Quick Answer
Yes, you can use a noodle board on a gas stove, but with some precautions. Noodle boards, also called cooling racks, are typically made from thin metal wires and are designed for air circulation. This allows foods to cool quickly after baking or roasting. While handy for cooling baked goods, these wire racks can also be used on gas stoves to blanch vegetables or cook fried foods. However, the spaces between the wires allow small foods to fall through. Care must be taken to ensure fire safety when using a noodle board over an open gas flame.
Advantages of Using a Noodle Board on a Gas Stove
There are a few advantages to using a noodle board on a gas stove:
- Allows for air circulation while cooking. This promotes even cooking, especially for fried foods.
- Prevents moisture buildup. A wire rack allows steam to escape easily.
- Provides a stable, elevated surface over the flames. This can make flipping and handling foods easier.
- Enables fat drainage if cooking fatty meats or deep frying.
- Can be used to blanch vegetables and then conveniently transfer them to an ice bath.
Thanks to the open spaces between the wires, using a noodle board provides much better air flow than a traditional solid baking sheet or pan. The increased air circulation leads to food that is crispy on the outside while tender inside.
Disadvantages & Precautions
However, there are some precautions to take when using a noodle board on a gas stove:
- Small foods may fall through the wires if not properly monitored.
- Grease from fatty foods could drip through and cause flare ups.
- Plastic handles or feet could melt from the open flames.
- The metal wires will get extremely hot. Use oven mitts when handling.
- Only use heat-safe noodle boards. Some are coated or made from plastic.
- Avoid leaving a noodle board over high flames unattended.
To prevent small foods like vegetables, meat chunks, or seafood from falling through, use a cooking griddle or mesh screen placed on top of the noodle board. This will provide a solid surface while still allowing air circulation from beneath.
Monitor frying closely to prevent grease drips and flare ups. Consider placing a sheet pan lined with foil or a splatter screen underneath to catch hot grease.
Best Practices for Safety
For optimal safety when using a noodle board on a gas stove, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a noodle board made entirely from stainless steel or heavy-duty chrome plating.
- Avoid noodle boards with plastic handles, feet or coatings which could melt.
- Make sure the noodle board is intended for stovetop use at high temperatures.
- Always use oven mitts when handling the hot noodle board.
- Don’t leave the gas flames on high with nothing on the burner.
- Keep a kitchen fire extinguisher on hand just in case.
- Make sure the noodle board is centered and balanced properly over the burner.
- Turn off the gas if not actively cooking or monitoring.
Following basic gas stove safety guidelines will help prevent accidents when using a noodle board. Never leave the kitchen unattended for long periods when the burners are on.
Foods Well-Suited for Cooking on a Noodle Board
Many foods are well-suited for cooking atop a noodle board on the stovetop:
- Vegetables – Excellent for blanching. The raised surface makes transferring to an ice bath easier.
- Bacon or Breakfast Meats – The fat can drain away while the meat cooks evenly.
- Burgers or Steak – Allows fat to drip off while cooking the meat evenly.
- Boneless Chicken Pieces – Cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
- Kebabs or Skewers – Gets great heat circulation being elevated above the flames.
- Fried Foods – Air flow crisps up the exterior nicely.
- Dumplings, Potstickers or Egg Rolls – Crisp bottoms without steaming.
The noodle board should work for most non-breaded foods. Just avoid very small items that could fall through or anything with a heavy breading that requires direct pan contact.
Tips for Cooking on a Noodle Board Over Gas
If using a noodle board on your gas stove, keep these tips in mind for best results:
- Preheat the noodle board before adding any food. This prevents sticking.
- Use tongs or a spatula when flipping foods to prevent losing any pieces between the wires.
- Avoid overcrowding. Too much food blocks air circulation.
- Use a griddle on top if cooking very small foods like chopped vegetables.
- Line the bottom with foil to catch any grease drippings and prevent flare ups.
- Keep a close eye on foods and flames. Adjust temperature accordingly.
- Wash with hot soapy water promptly after cooking is finished.
Stainless steel can develop some stubborn stains after high heat cooking. Use a non-scratch scrubber along with soap and hot water to restore your noodle board to like-new condition. Avoid abrasive cleaners than can damage the coating.
Example Recipe
Here is a tasty recipe for stir-fried vegetables you can easily make using a noodle board on a gas stove:
Stir-Fried Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 4 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
- Place noodle board on gas burner over medium-high heat. Preheat for 2 minutes.
- Add vegetable oil, garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, scallions and carrot. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add snap peas and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
The noodle board allows you to stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat while still retaining their crisp-tender texture. Enjoy this healthy veggie dish!
Conclusion
While most noodle boards are intended for cooling baked goods, they can be used safely on a gas stove in many cooking applications. Their open wire design promotes air circulation for even cooking and crisping. However, care should be taken to prevent fire hazards and small food items from falling through. Monitor cooking closely and utilize tips like foil liners or griddles. With some basic safety practices, a noodle board can be a handy accessory when cooking over a gas burner. The elevated and ventilated surface leads to excellent results with fried foods, meats, and blanched vegetables.