Steven Raichlen on Project Griddle: The Versatile Art of Flat-Top Grilling

The Evolution of Grilling

• 💡 Steven Raichlen, author of "The Barbecue Bible," is exploring a new method: griddling.
• 🎯 He owns approximately 12 grills, each with a specific purpose, reflecting a lifelong passion for live fire cooking.
• 🧠 Raichlen's scholarly approach to grilling began during his French literature studies, inspired by a medieval cookbook.

Why Pivot to Griddle?

• 🚀 The pivot to griddling was inspired by cooking A5 Wagyu steak, which requires a griddle to manage its high fat content without flare-ups.
• 🍳 Griddling offers a way to marry grilling and barbecue, expanding culinary possibilities.
• ⚠️ It's ideal for delicate items like snapper that might stick or fall apart on a traditional grill.

Griddle Cuisines and Techniques

• 🇪🇸 Raichlen highlights Japan, Spain, and the United States as key griddle cuisines.
• 🍤 Spanish-inspired tapas bar shrimp with garlic, olive oil, and blistered padron peppers showcases the method.
• 🧀 An Italian mortadella quesadilla with various cheeses and chili paste demonstrates creative griddle applications.

Advantages of Griddling

• 🔥 A major advantage of griddling is the absence of live fire, eliminating flare-ups and burning.
• 😨 This makes it less intimidating for individuals uncomfortable with direct fire.

Beyond Savory: Sweet and Grilled Fruits

• 🍗 An American take on kebabs, called "speedies," features chicken marinated in a homemade Italian dressing.
• 🍍 Even desserts can be made on the griddle, such as peppered pineapple with whipped cream.
• 🍊 Grilled oranges are used in a sangria, showcasing the versatility of the flat top.

The Joy of Sharing Culinary Knowledge

• 💬 Raichlen emphasizes that sharing his research, travel, and culinary discoveries is the most rewarding part of his job.
• ✅ This act of sharing is what makes us human.