The Complete Beginner's Guide to the Plancha

5 steps to use your plancha for the first time (+1 bonus)

The griddle is an outdoor cooking appliance that is increasingly popular for its versatility, ease of use and health benefits. If you have just bought your first plancha, congratulations! Here's a complete guide to help you get started and enjoy this cooking method to the fullest, with a few simple recipes to get you started.
The griddle is an outdoor cooking appliance that is increasingly popular for its versatility, ease of use and health benefits. If you have just bought your first plancha, congratulations! Here's a complete guide to help you get started and enjoy this cooking method to the fullest, with a few simple recipes to get you started.

1. Installation and Preparation

Choose the right location: Place your plancha on a stable surface that is sheltered from the wind. Make sure it is at a safe distance from flammable materials and has enough space around it for ventilation.

Prepare the necessary tools: Before you start, get the appropriate utensils: stainless steel spatula, tongs, tea towel and if necessary the containers for your food.

Perform a first cleaning: Even if your plancha is new, clean it with warm water and a mild detergent to remove any manufacturing residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry thoroughly.

2. Ignition and Temperature Adjustment

Ignition: For gas planchas, connect the gas hose to the plancha correctly and then open the gas valve of the cylinder and light the burners using the built-in piezzo. For electric planchas, plug in the device and adjust the temperature.

Preheating: Let your plancha preheat for 10 to 15 minutes. A hot plancha (between 250°C and 300°C) is essential to obtain homogeneous cooking and well-seared food.

3. Use of the Plancha

Oil the plate: Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower or grapeseed oil. Olive oil can also be suitable but will evaporate faster. Apply a thin layer to the hot plate using a brush or paper towel.

Cooking food: Arrange food on the plancha, making sure not to overload the griddle. Cook foods according to their type and thickness:

• Vegetables: 5 to 10 minutes depending on their size.
• Fish and seafood: 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
• Meats: 5 to 10 minutes on each side depending on the thickness and desired doneness.

Seasoning: Season your food before or during cooking. Herbs, spices and marinades add flavour and enhance your dishes.

4. Maintenance and Cleaning

Hot cleaning: After each use, clean the plate of your plancha while it is still hot. Use a spatula to scrape off cooking residue and a stainless steel brush to remove stubborn stains if needed.

Deglaze the griddle: Pour a little water or white vinegar on the hot sheet pan to dissolve any cooking residue. There is no need to use ice cubes or very cold water, as this could damage the enamel of enamelled cast iron plates in particular. Then wipe with a clean cloth.

Plate protection: Once the plate is clean and dry, cover your plancha with a suitable cover or cover to protect it from the elements and dust.

5. Tips and Tricks

Vary the pleasures: The plancha allows you to cook a wide variety of foods. Try different recipes to get the most out of your appliance: grilled vegetables, seafood, marinated meats, roasted fruit, etc.

Control the temperature: Learn how to use the different heat zones of your plancha. Some may be hotter for searing meats, while another may be gentler for cooking delicate vegetables.

Be Aware of Safety: Handle burners and gas sources with care. Always turn off the plancha after use and make sure the burners are closed.

6. Some Simple Recipes to Get You Started

Grilled vegetables:

Ingredients: Zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, olive oil, salt, pepper.
Preparation: Cut the vegetables into thick slices, brush with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Cooking: Arrange the vegetables on the preheated griddle and grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side until tender and slightly caramelized.

Prawns a la Plancha:

Ingredients: Prawns, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
Preparation: Mix the prawns with the olive oil, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Cooking: Grill the prawns for 3 to 4 minutes on each side on the preheated plancha until pink and lightly grilled.

Marinated sirloin steak:

Ingredients: Sirloin steak, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper.
Preparation: Marinate the flank steak with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper for at least 1 hour.
Cooking: Grill the flank steak for 5 to 7 minutes on each side on the preheated plancha until desired doneness.

Chicken Skewers with Lemon:

Ingredients: Chicken breasts, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper.
Preparation: Cut the chicken breasts into pieces and marinate them with the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper for 1 hour.
Cooking: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and grill them for 10 to 12 minutes, turning regularly.

The plancha is a great tool for outdoor cooking, offering healthy, fast and tasty cooking. By following this guide, you will be able to fully enjoy your plancha and impress your guests with varied and delicious dishes. At LE MARQUIER, we are here to support you and offer you quality products for unforgettable moments of conviviality.

Happy cooking a la plancha!