Are you a fan of outdoor cooking? Do you want to take your grilling game to the next level? Then, it’s time for you to get your hands on a Blackstone Griddle. This versatile cooking tool boasts a flat surface and even heat distribution, making it perfect for whipping up mouth-watering meals outdoors. But, before you start flipping burgers and sizzling steaks on your new griddle, there’s one crucial step you need to take – seasoning it.
Seasoning your Blackstone Griddle is essential in preventing rust and ensuring that food doesn’t stick to the surface. Plus, it can also elevate the flavors of your dishes and make them taste even better. But how do you go about seasoning this bad boy?
Fear not. In this post, we’ll guide you through every step of the process – from prepping the griddle to adding oil. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out with outdoor cooking, we’ve got all the tips and tricks to help you season your Blackstone Griddle like a pro. By the end of this post, you’ll have a perfectly seasoned griddle that will be ready for all your summer cookouts. So let’s dive in and learn how to season a Blackstone Griddle.
Contents
What is a Blackstone Griddle?
Well, it’s not your ordinary outdoor cooking device. In fact, it’s the ultimate flat-top grill made of thick steel that allows for even heat distribution, making it perfect for cooking a wide range of dishes.
One of the unique features of a Blackstone griddle is its size. Whether you’re planning a camping trip or a big outdoor party, you can find the perfect size to suit your needs. From small and portable to large and stationary models, these griddles come in various sizes that can cook for a couple or a large group of people.
But what makes a Blackstone Griddle stand out from other outdoor cooking devices is its versatility. You can cook almost anything on it – meats, vegetables, eggs, pancakes, and more. The flat surface makes flipping and turning food easy, and ensures that it cooks evenly on both sides. So, whether you want to cook up some juicy burgers or fluffy pancakes, this griddle has got you covered.
Now that you know how amazing a Blackstone Griddle is, it’s important to properly season it to ensure that it lasts longer and performs at its best. To do this, clean it thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil to the surface before heating it up on high heat for at least 15-20 minutes. Once cooled down, apply another thin layer of oil to keep the non-stick surface intact.
Regularly seasoning your Blackstone Griddle will help maintain its non-stick surface and prevent any rust or corrosion from forming. Season it after each use or at least once a month if it’s not used frequently.
Cleaning the Griddle
There’s nothing quite like the sizzle and sear of a blackstone griddle. But once you’ve cooked up a storm and satisfied your cravings, it’s time to tackle the task of cleaning the griddle. Fear not – as an expert in this field, let me guide you through the steps for cleaning your blackstone griddle and keeping it in top condition for years to come.
Step 1: Cool it Down
First things first, make sure your griddle has cooled down to a safe temperature before you begin cleaning. No one wants to endure burnt fingers.
Step 2: Scrape off Debris
Using a scraper or spatula, remove any food particles, grease, or debris from the surface of the griddle. This step is essential for making it easier to clean off any remaining stains or spots.
Step 3: Wipe it Down
After scraping off all the debris, use a paper towel or cloth to wipe down the surface of the griddle. This will remove any remaining grease or dirt and leave your griddle looking shiny and new.
Step 4: Tackle Stubborn Stains
For any stubborn stains or grease spots, mix some mild detergent with warm water and use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to clean them off. Be sure to rinse the griddle thoroughly with water and dry it off with a towel or paper towel.
Step 5: Avoid Harsh Chemicals
It’s crucial not to use abrasive cleaners or steel wool on the surface of the griddle as this can scratch and damage it. Additionally, avoid using any cleaning products that contain bleach, ammonia, or any other harsh chemicals as these can also harm the surface.
Step 6: Make it a Habit
To keep your blackstone griddle in tip-top shape, make sure you clean it after each use. This will prevent any build-up of grease or food particles on the surface of the griddle and ensure that it remains hygienic and safe to use. Plus, it’ll save you time and effort in the long run.
Applying Oil to the Griddle
Not only does this protect your griddle from rust and damage, but it also enhances the non-stick properties of the surface.
But before we dive in, let’s talk about oil selection. It’s important to choose a high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil. Avoid using butter or olive oil, as they have lower smoke points and can lead to unwanted flavors and smoke during the seasoning process.
