If you’re a fan of outdoor cooking, chances are you’ve heard of or even purchased a Blackstone griddle. These versatile cooking appliances are perfect for a range of culinary creations, from pancakes to stir-fry. However, to get the best performance from your griddle, proper seasoning is crucial. You might wonder if you can use Crisco to season your Blackstone griddle. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore that question extensively, covering everything you need to know about seasoning your griddle with Crisco, its benefits, and other ideal options available.
Understanding the Purpose of Seasoning a Blackstone Griddle
Before diving into the specifics of using Crisco for seasoning, let’s discuss what seasoning means in the context of a Blackstone griddle and why it is important.
What is Seasoning?
Seasoning is the process of creating a protective layer on your cooking surface. This layer not only helps to prevent food from sticking but also shields the griddle from rust and corrosion. A well-seasoned griddle enhances the flavor of the food cooked on it, making each meal more enjoyable.
Why is Seasoning Important?
Properly seasoning your Blackstone griddle delivers several benefits, including:
- Improved Non-Stick Properties: A seasoned griddle provides a natural non-stick surface, allowing you to cook without excessive oil or butter.
- Enhanced Flavor: The seasoning process can infuse your food with rich flavors, particularly for dishes that require high heat.
- Prevention of Rust: A good seasoning helps create a protective barrier that prevents moisture from reaching the griddle’s surface.
Given these benefits, it’s essential to choose the right product for seasoning. Can Crisco be a suitable option? Let’s take a deeper look.
Crisco: An Overview
Crisco is a popular vegetable shortening made primarily from soybean oil; it is widely used for baking, frying, and sautéing. It has a high smoke point, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. But does that mean it’s a good choice for seasoning your Blackstone griddle?
The Pros of Using Crisco
High Smoke Point: Crisco has a smoke point of around 360°F (182°C), which is relatively high compared to many cooking oils. This property makes it an attractive choice for seasoning, as it can withstand high temperatures without burning.
Availability: Being a common household item, Crisco is easily accessible and often an affordable option for many cooks.
Consistency: Crisco holds a uniform texture, allowing for even application when seasoning the griddle.
The Cons of Using Crisco
Shortening Residue: While Crisco can create a non-stick surface, it may leave behind a gummy residue if not applied correctly or if too much is used.
Flavor Impact: Unlike some oils, such as flaxseed or vegetable oil, Crisco lacks a robust flavor. If you’re looking to enhance the taste of your food through seasoning, traditional oils may be a better option.
Health Considerations: Crisco is made from partially hydrogenated oils, which may contain trans fats. While the brand has reformulated to reduce these, some health-conscious consumers may prefer more natural oils.
How to Season a Blackstone Griddle with Crisco
If you’ve decided that you want to use Crisco to season your Blackstone griddle, follow these straightforward steps for optimal results.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start the seasoning process, make sure you have the following supplies:
- Blackstone griddle
- Crisco shortening
- Paper towels or a clean cloth
- High-heat grill or an additional heat source
Step-by-Step Seasoning Process
Step 1: Clean Your Griddle
Before seasoning, ensure your griddle is clean. Use a scraper to remove any leftover food particles and grease. Then, wash the surface with warm, soapy water, rinsing thoroughly. Dry completely with a clean towel.
Step 2: Apply Crisco Evenly
Using a paper towel or cloth, scoop out a bit of Crisco. Rub it evenly across the entire cooking surface of the griddle, ensuring you cover every inch. Don’t apply too much; a thin layer is sufficient.
Step 3: Heat the Griddle
Turn on the heat to medium-high and allow the griddle to heat up for about 10 to 15 minutes. As the griddle heats, the Crisco will begin to melt and penetrate the surface.
Step 4: Repeat the Process
Once the griddle has heated, let it cool and repeat the application of Crisco and heating for an additional 2-3 times. This layering process helps build a robust non-stick surface.
Step 5: Final Cool Down
After completing the seasoning cycles, let the griddle cool completely before storing it. Once it’s cool, wipe off any excess grease that may have pooled on the surface.
Other Seasoning Alternatives for Your Blackstone Griddle
While Crisco can be used for seasoning your Blackstone griddle, several other oils and products can also serve this purpose effectively.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is a classic option for griddle seasoning. It has a high smoke point of around 400°F (204°C) and thin consistency, which allows for great coverage. It is a cost-effective choice and is free of trans fats.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is often regarded as one of the best oils for seasoning due to its polymerization properties. When heated, it forms a hard, durable coating. Its smoke point is higher than Crisco, at about 450°F (232°C), which helps achieve a sturdy non-stick surface.
Canola Oil
Like vegetable oil, canola oil is another economical option. With a smoke point of around 400°F, it provides a versatile choice for seasoning while also being neutral flavored.
Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle
Now that you’ve seasoned your Blackstone griddle with Crisco or another oil, maintaining the seasoned surface is the next step.
Cleaning After Use
After cooking, allow your griddle to cool slightly, then use a scraper to remove food particles. Wipe down the surface with a paper towel; if necessary, add a small amount of oil to ensure the seasoning stays intact.
