In this perfect cooking on Blackstone griddle guide, you will be given all of the tips you need to get to know your new griddle.
You may have heard of Blackstone griddles if you are any kind of outdoor cooking enthusiast.
I consider griddle cooking to be an art, and it does require the right techniques to truly shine, just like all art.
It is a fact that you are certainly in for a treat if you’ve ever been intrigued by the allure of the Blackstone griddle.
This guide for cooking on a Blackstone griddle is your ticket to a world of culinary delights, where I explain the process and share expert tips that will enhance your cooking game.
Let’s embark on this flavor-packed journey together, whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your skills.
What is a Blackstone Griddle?
Blackstone griddles are gas flattop griddles of several sizes that are one of the most effective ways to cook so many different things.
You can go ahead and ask 98% of restaurants in the world that cook on flattop griddles.
You can cook more or less anything on these well-rounded grills, from eggs and the most epic breakfast to steak, pork, chicken, and so on. They are also perfect for camping.
Where to Buy a Blackstone Griddle
You will find Blackstone griddles at so many brick-and-mortar stores, so finding one in person shouldn’t be much of a task.
You also have the option of ordering it online, so it will find its way right to your doorstep.
There are several sizes based on who and what you are cooking. However, I recommend that you go big. This is so because having more cooking space is never a bad idea, even if you don’t cook for an army all the time.
How to Cook on a Blackstone Griddle
The new Blackstone griddle is here to transform your cooking experience and take it to the next level, particularly if you are tired of the same old cooking routine and looking to whip up your outdoor culinary experience.
The most interesting thing here is that cooking on a Blackstone griddle provides you with unmatched versatility that will leave you stunned.
This amazing piece of equipment can do it all, whether you are whipping up a nutritious breakfast, stir-frying fresh veggies, or sizzling juicy burgers.
It’s time to say goodbye to several pans and welcome the convenience of one roomy cooking surface.
I’m sure you will also agree that Blackstone griddles have gained huge popularity among outdoor cooking enthusiasts for a reason.
Their long-lasting construction, efficient heat distribution, and simple-to-use design make them the best choice for camping trips, tailgating parties, backyard barbecues, and so on.
With the availability of different sizes and models, there’s just one Blackstone griddle that best suits your needs.
But a question to be asked is: Why wait? Well, it is time to unleash your inner chef and elevate your outdoor cooking game with the new Blackstone griddle. Let’s dig into the world of delectable possibilities.
Tips and Tricks to Cook on a Blackstone Griddle
You need to keep in mind that cooking on a Blackstone griddle is quite different from cooking on a stove or grill, which is why you have this “Cooking on Blackstone griddle guide.”
Gather Everything That You Need for Cooking
You need to have everything ready before you start cooking. You will need a variety of ingredients and tools.
A gas griddle cooks food in no time; that way, you might not have enough to chop vegetables or run around to get ingredients while the food cooks. Furthermore, it is not advisable to leave your griddle unattended.
So, I suggest you keep the tools and ingredients within your reach. Make sure that the food you want to cook is ready to be placed on the griddle, and the ingredient measurements should be done ahead of time.
Doing all this will certainly help you to focus on cooking, which yields great results.
Cleaning a Griddle is Important
During cooking, I recommend that you use a scraper to scrape. Proceed to scrape the surface, starting at the top and moving towards the grease trough.
In addition, always scrape the grill while you cook and after you are done cooking.
Ensure that you move food to different areas of the grill, given that this prevents food from sticking. Eventually, it makes cleaning the griddle much easier.
Preheating is Necessary
Both the griddle and every cooking surface require preheating. Proceed to preheat on low or medium while you are getting ready with the ingredients.
Sometimes, when you cook food right out of the fridge, preheating the griddle at a higher temperature is required for a few minutes so that the griddle temp does not suddenly drop by adding cold food.
Slowly Open the Propane Tank Valve
Weak flames are quite hard to deal with, and this can be because of your propane tank.
When you open the valve too quickly, low or uneven flames can happen. And you can solve this problem when you open the propane tank valve slowly.
It does help get rid of the flame-related issues and gives a consistent, solid blue flame.
Just disconnect the regulator from the tank and reconnect it if opening a propane tank slowly does not solve the issue.
