Hey there, fellow grill masters and food lovers. Are you ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game? If so, then a Blackstone griddle is definitely worth considering. But before you start whipping up your favorite dishes on this versatile cooking surface, there’s one crucial step you need to take: seasoning your Blackstone griddle.
Seasoning your griddle is key to ensuring that your food won’t stick and that the surface remains protected from rust and corrosion. But you might be wondering, what exactly can I use to season my Blackstone griddle?
Well, the good news is that there are several options available, each with its own unique benefits. You can go for the classic vegetable or canola oil route, or try out a specialty griddle seasoning product. Some folks even swear by using bacon grease for an extra boost of flavor.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into all the nitty-gritty details of each option – including their pros and cons and how to apply them properly. Plus, we’ll share some insider tips and tricks for maintaining your seasoned griddle so you can enjoy delicious outdoor meals for years to come. So grab your apron and let’s get started.
Contents
What is a Blackstone Griddle?
Then it’s time to upgrade to the versatile and durable Blackstone Griddle.
Crafted from high-quality steel, this flat-top cooking surface boasts even heat distribution, making it perfect for whipping up everything from fluffy pancakes to juicy burgers and more. Plus, with a range of sizes available, there’s a Blackstone Griddle to suit any need – whether you’re feeding a small family or catering for a large event.
But before you get cooking, it’s crucial to season your Blackstone Griddle properly. This process involves coating the surface with oil or another cooking spray, then heating it up to your desired temperature. Once seasoned, your griddle will transform into a non-stick surface that’s easy to clean and ready for all your culinary creations.
And the possibilities are endless. With the Blackstone Griddle, you can cook up a storm – from sizzling veggies and meats to mouth-watering bacon and eggs. Breakfast, lunch, dinner – this versatile cooking surface has got you covered.
Why is Seasoning a Blackstone Griddle Important?
If so, then it’s crucial to understand why seasoning your griddle is of utmost importance.
First and foremost, seasoning your Blackstone griddle creates a non-stick surface that ensures your food cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. Who wants their bacon or pancakes sticking to the surface of the griddle? Not us. The seasoning process involves coating the griddle with oil and heating it at high temperatures, creating a layer of polymerized oil on the surface of the griddle. This layer of seasoning not only helps prevent food from sticking but also protects the griddle from rust, corrosion, and other environmental factors.
But there’s more than just preventing sticking and protecting from rust. A properly seasoned Blackstone griddle will also give your food an unparalleled flavor, similar to cooking on a cast iron skillet. This means that your meals will not only be easier to cook but will also taste amazing. You can use any high smoke point oil, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil for seasoning. However, many people prefer flaxseed oil because it has a high smoke point and produces a durable layer of seasoning.
It’s vital to remember that seasoning your Blackstone griddle is not a one-time process. You need to season it regularly to maintain the non-stick surface and prevent rust. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to keep the griddle in good condition.
Vegetable Oil and Canola Oil for Seasoning
When it comes to cooking on a Blackstone griddle, using the right oil for seasoning can make all the difference in achieving perfectly cooked meals. Two of the most popular oils for seasoning are vegetable oil and canola oil.
Vegetable oil is a go-to choice for many because of its high smoke point. This means it can withstand high temperatures without burning or smoking, which is essential for cooking on a griddle that requires high heat for even cooking. Additionally, vegetable oil is readily available and affordable, making it an accessible option for home cooks.
Canola oil is another popular choice for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. It shares many similarities with vegetable oil, such as a high smoke point and availability in most grocery stores. However, it also boasts an additional benefit of being low in saturated fat, making it a healthier option than other types of oil.
To ensure the best results when using vegetable or canola oil to season your Blackstone griddle, it’s vital to choose a high-quality oil that is free from any additives or contaminants. Refined oils are recommended, as unrefined oils can contain impurities that may affect the seasoning process.