Now, let’s get started. Preheat your griddle to a high temperature and turn off the heat source once it’s hot. Give it a moment to cool down slightly before applying a small amount of oil onto the griddle surface. Using a paper towel or cloth, spread the oil evenly across every inch of the surface, including those tricky corners and edges.
After applying the oil, turn on the heat again and wait for smoke to rise from the surface. This is when you know that the oil has combined with the metal and created that coveted non-stick surface. Repeat this process two to three times before cooking on your griddle. Over time, these layers of seasoning will build up and enhance your cooking experience.
But don’t forget about maintenance. After each use, make sure to clean your griddle and reapply a thin layer of oil before storing it away. This will prevent rust from forming and ensure that your Blackstone griddle stays in top condition for years to come.
Heating the Griddle
Well, the first and most important step is to heat and season it properly. As an expert on this topic, let me guide you through the process step by step.
First, make sure your griddle is clean and free from any debris or rust. To do this, turn on all the burners to high heat and let them warm up for about 10-15 minutes. This will burn off any leftover oil or food particles from previous use.
Next, turn off the burners and let the griddle cool down for a few minutes until it is warm but not too hot to touch. It’s crucial to note that seasoning should be done on a warm surface to ensure the oil penetrates the surface pores of the metal.
Now it’s time to apply a thin layer of cooking oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil onto the surface of the griddle using a paper towel or brush. Make sure to cover every inch of the griddle with a thin coating of oil.
Turn on the burners again to medium-high heat and let the griddle heat up for another 15-20 minutes. This process will cure the oil onto the surface of the griddle, creating a coveted non-stick surface for future cooking.
After heating up the griddle, turn off the burners and let it cool down completely before wiping away any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel.
You have just seasoned your Blackstone griddle, and now it’s time to start cooking up a storm. But wait, there are some essential tips you need to know to maintain your griddle’s performance and durability.
Regular cleaning and oiling are necessary steps to prevent rust and ensure top condition for years to come. Here are some extra tips:
- Clean your griddle after each use with warm water and mild soap.
- Dry it off completely after cleaning to prevent rust.
- Apply a thin layer of oil after cleaning to keep the non-stick surface intact.
- Store your griddle in a dry place to avoid moisture build-up.
Cooling and Wiping Down the Griddle
This step not only ensures a clean cooking surface but also protects your griddle from rust or corrosion.
To get started, follow these easy steps:
- Step 1: Safety first. Turn off the heat source and allow the griddle to cool down completely before cleaning.
- Step 2: Use a scraper or spatula to remove any excess debris or food particles from the surface of the griddle. This is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy cooking surface.
- Step 3: Apply a small amount of high smoke point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to a clean cloth or paper towel and spread it evenly over the surface of the griddle. This will provide a protective layer that prevents rust or corrosion, ensuring that your griddle stays in top condition.
- Step 4: Using another clean cloth or paper towel, wipe down the surface of the griddle until it is free from any excess oil or debris. And that’s it. Your Blackstone griddle is now ready for its next use.
By cooling and wiping down your griddle after use, you’re not only maintaining its quality but also prolonging its lifespan. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll enjoy delicious meals cooked on your Blackstone griddle for years to come.
Regular Seasoning of the Griddle
Well, let me tell you, it’s more than just about adding flavor to your food. Seasoning is a crucial step in maintaining the quality of your griddle and extending its lifespan.
Firstly, seasoning creates a protective layer on the surface of your griddle. This layer acts as a barrier, preventing rust and corrosion from forming and ultimately causing damage to your griddle. By seasoning your griddle regularly, you’re ensuring that it stays in top-notch condition for years to come.
Not only does seasoning protect your griddle from damage, but it also enhances its non-stick properties. A well-seasoned griddle will prevent food from sticking to its surface, leading to better cooking results and easier clean-up. Who doesn’t want that?
So now that we’ve established why seasoning is important, let’s talk about how to season your Blackstone griddle. The process is simple and straightforward. Firstly, clean your griddle thoroughly with warm water and soap. Once dry, apply a thin layer of oil using a paper towel or brush.
