How do you cook rice on a griddle?

Cooking rice on a griddle may seem unusual, but it can actually be a quick and easy way to make rice if you don’t have a stove or rice cooker available. With just a few tips and techniques, you can make perfect rice on a griddle in no time.

Benefits of Cooking Rice on a Griddle

Here are some of the benefits of cooking rice on a griddle:

Portability – A griddle is much easier to transport than a rice cooker or stove. This makes it great for camping, tailgating, or other activities away from home.
Versatility – If you have limited space or appliances, a griddle allows you to cook more than just rice. You can use it for proteins, vegetables, eggs, etc.
Temperature control – A griddle gives you more precise control over heat levels compared to a rice cooker. This allows you to better calibrate for different rice varieties.

Quick cooking – With direct contact to a hot surface, rice can cook faster on a griddle than some traditional methods.
Minimal cleanup – Since all you need is the griddle, there’s less cleanup than dealing with pots, burners, etc. Just let the griddle cool and wipe it down after use.

Choosing the Right Griddle

Not all griddles are created equal when it comes to cooking rice. Here are some things to look for:

Surface material – Opt for a smooth, nonstick surface that will prevent rice from sticking. Aluminum or stainless steel are good options.
Size – Choose a griddle with a cooking surface at least 10 inches across to allow enough room for rice to cook evenly.
Adjustable heat – Look for a griddle with adjustable temperature controls so you can customize the heat as needed.

Grease reservoir – Some griddles have built-in grease channels or reservoirs to collect excess fat while cooking. This can come in handy when cooking rice.

How to Cook Rice on a Griddle

Follow these simple steps for foolproof rice cooked on a griddle:

Prep the rice – Rinse and drain the rice until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for fluffier grains.

Add oil – Coat the preheated griddle lightly with oil. Vegetable or canola oil work well.
Toast the rice – Spread the damp rice across the griddle in an even layer. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Boil water – While the rice is toasting, boil water in a kettle or pot. You’ll need 1.5 cups water for every 1 cup of rice.

Add boiling water – Pour the boiling water over the toasted rice. Make sure all the grains are submerged.
Cover and reduce heat – Cover the griddle with a lid or foil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Fluff and serve – After simmering, fluff the rice with a fork. Add any extra seasoning or toppings and enjoy!

Here are some tips to ensure perfect griddle rice every time:

Use the right rice varieties like long grain or basmati. Shorter grains can get too sticky.
Keep the griddle around 350°F when simmering for best results.

Resist the urge to stir too often during simmering. Just lift the lid and fluff with a fork.
If the rice isn’t tender enough, simply add a bit more hot water.
For added flavor, try substituting broth or stock for the boiling water.

Cooking Different Types of Rice on a Griddle

The basic method remains the same, but you may need to adjust a few things when cooking different rice varieties on a griddle:

Rice Type	Modifications
Long grain white	No changes needed to basic method
Brown	Increase water to 2 cups per 1 cup rice Simmer for 30-40 minutes
Basmati	Increase water slightly to 1 3/4 cups per 1 cup rice
Jasmine	Use a lid for more even steaming
Arborio (risotto)	Constant stirring required Omit toasting step Gradually add liquid

The above adjustments help account for the different grain sizes and textures of each rice variety when cooking on the stovetop isn’t an option.

Flavoring and Serving Rice from the Griddle

Once your rice is cooked, here are some quick ways to add extra flavor and serve it up:

Fresh herbs – Chopped parsley, basil, cilantro, etc. give fresh flavor.
Spices and seasonings – Try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, curry powder, etc.
Soy sauce – A simple drizzle adds salty, savory flavor.

Butter or oil – Add a pat of butter or drizzle of olive oil over the top.
Accompaniments – Top with sauteed veggies, beans, shredded meat, etc.
Side dishes – Pair your griddle rice with protein and veggies for a complete meal.

You can also pack cooked griddle rice for lunches or side dishes to enjoy throughout the week.

Cleaning Your Griddle After Cooking Rice

Here are some tips for cleaning your griddle after cooking rice:

Let the griddle fully cool before cleaning.

Use a stiff spatula to scrape off any stuck-on rice.
If needed, pour a small amount of cooking oil on the surface and let sit before wiping again.
Clean with hot water, a soft cloth, and a small amount of dish soap if needed.

Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could damage the cooking surface.
Dry thoroughly with a towel or paper towels.
Optional: Apply a thin coat of cooking oil to the surface before storing.

Properly cleaning your griddle after each use will help keep it in top condition for all your outdoor cooking needs.

Common Questions and Answers

Is a nonstick griddle better for cooking rice?

Yes, a nonstick surface prevents rice from sticking and makes cleanup much easier. The slick surface also allows you to use less oil while cooking.

Do I need to preheat the griddle before adding rice?

It’s best to preheat your griddle over medium heat for a few minutes before adding rice. This helps ensure the rice toasts evenly in the first cooking step.

Can I cook rice and other ingredients together on a griddle?

Absolutely! A griddle has plenty of room to multi-task. Try cooking chopped veggies, proteins, or eggs alongside the simmering rice.

Is it safe to cook rice on the same griddle surface as raw meat?

No, you should avoid cross-contamination by not cooking rice on a surface that touched raw meat. Thoroughly clean the griddle first with hot water and soap.

How can I tell when the rice is done without constant stirring?

Check for doneness after 15-20 minutes. Gently fluff with a fork and taste a few grains. Properly cooked rice should be tender but not mushy.

Tips for Cooking Rice on a Griddle

Follow these tips for foolproof rice made on your griddle:

Use fresh, high-quality rice for best texture and flavor.
Rinse and drain rice thoroughly before cooking.

Heat griddle gradually to avoid scorching or burning.
Add toasted rice to boiling water off heat for more even cooking.
Keep griddle temperature around 350°F when simmering covered rice.

Resist stirring too often; just fluff with a fork after simmering.
Add extra hot water if rice isn’t tender enough.
Let cooked rice rest 5 minutes before fluffing and serving.

Clean griddle thoroughly after each use.

Rice Griddle Recipes to Try

Once you get the basic method down, there are endless ways to flavor and enhance rice cooked on a griddle. Here are some delicious recipes to try:

Spanish Rice

Saute onion, garlic, and bell pepper on griddle first.

Add tomato sauce and rice to cook together.
Season with cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cilantro.

Coconut Rice

Use coconut milk instead of water for boiling and simmering.

Stir in flaked coconut before serving.
Garnish with cashews, raisins, mango, etc.

Fried Rice

Cook rice according to basic method.

On griddle, stir-fry rice with eggs, peas, carrots, soy sauce.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Jambalaya

Saute shrimp, chicken, onion, celery, peppers on griddle first.

Add rice and Cajun seasoning. Pour in broth and tomatoes.
Cover and simmer until rice is tender.

Conclusion

Cooking rice on a griddle takes a bit of technique, but can be a fun and convenient option when you’re limited on cooking appliances. With the right griddle setup and a simple process of toasting, boiling, and simmering, you can make restaurant-quality rice dishes from the comfort of your campsite or tiny apartment. Next time you need some impromptu rice, give the stovetop a rest try firing up your trusty griddle instead.