![Plancha Grilling](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/DR9lwGJMd_MzqDdfuzYduE35MZk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/plancha-grilling-FT-MAG0618-d149dc4924804834a44f9b9b7a8b2521.jpg)
Grilling a la plancha ("on the griddle" in Spanish) is an easy upgrade to your charcoal kettle grill or gas grill. A simple setup—a carbon steel plancha set over a grill grate—opens a world of possibilities. Marbled cuts of meat won't flare up or dry out, veggies won't fall through the grill grate, and hard-to-sear items, like citrus and avocados, can be charred and caramelized.
Essential Tools for Plancha Cooking
Plancha
![lodge carbon steel griddle](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/KoKS4IvI57ybp_9Krs9y_MJwb9g=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lodge-carbon-steel-griddle-plancha-FT-BLOG0521-bcd70a0a9b824f5795a367cd6a92aec6.jpg)
We love the Lodge Carbon Steel Griddle for its handles, slick cooking surface, and generous 18- by 10-inch area that fits on standard charcoal grills.
To buy: Lodge Carbon Steel Griddle at amazon.com
Wok spatula
![wok spatula](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/9N8y68TNdMg8gEwoTnLnPEmlKdI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wok-spatula-deslon-FT-BLOG0521-cdb167a6eea540188d7db06d11fb47b2.jpg)
Intended for cooking over high heat in bowl-shaped woks, a long-handled spatula is perfect for spreading red-hot coals.
To buy: Deslon Stainless Steel Wok Spatula at amazon.com
Grilling gloves
![grill gloves](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/IwzGRuK_50n6oxHYnIhwYVDPcZI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/grill-gloves-amazon-FT-BLOG0521-235f47a2051d4d8eae4f15098da48d2d.jpg)
Made from flame-retardant material, grilling gloves make it comfortable to work over a hot bed of coals.
To buy: Mayferte Extreme Heat Resistant Gloves at amazon.com
Charcoal chimney
![Weber 7429 Rapid Fire Chimney Starter](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/GFFcW_CrDq2igGZsFWz8vplnJOY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/weber-7429-rapid-fire-chimney-starter-FT-BLOG0519-c6357cbd44864946b49c126422c21b2f.jpg)
The easiest way to get your grill hot enough in no time.
To buy: Weber Charcoal Chimney at amazon.com
How to Cook a la Plancha
Light the Coals
![Light Coals](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/8_AwStoH94DjsNTtKenO-Ttug4I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/plancha-grilling-light-coals-FT-MAG0618-a34a5b54611a417f990102e21bbe8207.jpg)
Fill each of 2 charcoal chimneys with approximately 3 pounds of hardwood charcoal. Light charcoal and let burn until flames subside and coals glow bright red, about 25 minutes.
Pour Into Grill
![Pour Coals into Grill](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/ZLQ9gHS_f-hdX3YFYm1No_0IVgs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/plancha-grilling-pour-into-grill-FT-MAG0618-9c2eb9f86cc64a11a30bbc07976e3890.jpg)
Carefully pour charcoal into kettle grill, and let burn until coals are covered in a thin layer of ash, about 5 minutes. If using a gas grill, heat all zones to high (450°F to 550°F).
Arrange Coals
![Arrange Coals](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/5P-IExgE_pzQ4VyHKRTQRT6Rpm0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/plancha-grilling-arrange-coals-FT-MAG0618-f9e0f519c0e14970a58638b44fa85670.jpg)
Use a wok spatula to arrange coals in an even rectangular layer. Set grill grate in place, and set plancha on grate over bed of coals or gas flames. Let plancha heat 10 minutes.
Prep Ingredients
![Prep Ingredients](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/nQTKODUz1lDzZ4quQLE0NOKyPb4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/plancha-grilling-prep-ingredients-FT-MAG0618-21948f4007fc42eca7f87cf78970eae1.jpg)
Toss the vegetables and rub the meat with neutral oil. Never add oil directly to the surface of the plancha (it may ignite).
Add Ingredients
![Add Ingredients](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/JCZlJaE2K94FZQnGUH54TVAqfkg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/plancha-grilling-add-ingredients-FT-MAG0618-84f9fe3ca5804346b4f8c52ed20e4fe1.jpg)
When plancha is very hot (water dropped on plancha will bead), use tongs to add ingredients to plancha in a single layer.
Sear
![Sear](https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/9EfHdTEjrDrKMTT9tapEixSy0dM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/plancha-grilling-sear-FT-MAG0618-d3d9fc459c1447de96697eb06e71a0aa.jpg)
Sear ingredients until charred on one side, and then flip and cook to the desired degree of doneness.
Easy Cleanup
Clean the plancha while it is still hot. Soak several paper towels with water, and roll them up together like a cigar. Using a pair of tongs to hold paper towels, rub the surface of the plancha to remove residue. Let plancha and grill cool before removing plancha.