Next, turn your griddle on high heat and allow it to burn off the excess oil until it starts to smoke. This step can take up to 30 minutes, so be patient and let your griddle heat up fully. Once the excess oil has burnt off, use a clean paper towel or cloth to wipe off any remaining oil and let the griddle cool down completely. Repeat this process two to three times before using the griddle for cooking.
It’s important to remember that seasoning your Blackstone griddle should be done regularly after every use or at least once a month if not in use. This practice will help maintain the quality of your griddle and prevent food from sticking to its surface.
Benefits of Seasoning a Blackstone Griddle
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle is a crucial step in maximizing its performance. It involves applying oil to the surface of the griddle and heating it up, resulting in a non-stick surface that has several benefits.
Firstly, seasoning your Blackstone griddle creates an effortless cooking experience. The non-stick surface ensures that food doesn’t stick to the griddle, making cooking more efficient. You can use less oil and spend less time scrubbing away at stuck-on food, making clean-up a breeze. This feature is especially useful when cooking delicate foods like fish or eggs, which require a gentle touch.
Secondly, seasoning your Blackstone griddle helps to prevent rust and corrosion. The oil used in the seasoning process creates a barrier between the metal surface of the griddle and the air, preventing moisture from coming into contact with the metal. Rust and corrosion can damage your griddle over time, and by seasoning it, you can prevent this from happening.
Thirdly, seasoning your Blackstone griddle improves the flavor of your food. When you cook on a properly seasoned griddle, the natural oils from your food mix with the oil on the surface of the griddle, resulting in a unique and delicious flavor that can’t be replicated on any other cooking surface. Meats like steak or burgers develop a mouth-watering crust when cooked on a properly seasoned griddle.
Lastly, seasoning your Blackstone griddle prolongs its lifespan. By preventing rust and corrosion, you can ensure that your griddle lasts for years to come. Additionally, maintaining a non-stick surface prevents scratches and other damage to the surface of the griddle.
Tips for Seasoning a Blackstone Griddle
A well-seasoned griddle prevents food from sticking and enhances the flavor of your dishes. Here are five easy steps to ensure that your Blackstone griddle is properly seasoned.
Step 1: Clean the Griddle
Before seasoning your Blackstone griddle, make sure it’s clean. Use a scraper or spatula to remove any excess food or debris on the surface. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the griddle. This step is essential as it ensures that the oil can penetrate the surface evenly.
Step 2: Apply Oil
Apply a thin layer of oil on the griddle surface. You can use flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, or any other high smoke point oil. Spread the oil evenly with a paper towel or cloth. Make sure you cover all areas, including the corners and edges.
Step 3: Heat the Griddle
Turn on the griddle to high heat and let it heat up for 10-15 minutes. The heat will cause the oil to bond with the metal and create a non-stick surface. This step is crucial as it ensures that your Blackstone griddle has a perfect coating.
Step 4: Repeat the Process
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for several rounds until you get a dark brown or black coating on the surface. This process may take several hours, but it’s worth it as it ensures that your griddle is perfectly seasoned. A well-seasoned griddle provides even heating, prevents sticking, and enhances the flavor of your food.
Step 5: Maintain the Seasoning
After each use, clean the griddle with hot water and a scraper or spatula. Avoid using soap or abrasive cleaners as they can strip away the seasoning. Apply a thin layer of oil after cleaning to maintain the seasoning. This step is essential as it prevents rust and corrosion from forming on your Blackstone griddle.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, a Blackstone griddle is an exceptional outdoor cooking tool that can elevate your grilling prowess to new heights. However, before you fire it up and start cooking, it’s crucial to properly season the surface to prevent rust and ensure your food doesn’t stick.
Following the easy steps outlined in this article will have you seasoning your Blackstone griddle like a seasoned pro in no time. But don’t stop there. Regular cleaning and oiling are essential for maintaining the quality of your griddle and extending its lifespan.
By seasoning your Blackstone griddle, you’ll experience effortless cooking, preventing rust and corrosion, enhancing the flavor of your food, and prolonging its lifespan. The benefits are undeniable.
When seasoning your griddle, make sure to choose high smoke point oils such as canola or vegetable oil. Also, avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning and store your griddle in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup.
With these tips and tricks for seasoning and maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy mouth-watering meals cooked on its non-stick surface for years to come.