plancha definition

Question

the English translation of "la puedes cocinar a la plancha" is rendered as "you can cook it on the plancha".  Is "plancha" an English word? I have never heard it before and I don't know what it means.  I looked it up and it says "flat top grill".  I'm not even sure what that is.  Is "plancha" a word that is used in Brittish English?

Silvia Piriz · Accepted Answer

Hola Steven S.
Great observation!
The term "a la plancha" in Spanish refers to cooking food on a flat-top grill, a method that allows for even cooking with minimal oil. While the word "plancha" is not a standard English term, it has been adopted in some culinary contexts, especially in places where outdoor or griddle-style cooking is common. However, as you pointed out, this might not be universally understood, particularly in regions where this cooking method is less common.
To avoid confusion, it may be clearer to translate "a la plancha" as 'on a flat-top grill' or 'griddled', as these terms are more widely recognized in English-speaking countries. We appreciate your attention to detail, and we'll review this translation to ensure it's as clear as possible for all learners.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention!
Saludos
Silvia