork is cooked directly over an open flame. So if your dish is meat-heavy then whack on extra veggies or fruits because PAHS and HCAs don’t form on these.
Not sure what fruit or veggies work? Then try tomatoes, eggplant, pineapple, and apple. You should also limit the amount of fat that drips onto the coals by trimming the meat beforehand. When you’re griddling or grilling, soak your meat and veggies in a fat-free marinade that’s packed with honey, garlic, onions, and herbs.
Further, flip your food frequently with tongs so HCAs don’t form or use skewers to cut down on cooking time. And if you’re using a grill then don’t use lighter fluid or briquettes as they contain harmful toxins. Instead, use coal and scraps of newspaper so you gently grill your food.
That’s Everything About the Griddle vs Grill Debate
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know which is healthier, griddle vs grill.
Both are great whether you’re whipping up breakfast or hosting a neighborhood BBQ. Like with all meals, make sure you have the perfect balance of meat with veggies and don’t cook food too long on a grill otherwise it could form PAHs and HCAs. Other than that, be adventurous with your recipes and enjoy!
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