Teppanyaki grills can get super dirty because of the high heat they cook at. Charred food bits tend to stick to the metal plate, and if you don’t clean it properly, the buildup will just keep getting worse every time you cook. Talk about yuck. Your new dish will end up tasting like the last one and will have burnt bits mixed in. Here’s a simple, detailed guide on how to clean a teppanyaki grill.
Regular Cleaning (After Each Use)
Here’s what you’ll need to clean your Teppanyaki grill after every use:
- Metal spatula or scraper
- Grill brush or scouring pad
- Warm water
- Paper towels or a clean cloth
- Cooking oil (any kind)
Follow these steps to clean your Teppanyaki grill:
- Let the grill cool slightly. The grill should be warm enough to touch. If it’s too hot, you’ll burn yourself.
- Push all the charred food and grease toward the grease trap with a metal spatula or grill scraper. Don’t use too much force
- Dip a cloth or paper towel in warm water and wipe the grill.
- Use a clean towel or dry paper towel to wipe off any leftover moisture. The grill should be completely dry before you move on to the next step.
- Once the surface is dry, pour a tiny bit of oil on a cloth and wipe the grill. Turn the heat on low for a minute to let the oil set in
Deep Cleaning (Once a Week or After Heavy Use)
Here’s what you’ll need to deep clean your Teppanyaki grill after every use:
- Grill scraper
- Grill stone or scouring pad
- Mild dish soap
- Bucket of warm water
- Microfiber cloth or soft sponge
- Stainless steel polish (optional)
Follow these steps to deep clean your Teppanyaki grill:
- Let the grill cool down. Make sure it’s cool enough to touch safely.
- Use your scraper to remove all food, grease, and buildup from the surface.
- Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Dip your sponge or cloth and scrub the surface.
- For burnt-on food or thick grease, use a grill stone or scouring pad. Go in circles or side to side with firm pressure until it comes off.
- Wipe the grill with a clean cloth dipped in plain warm water to remove soap residue. Do this until the surface feels clean.
- Use a dry cloth to remove all moisture. The grill should be completely dry before you move on to the next step.
- Wipe a small amount of oil over the metal. Turn the heat on low for a minute to let the oil set in
- (Optional) If your grill has a stainless steel outer surface, you can use a stainless steel polish to keep it looking shiny.
How to Clean the Drip Tray
Don’t forget the drip tray or grease trap. It collects all the food scraps and grease, and it needs regular cleaning.
- Remove the tray carefully.
- Empty the contents into a trash bin.
- Wash the tray with warm soapy water.
- Rinse and dry completely before putting it back.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use bleach or harsh cleaners
- Don’t use steel wool or wire brushes
- Don’t leave the grill wet. Dry it after cleaning
- Don’t forget to re-season with oil.
- Avoid using vinegar or lemon as they’re too acidic and can damage your grill surface.
FAQs
Can I use soap on a teppanyaki grill?
Yes, but only during deep cleaning. Use mild dish soap and rinse it off completely so it doesn’t affect the taste of your food.
Is it okay to use metal tools on the surface?
Yes, metal scrapers and spatulas are fine, but don’t gouge the surface. Just scrape gently to remove stuck food.
What if my grill has rust on it?
Scrub the rust off with a grill stone or scouring pad, then clean, dry, and oil the surface well. Regularly oil the grill to prevent rust in the future.
Do I need to clean the grease trap too?
Yes, always. Empty it after each use. If it overflows, grease can catch fire or make cleanup harder.
Final Thoughts
A clean teppanyaki grill gives you better-tasting food, better performance, and fewer issues down the line. Make sure you clean it after every use. And if it gets too dirty, give it a good deep clean.
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