A hot plate is an excellent alternative to an oven or stovetop if you have to prepare your meals in a small space, such as a dorm room or an apartment.
Certainly, it’s not as fancy as a full-sized kitchen, but with some ingenuity and a hot plate, you can whip up a delicious meal.
We’ll look at 15 ways to keep things hot, whether you’re a poor student or just want to cut down on the time you spend in the kitchen.
What Can You Cook on a Hot Plate?
Actually, there is no limit to what you can make on a hot plate. You can make anything from s’mores to steak, popcorn to scrambled eggs, and even a fruit crumble if you’re in the mood for something more sophisticated. Go ahead and let your culinary imagination run wild.
Here’s a list of some ideas to get your culinary creativity flowing:
- Scrambled eggs – a breakfast classic that’s quick and easy to make.
- Pancakes – make a stack of fluffy goodness for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Grilled cheese – buttery bread and melted cheese, need I say more?
- Ramen noodles – a staple for college students and busy folks everywhere.
- Stir-fry – chop up some veggies and protein for a healthy and delicious meal.
- Quesadillas – fill with cheese, veggies, and your choice of meat for a tasty snack.
- Fried rice – use leftover rice and add in veggies, eggs, and soy sauce for a satisfying meal.
- Popcorn – perfect for movie nights or snacking anytime.
- S’mores – channel your inner camper and make this classic treat right on your hot plate.
- Fruit crumble – use a small baking dish and cook up a sweet and fruity dessert.
Breakfast
Scrambled Eggs
Let’s kick things off with the first and most crucial meal of the day: breakfast. Scrambled eggs are a quick and easy meal that can be made on any hot dish. Using a nonstick skillet, eggs, and some butter or oil is a breeze.
Eggs can be easily prepared by heating a pan, cracking a few into it, and then carefully stirring them until they reach the desired doneness. Just season it with salt and pepper and it will be ready to eat.
Pancakes
Make some crepes if you’re in the mood to try something new. Either use a ready-made mix or whip up your own batter from fresh. Turn the stove on high, pour some batter onto the hot surface, and wait for the bubbles to develop.
The crepe needs to be cooked for a few more minutes on the other side until it is golden brown. Put on sugar, butter, or whatever else you like.
Lunch
Grilled Cheese
Nothing beats a traditional grilled cheese sandwich for a quick and simple midday meal. Put some butter on two pieces of bread, layer some cheese in the middle, and grill them in a nonstick skillet over low heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. For a meatier dish, try adding some ham or bacon.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are another simple option for supper. Put a tortilla on the hot plate and heat it up while you add your preferred fillings, whether they be poultry, vegetables, or salsa. Wrap the tortilla in a double layer of foil and cook it until the cheddar has melted and the tortilla is crisp.
Fried Rice
The fried rice you cook for lunch will fill you up nicely if that’s what you’re after. Prepare rice on the hot pan and stir-fry it with vegetables, meat, and sauce. You can either reheat previously cooked rice or prepare it from scratch. Season to flavour with soy sauce or whatever else you like.
Dinner
Stir-Fry
Another fantastic meal that can be quickly prepared on a hot dish is stir-fry. You can stir-fry your own meat and vegetables by heating a skillet with oil and tossing in the ingredients. Chicken and broccoli, as well as tofu and chiles, are just two examples of what you can use. Serve over rice or pasta and cover with sauce.
Pasta
While a stovetop is required to properly prepare spaghetti, a hot plate can also be used in a pinch. Put a pot of water onto the hot plate, bring it to a boil, then add your spaghetti and cook it until it’s al dente. Toss the cooked noodles with your preferred sauce and drain.
Steak
A steak can be cooked to perfection on a hot griddle if you really want to impress your guests. Steaks are best when seared for a few minutes on each side in a hot skillet with oil. To boost the taste, use butter and herbs.
Snacks
Popcorn
Popcorn is a convenient and speedy refreshment choice. Put some oil and popcorn kernels in a deep pan or pot, place it on the heated burner, and cover it. Repeat this process until the popcorn begins bursting. Add some butter and salt once it’s done cooking for that authentic concession stand taste.
S’mores
There’s no rule that states you need a fire pit to make s’mores. These time-honored delicacies can also be prepared on a stovetop. The graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows are heated in a nonstick skillet until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are gooey. Put it between two graham biscuits and savor it.
Dessert
Brownies
Brownies are always a safe bet when you need a simple treat in a hurry. Either use a ready-made mix or whip up your own batter from fresh. Put the batter in a hot, nonstick hot plate and let it cook until the outside is golden and the inside is still soft. Add ice cream or creamy topping for a rich dessert.
Fruit Crumble
Make a berry crumble if you’re in the mood for something a little more nutritious. On the hot plate, cook some fruit like apples or berries, and then cover with a combination of oats, flour, butter, and sugar. To make the topping crispy and the fruit soft, bake in the hot dish.
Summary
Many different meals can be prepared on a stovetop or oven. A hot plate is a convenient cooking appliance that can be helpful whether you’re living in a hostel, a studio, or any other small space. You can make anything from scrambled eggs to steak with just a little ingenuity and a few staple items. If you find yourself in a bind soon, don’t be shy about turning on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make soup on a hot plate?
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