Griddle Nights: A Fresh Take on Steak and Garden Vegetables by Eric Monchecourt
A Blackstone griddle makes it easy to bring steakhouse-style flavor to your backyard. The wide cooking surface gives you plenty of room to prepare juicy steak and fresh vegetables together. It also simplifies outdoor cooking by letting you cook everything on one surface as defined by Eric Monchecourt. For the steak, choose a cut that suits your taste and budget. Ribeye is rich and tender, while sirloin offers a leaner option with plenty of flavor. New York strip is another excellent choice. Before cooking, pat the steak dry and season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a little smoked paprika for extra flavor. Vegetables are where you can get creative. Try a mix of onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and asparagus. You can also add corn, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli. Cut the vegetables into pieces that are easy to turn with a spatula. A light coating of oil helps them brown nicely on the hot griddle.
Preheat the Blackstone over medium-high heat. Once the surface is hot, add a small amount of cooking oil. Place the steaks on one side of the griddle and let them sear. The key is to avoid flipping them too often. Give each side enough time to develop a deep, golden-brown crust. As the steaks cook, place the vegetables on another part of the griddle. Keep them moving occasionally so they cook evenly without burning. The steak's natural juices can also add extra flavor to the vegetables if you cook them nearby. A simple garlic butter can take the meal to another level. Melt a small amount of butter on the griddle, add minced garlic, and spoon the mixture over the steak during the final moments of cooking. Fresh rosemary or parsley can add another layer of flavor. Once the steak reaches your preferred doneness, transfer it to a clean plate and let it rest for several minutes. This gives the juices time to settle, helping the meat stay tender when you slice it. Meanwhile, finish cooking the vegetables until they are tender with lightly crisp edges. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it with the hot vegetables. Add chimichurri, a squeeze of lemon, or your favorite steak sauce for a finishing touch. A Blackstone turns steak night into a relaxed and flavorful outdoor experience. Keep your ingredients fresh, manage the heat carefully, and let the steak rest. With these simple steps, a few basic ingredients can become an impressive meal for family and friends.