Nothing beats the inviting sound and aroma of food sizzling on hot cast iron, especially when it’s on your Big Green Egg.
Meet the plancha: the ultimate hot plate for restaurant-quality sears, bold flavours, and endless culinary creativity.
Pairing the cast iron plancha with your much-loved Big Green Egg opens a whole new world of EGGceptional grilling. With the plancha, seared steaks, sizzling seafood and perfect pancakes are all achievable.
So, are you ready to fire up your Egg and throw the ultimate plancha party? Let’s get sizzling!
What Is a Plancha? The Flat-Top Star of Outdoor Cooking
Simply put, a plancha is a flat, solid cooking surface of Spanish origin that lets you sear, grill, and sauté with precision and style.
Unlike your typical grill grate, a plancha grill is usually made of cast iron or steel, providing an even, intense heat that locks in juices and delivers a crave-worthy caramelised crust.
When you put a cast iron plancha on your Big Green Egg, you’re combining two powerhouses: the Egg’s legendary heat retention and airflow control with the plancha’s flawless surface. The result? Sear-iously sumptuous grilled goodness.
Use your plancha to cook steaks, seafood, breakfast meals, and more. You can even do pancakes, French toast, veggies, and crepes!
Why a Cast Iron Plancha on the Big Green Egg Is BBQ Magic
Heat That Holds
Cast iron gets hot and stays hot, and when it meets the Big Green Egg’s ceramic brilliance and lump charcoal fuel source, things get even hotter. The plancha heats evenly and retains this heat, giving you that perfect sear and a consistent cooking surface every time. To get a bit sciency, the intense heat promotes what’s known as the Maillard reaction, a chemical process between amino acids and sugars that creates complex, savoury, and umami-rich flavours as well as a delicious crust on meats and vegetables.
Versatility That Inspires Creativity
From juicy steaks and delicate seafood to vibrant veggies and even breakfast classics, the plancha on your Egg lets you cook it all. Want to whip up some crispy smashed potatoes or a quick stir-fry? You can do this on the plancha’s hot surface.
Flavour That’s Simply EGGceptional
The Big Green Egg’s natural lump charcoal infuses your food with a subtle smoky aroma, while the plancha’s surface seals in moisture and flavour. You won't have to be worried about flare-ups and uneven cooking; expect perfectly caramelised, flavorful bites.
Built to Last and Impress
Both the Egg and its cast iron plancha are designed to last. With proper care, your plancha will develop a natural non-stick patina, while the Egg’s durable ceramics keep your outdoor kitchen looking impressive season after season.
How to Grill Meat on a Plancha with Your Big Green Egg
Step 1: Fire Up the Egg & Preheat the Plancha
Set your Big Green Egg to a sizzling 250–350°C. Place your cast iron plancha on the grill grate and give it 10–15 minutes to get lava hot. Thanks to the Egg’s precise vent system, dialling in the perfect temperature doesn’t require formal qualifications.
Step 2: Prep Your Meat with Care
Pat your steaks, chops, or seafood dry. Season generously with salt and pepper, then brush lightly with oil. This simple prep ensures a flawless sear and prevents sticking.
Step 3: Sear and Sizzle
Place your meat on the sizzling plancha. For steaks, press down gently with a spatula to maximise contact. Let it cook undisturbed to build that gorgeous crust, then flip and repeat. The Egg’s even heat means you can cook multiple items side-by-side without losing temperature.
Step 4: Rest and Revel
Once your meat hits your desired doneness, remove it and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Use the residual heat to finish off sides or toast buns right there on the plancha.
Tips for Best Results
- Meat: Let steaks and chops rest after cooking for juicier results.
- Chicken: Always check internal temperature (75°C for poultry).
- Fish: Use a spatula to flip gently; fish is done when it flakes easily.
- Veggies: Brush with oil and season before grilling; don’t overcrowd the plancha.
Big Green Egg Official Cooking Times & Temperatures Table
Below is a table of recommended cooking temperatures and times for popular foods. For more info, you can visit the official Big Green Egg temperature control page.
| Preparation | Weight | Egg Temp | Core Temp | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit & vegetables | 20–100 g | 220°C | – | 2–5 min |
| Shellfish | 20–100 g | 220°C | 55°C | 13 min |
| Fish | 150–250 g | 220°C | 55°C | 13 min |
| Côte de boeuf | 1 kg | 230–250°C | 52–58°C | 16–20 min |
| Ribeye | 100–250 g | 220°C | 50–68°C | 5–10 min |
| Lamb chops | 100–250 g | 220°C | 50–68°C | 5–10 min |
| Chicken | 150–250 g | 150°C | 77°C | 16–20 min |
| Duck breast | 300 g | 190–200°C | 54°C | 6–8 min |
Cast Iron Plancha Care: Keep It Cooking for Life
- Season It Up: After each cook, rub a thin layer of oil over your plancha to keep it non-stick and rust-free.
- Clean Smart: Skip the soap; just hot water and a stiff brush or coarse salt will do. Dry thoroughly.
- Store with Love: Keep your plancha dry and oiled when not in use. If stacking, place a paper towel between surfaces to avoid scratches.
Easy & EGGceptional BBQ Recipes to Try on Your Plancha
Cowboy Rib Eye a la Plancha
Ingredients: Ribeye steak, olive oil, fleur de sel, cracked black pepper.
Method: Sear on your hot plancha in the Big Green Egg for 8–10 minutes per side. Finish on the fat edge, rest, then slice and drizzle with olive oil. Pure smoky, juicy bliss.
Caribbean Chicken Skewers
Ingredients: Chicken breast chunks, mixed peppers, and mango-yoghurt marinade.
Method: Marinate, skewer, and grill on the plancha until golden and juicy. A tropical twist with every bite.
Corn on the Cob with Herb Marinade
Ingredients: Corn cobs, olive oil, fresh herbs, and garlic.
Method: Boil, marinate, then grill on the plancha for 10 minutes, turning often for that perfect char and herbaceous aroma.
Crispy Edged Smash Burgers
Ingredients: Ground beef, salt, pepper, cheese, brioche buns.
Method: Form balls, smash onto the hot plancha, season, flip, add cheese, and serve on toasted buns. All under the Egg’s dome for that signature smoky finish.
Ready to Let Your Outdoor Cooking Sizzle?
There’s no denying it, the cast iron plancha paired with your Big Green Egg is the ultimate duo for anyone serious about BBQ. It’s fast and versatile and produces searingly delicious tasty, juicy and crispy results.
CTA: Don’t Wait To Experience The Magic
Shop the Half Moon Cast Iron Plancha Griddle now and let your next epicurean adventure begin!