I sure hope this solves the issues, but if the problem does persist, proceed to replace the regulator.
Seasoning and Preparing Your Blackstone Griddle
Seasoning your new Blackstone griddle is a vital step to ensure the best cooking performance and extend the lifespan of your cooking surface.
You also create a protective layer that prevents rust, enhances non-stick properties, and imparts a unique flavor to your food just by properly seasoning your griddle.
Just follow these simple steps to start the process of griddle seasoning:
Clean the Surface
It is quite essential to clean any debris or manufacturing residue from the griddle surface before seasoning. Proceed to use warm, soapy water and a sponge to scrub away any dirt or grease. Also, rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely.
Apply Oil
Ensure that you apply a thin layer of oil evenly across the whole cooking surface once the griddle is clean and dry.
You have the option of using flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, or any high-smoke-point oil that is best suited for seasoning.
Heat Gradually
You are to turn on the heat source beneath the griddle to medium-high heat. It is highly recommended that you allow it to gradually heat up until you see light smoke rising from the surface. This process does help open up pores in the metal for better absorption of oil.
Spread Oil Evenly
You are to spread it evenly across the hot griddle surface using tongs or a folded paper towel soaked in oil. However, make sure you are careful not to burn yourself as you work swiftly to coat every inch of the cooking area.
Repeat Layers
You can repeat this process multiple times as you apply thin layers of oil and allow them to cook into the metal before you add another layer. Keep in mind that the more layers you build up during seasoning, the better protected and seasoned your griddle will be.
You must maintain its condition for durable performance once your Blackstone griddle is seasoned.
Cleaning Routine
Ensure that you scrape off any food residue with a spatula while you keep the griddle hot after each use. After that, wipe it down with a damp cloth or paper towel. Also, avoid using soap, given that it can strip away the seasoning.
Oil After Cleaning
Also, apply a thin layer of oil to maintain its seasoned surface once the griddle is clean and dry. This will help prevent rust and keep your griddle in premium shape for future cooking sessions.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
I strongly suggest that you avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can damage the seasoning when cleaning your seasoned griddle. To preserve the non-stick properties, I recommend sticking to gentle cleaning methods.
You will ensure that your Blackstone griddle remains in great condition for years to come just by following these steps and maintaining a regular cleaning routine.
So get ready to cook up mouth-watering meals with ease on your perfectly seasoned cooking surface.
Beginner-Friendly Recipes for Blackstone Griddle Cooking
Delicious Breakfast Ideas on Blackstone
I’ve got you covered if you are looking to kickstart your day with a mouth-watering breakfast cooked on your trusty Blackstone griddle.
I consider the beauty of cooking breakfast on a griddle to be the fact that it allows you to prepare several items at the same time, which guarantees a nutritious and fulfilling meal in no time.
Below are some delicious breakfast ideas you can try:
French Toast
Just go ahead and dip thick slices of bread into a mixture of beaten eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and milk before you place them onto the preheated griddle.
Watch as they change from golden brown and develop a delightful crispiness around the edges.
Classic American Breakfast
You can create a traditional feast just by cooking bacon, pancakes, and eggs all at the same time on your griddle.
The sizzling sound of bacon hitting the hot surface will surely make your mouth salivate, while the perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs and fluffy pancakes complete the combo.
Breakfast Burritos
By sautéing onions, scrambled eggs, and bell peppers together on your griddle, you get to create a portable morning delight.
After that, just add some crunchy bacon or sausage to create an additional burst of flavor. And, complete everything in warm tortillas with cheese and salsa for a grab-and-go breakfast option.
Delectable Lunch Ideas That Can Be Cooked Quickly on a Hot Griddle Surface
There’s just nothing better than firing up your Blackstone griddle for some quick and delicious lunch options, especially when hunger strikes at noon.
These recipes will certainly hit the spot, whether you are craving something light or satisfying.
Quesadillas
For a delightful lunch option, you can make crunchy tortillas packed with sticky cheese and your favorite ingredients. Proceed to add some grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, or even leftover pulled pork to elevate your quesadillas to the next level.
Gourmet Burgers
By using your griddle to cook juicy patties with perfectly caramelized edges, you get to elevate your burger game.
Keep in mind that you are free to experiment with different toppings, such as sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, or crunchy bacon, for your ultimate burger masterpiece.