Re-seasoning When Needed
Over time, the seasoning layer may wear away. It’s essential to periodically season your griddle again to maintain its non-stick properties. Follow the original seasoning steps using the same or different oil of your choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using Crisco to season your Blackstone griddle is a feasible option that offers a solid non-stick surface and protects against rust. However, it comes with some caveats concerning flavor and residue. Depending on your cooking style and preferences, other oils like vegetable, canola, or flaxseed oil may also serve as excellent alternatives.
By properly seasoning your griddle and understanding how different oils work, you can enjoy delicious meals while extending the lifespan of your cooking equipment. Whether you’re flipping burgers or sautéing vegetables, a well-seasoned griddle will elevate your outdoor cooking experience, making it truly memorable.
Can you use Crisco to season a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can use Crisco to season a Blackstone griddle. Crisco is a vegetable shortening that has a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking and seasoning. Many chefs and home cooks have used it successfully to create a non-stick surface on various types of cookware, including griddles. It’s crucial to ensure that your griddle is properly cleaned before applying Crisco for seasoning.
To season your Blackstone griddle with Crisco, start by preheating it on medium-high heat. Once hot, apply a thin layer of Crisco evenly across the cooking surface using a paper towel or a cloth. Allow it to heat until the shortening begins to smoke, then turn off the griddle and let it cool. This process helps in building a seasoned layer, which enhances the griddle’s performance and longevity.
What are the benefits of using Crisco for seasoning?
Using Crisco for seasoning your Blackstone griddle offers several advantages. First and foremost, its high smoke point allows it to withstand high cooking temperatures, which is essential for effective seasoning. It helps in forming a strong, non-stick coating that can withstand regular use and cooking at high temperatures, making it great for a variety of foods.
Additionally, Crisco is easy to apply and doesn’t leave a greasy residue compared to some other oils. Once seasoned properly, it also provides a great flavor base for grilled foods. Moreover, Crisco is readily available and often more cost-effective than some other specialty oils marketed for seasoning cookware.
How do you season a Blackstone griddle with Crisco?
To season a Blackstone griddle with Crisco, start by cleaning the surface thoroughly to remove any debris or previous cooking residues. Make sure it is dry before proceeding. Then, preheat the griddle to a medium-high setting. It’s important to ensure that the griddle is heated evenly so that the Crisco can melt and spread uniformly.
Once the griddle is hot, apply a thin layer of Crisco using a paper towel or a cloth. Spread it evenly across the entire surface and allow it to heat until it begins to smoke. After that, turn off the griddle and let it cool completely. This will allow the seasoning to bond to the griddle’s surface, creating a protective layer that enhances non-stick properties.
How often should you season your griddle with Crisco?
The frequency of seasoning your Blackstone griddle with Crisco can depend on how often you use it. If you use your griddle frequently, seasoning it every few uses is recommended to maintain the non-stick surface and prevent rusting. However, if you’re using it less often, you may only need to season it once every few months.
It’s also important to note that if you notice food starting to stick or if the surface looks dull or rusted, it’s a good indicator that it’s time to re-season your griddle. By keeping a regular seasoning routine, you can ensure that your Blackstone griddle remains in optimal condition for cooking.
Are there any alternatives to Crisco for seasoning a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, there are several alternatives to Crisco that can be used for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. Common options include vegetable oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, and grapeseed oil. Each of these oils has various smoke points and characteristics, but they can effectively help create a non-stick surface when applied correctly.
When choosing an alternative oil, consider its smoke point and flavor profile. For instance, flaxseed oil is favored by some for its health benefits and high smoke point, while vegetable oil offers a neutral flavor. The important part is to ensure that whichever oil you choose is applied in thin layers, evenly heated, and allowed to cool properly for the best seasoning results.
Can you over-season a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, it is possible to over-season a Blackstone griddle. Over-seasoning can occur when too much oil or fat is applied during the seasoning process, resulting in a sticky residue that can attract dirt and grime. An overly seasoned surface may also lead to food sticking, which defeats the purpose of having a non-stick griddle.
To avoid over-seasoning, it’s essential to apply only a thin layer of Crisco or any oil you choose. Lighter applications lead to a more effective seasoning layer. If you suspect you’ve over-seasoned your griddle, you can clean it with a mild abrasive, re-season with a very light coat of oil, and repeat the heating process to achieve a better non-stick surface.
Is it safe to cook on a seasoned griddle?
Yes, it is completely safe to cook on a seasoned Blackstone griddle. When properly seasoned, the cooking surface provides an excellent non-stick experience, allowing food to be cooked evenly and preventing it from sticking. The seasoning layer is also designed to withstand high cooking temperatures, ensuring it remains safe for food preparation.
However, it’s important to maintain the seasoning layer by following proper cleaning and seasoning practices. Avoid using harsh abrasives that may strip the seasoning away, and always ensure that the griddle is adequately heated before cooking to maintain its non-stick properties. By doing so, you can enjoy safe and delicious meals on your seasoned griddle.