To properly season your griddle with vegetable or canola oil, start by thoroughly cleaning the surface with soap and water. Once dry, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface using a clean cloth or paper towel. Heat the griddle on high until the oil begins to smoke, then turn off the heat and allow the griddle to cool completely before wiping away any excess oil with a clean cloth.
Flaxseed Oil for Seasoning
If you’re looking for a healthier and effective way to season your Blackstone griddle, consider using flaxseed oil. Not only is it high in omega-3 fatty acids, but it also has the ability to create a natural non-stick surface on your cookware.
To start seasoning your Blackstone griddle with flaxseed oil, ensure that it’s clean and dry before applying a thin layer of oil using a brush or paper towel. Don’t forget to cover the edges as well. Heat the griddle on medium-high for around 20-30 minutes or until you see smoke emanating from the oil. This process helps to polymerize the oil and create a non-stick coating on the surface of the griddle.
After heating, turn off the heat and let your Blackstone griddle cool down completely. Repeat this process 2-3 more times to build up a strong seasoning layer. Keep in mind that flaxseed oil has a low smoke point, so use it only for initial seasoning and not for cooking at high temperatures.
So why should you choose flaxseed oil for seasoning your Blackstone griddle? Here are some reasons:
- Flaxseed oil is healthier than other oils due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content.
- It creates a natural non-stick surface on your cookware, making cooking and cleaning easier.
- The seasoning process is simple and effective, giving you perfectly cooked meals every time.
Bacon Grease and Lard for Seasoning
Fear not, for the solution is right in your kitchen pantry – bacon grease and lard. As an expert on the subject, I can attest that these two fats not only add mouth-watering flavor to your food but also effectively create a non-stick surface on your beloved griddle.
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite – bacon grease. The smoky, salty flavor of bacon is a crowd pleaser, and when cooking bacon on your griddle, let the grease spread and coat the surface. This natural non-stick surface will prevent food from sticking, leaving you with perfectly cooked meals. Simply let the griddle cool and wipe it down with a paper towel to remove any excess grease. It’s that easy.
Next up is lard, an old-school fat that’s making a comeback in modern cooking. Don’t be intimidated by it; it’s simple to use. Apply a small amount of lard to the griddle and use a paper towel to spread it out evenly across the surface. Heat up the griddle on medium heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the lard to melt and spread evenly across the surface. Congratulations – you now have a perfectly seasoned griddle.
But wait – there’s more. Both bacon grease and lard are high in saturated fats, making them ideal for seasoning your griddle. They add a delicious flavor to your food that you can’t get from other oils or seasonings. However, remember to use them in moderation and choose high-quality bacon that’s free from added preservatives and chemicals for best results.
Other Options for Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle
While the traditional oil and salt method is a classic, there are other options available that can add flavor and create a non-stick surface.
One popular alternative is bacon grease. Not only does it infuse your food with delicious flavor, but it also helps create a non-stick surface on your griddle. Simply cook some bacon on your griddle and let the grease coat the surface. Wipe away any excess with a paper towel, and you’re good to go.
If bacon isn’t your thing, consider using a mixture of vegetable oil or shortening, kosher salt, and baking soda to create a paste. Spread it evenly over the surface, heat it up, and let the mixture bond with the griddle to create a protective layer.
But wait, there’s more. Some people swear by Coca-Cola as a seasoning method. The acid in the soda helps break down rust or debris on the surface while the sugar creates a caramelized coating. Just pour a can of Coke onto the griddle, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a paper towel.
For those who prefer something more acidic, vinegar or lemon juice can do the trick. These options work similarly to Coca-Cola by breaking down any debris on the surface while adding tangy flavor notes to your dish.
And last but not least, we have beer. Yes, beer. Pouring a can of beer onto your griddle may seem like a waste of good brews, but hear me out. The yeast in beer helps break down rust or debris on the surface while adding a unique flavor to your food.
Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle
One of the most important steps in achieving a non-stick surface on your Blackstone griddle is seasoning. This simple yet essential process involves coating the surface of your griddle with oil and heating it to a high temperature until the oil polymerizes, creating a protective layer.
Step 1: Clean it up
Before seasoning your Blackstone griddle, ensure it’s clean and free of any debris or rust. Use hot water and soap to give it a thorough cleaning, rinse it off, and dry it completely.
Step 2: Choose the right oil
Selecting the correct oil for seasoning is crucial. Avoid butter and olive oil as they have low smoke points that create sticky residue. Instead, opt for oils like vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, or grapeseed oil that work well.
Step 3: Apply a thin layer of oil
Using a brush or paper towel, apply an even layer of oil over the entire surface of your griddle, including the edges and corners. For complete coverage, you can also season the griddle upside down.
Step 4: Heat it up
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to high heat and let it heat up for about 15-20 minutes. The oil will start to smoke and develop a brownish-black color, indicating that it’s polymerizing and forming a protective layer.
Step 5: Let it cool down
Once the oil has polymerized, turn off the heat and let the griddle cool down completely. Don’t wash or rinse the griddle at this point as it will remove the seasoning layer. Instead, use a paper towel or scraper to wipe away any excess oil or food debris.
Step 6: Repeat the process
To achieve a smooth, non-stick surface that’s easy to clean and maintain, you may need to repeat the seasoning process several times. It is recommended to season your Blackstone griddle after every use to maintain its quality and prevent rust or corrosion.
Benefits of Properly Seasoned Blackstone Griddles
If you’re an avid outdoor cook, then you know the importance of properly maintaining your Blackstone griddle. One of the most critical steps in doing so is to season it correctly. Not only does this create a non-stick surface that prevents food from sticking, but it also prevents rust and corrosion, making your cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Here are some benefits of properly seasoned Blackstone griddles:
Firstly, a well-seasoned Blackstone griddle creates a non-stick surface that makes cooking a breeze. Imagine being able to flip pancakes without worrying about them sticking to the griddle – that’s the magic of a well-seasoned surface. It also makes cleaning up a breeze – no more scrubbing away at burnt-on food.
Secondly, seasoning helps to prevent rust and corrosion by creating a protective layer on the surface. Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of any metal surface, and seasoning helps to prevent it from coming into contact with the metal. This layer prevents rust and corrosion over time, which can significantly extend the lifespan of your griddle.
Thirdly, properly seasoned Blackstone griddles add a unique flavor to your food. The seasoning creates a natural non-stick surface that allows food to cook evenly and retain its natural flavors. It’s like adding an extra layer of flavor to your dishes – who wouldn’t want that? And with a well-seasoned griddle, you can cook anything from burgers to stir-fry with ease.
Lastly, a well-maintained Blackstone griddle can last for years, making it a worthwhile investment for any grill enthusiast. Properly seasoning your griddle is essential for maintaining its non-stick surface, preventing rust and corrosion, enhancing flavor, and extending its lifespan.
RD1jpSXy3C0″ >
Conclusion
To elevate your outdoor cooking game, seasoning your Blackstone griddle is a crucial step. A well-seasoned griddle creates a non-stick surface that prevents food from sticking and protects the surface from rust and corrosion. Luckily, there are several options available for seasoning your Blackstone griddle, including vegetable or canola oil, specialty griddle seasoning products, bacon grease, lard, flaxseed oil, and even Coca-Cola or beer.
To properly season your Blackstone griddle with oil, start by cleaning the surface thoroughly with soap and water. Then apply a thin layer of oil to the surface using a clean cloth or paper towel and heat the griddle on high until the oil begins to smoke. Turn off the heat and allow the griddle to cool completely before wiping away any excess oil.
Properly seasoned Blackstone griddles create a non-stick surface that makes cooking easier and cleaning up a breeze. They also add a unique flavor to your food while preventing rust and corrosion over time. So why not invest in regular maintenance for your well-seasoned Blackstone griddle? With proper care, it can last for years.