Stir-Fry Delight
For this, just heat your griddle and stir-fry a medley of fresh veggies, aromatic sauces, and thinly sliced meat.
The high heat of the griddle helps make sure that everything cooks in no time while retaining its bright colors and crisp textures.
Delicious Dinner Recipes That Showcase the Versatility of a Blackstone Grill
It is time to unleash the full potential of your Blackstone griddle with some mouth-watering dinner recipes as the day winds down.
These dishes will impress even the most discerning taste buds, from tender steaks to sizzling seafood.
Seafood Feast
When cooked on a hot griddle surface, scallops, grilled shrimp, or fish fillets are elevated to new heights.
You can boost their natural flavors with a drizzle of seasoning or a squeeze of lemon juice to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Gourmet Burgers
For a casual yet mouth-watering dinner option, you can create juicy and flavor-filled burgers with the Blackstone grill.
Steakhouse Experience
By searing them on your griddle at high heat, you will achieve restaurant-quality steaks.
The intense sear will retain the juices, which will create a succulent and flavorful piece of meat that will leave you craving more.
Asian Stir-Fry
It’s time to whip up a quick and flavorful stir-fry by using the high heat and even cooking surface of the Blackstone grill.
Grilled Vegetables
You will get to elevate your vegetable game by grilling them on the Blackstone griddle—a way to add a smoky and seared flavor to your favorite veggies.
Fajita Fiesta
Just go ahead and sizzle up succulent and flavor-packed fajitas with perfectly grilled meat and veggies, which will add a touch of Tex-Mex flair to your dinner table.
Breakfast for Dinner
You will get to enjoy breakfast classics such as bacon, pancakes, and eggs on the well-rounded Blackstone griddle to create a fun twist on dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Oil to Season a Blackstone Griddle?
You need to make sure that you have good seasoning oil before you start the seasoning process.
High-heat oils work best just like seasoning cast iron, given that they won’t burn and they create a nice, strong seasoning layer on your griddle.
In addition, solid vegetable shortening is an excellent choice given that it is affordable and easy to find. It also has a higher smoke point. Several cast iron lovers also swear by shortening as a seasoning oil.
Personally, avocado oil is my favorite oil to season with because of its high smoke point, mild flavor, and versatility in a variety of cooking techniques. I prefer to season and cook with the same oil; that way, I won’t have excess bottles cluttering up my kitchen.
That being said, I do use solid Crisco shortening when I season my brand-new Blackstone griddle because it is a budget-friendly option and the price of avocado oil is quite high right now.
I can guarantee that seasoning with Crisco will give you an excellent result, just as it will when you use it to season your cast iron pans.
So, I’d say that avocado oil and Crisco are best for seasoning a griddle; however, below are some other oils that you can also use:
- Canola oil
- Peanut oil
- Avocado oil
What Oils Does Blackstone Recommend?
As you will find out, some of Blackstone’s oil recommendations are similar to mine. Below are their official recommendations:
Blackstone griddle seasoning & cast iron conditioner
As you might guess, this is one of their most recommended oils, and I’m sure it doesn’t come as a surprise given that it is their product.
- Flax oil
- Shortening
- Canola oil
- Vegetable oil
- Olive oil
Even though Blackstone’s recommended oils do not include avocado oil, I still think that it is an excellent choice.
How Do I Clean My Blackstone Griddle?
This has already been answered, but let’s talk about it briefly. Just scrape off any excess food debris using a metal spatula if you want to clean your Blackstone griddle.
After that, proceed to wipe down the surface with a cloth or paper towel soaked in water or mild dish soap. And I suggest you avoid using abrasive cleaners that might damage the surface.
Can I Use My Blackstone Griddle Indoors?
Of course, you can use your Blackstone griddle indoors, but that is as long as it is in a well-ventilated area.
Also, ensure that you follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Final Thoughts
You can prevent rust by ensuring that there’s no moisture left on the griddle when it is being stored, and before covering, I suggest you wipe a thin coat of oil on the top.
Some people like to place wax paper or parchment paper over the top after it is oiled if it will be stored for a long period. Just ensure that you remove it before you fire up the griddle again.
That being said, this will bring us to the end of this guide on “Cooking on Blackstone griddle guide.”
