When it comes to outdoor cooking, one of the most beloved options is the Blackstone griddle. This powerful cooking tool elevates your grilling experience, especially when it comes to cooking steak. Steaks cooked on a Blackstone griddle can achieve that perfect sear while retaining juiciness and flavor. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to make steak on a Blackstone griddle, ensuring your dinner is not just a meal but a memory.
Understanding the Blackstone Griddle
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to understand what a Blackstone griddle is and why it’s favored by many outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
What is a Blackstone Griddle?
A Blackstone griddle is a flat-top cooking surface typically made of durable steel. It provides an even heating surface, making it ideal for various cooking techniques, from sauteing vegetables to searing meats. Equipped with multiple burners, the temperature can be controlled with precision, which is essential for making the perfect steak.
Why Choose a Blackstone Griddle for Cooking Steak?
Cooking steak on a Blackstone griddle comes with several advantages:
- Even Heating: The vast cooking surface ensures that your steak is exposed to an even temperature, promoting consistent cooking.
- Searing Capability: The high heat can achieve a beautiful crust, locking in the juices and flavor.
- Versatility: Alongside your steak, you can easily prepare sides like grilled vegetables or a hearty breakfast.
Choosing the Right Steak for Griddling
The first step to a delicious steak is choosing the right cut. There are various cuts of steak to consider, and your choice can affect both flavor and texture.
Popular Cuts for Griddling
Here are a few popular cuts that work wonderfully on a Blackstone griddle:
- Ribeye: Known for its marbling and rich flavor, ribeyes are typically juicy and tender.
- New York Strip: Featuring a nice balance of flavor and tenderness, this steak is easy to cook and understand.
Preparing Your Steak
Preparation is critical when griddling steak. Proper preparation not only enhances flavors but also ensures an even cook.
Essential Preparations
- Seasoning: Season your steak liberally with salt and pepper at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also use garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak rub.
- Room Temperature: Allow your steak to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
Prepping the Blackstone Griddle
Your griddle needs to be prepared before adding your steak. Here’s how to ensure it’s ready for action.
Cleaning the Griddle
Before use, always clean the cooking surface to eliminate any previous residues. A clean surface prevents unwanted flavors and promotes better searing.
Preheating the Griddle
To achieve that perfect steak crust, preheat your Blackstone griddle:
- Turn on the burners to high heat.
- Preheat for about 10-15 minutes until the cooking surface is adequately hot.
Testing for Temperature
You can test if the griddle is ready by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, your griddle is at optimal cooking temperature.
Cooking Your Steak on the Blackstone Griddle
Now for the fun part: cooking your steak! Follow these detailed steps for grilling steak to perfection.
Cooking Times
The cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, use the following guidelines:
- Rare: Cook 3 minutes each side (120°F internal temperature)
- Medium Rare: Cook 4 minutes each side (135°F internal temperature)
- Medium: Cook 5 minutes each side (145°F internal temperature)
- Medium Well: Cook 6-7 minutes each side (150-160°F internal temperature)
- Well Done: Cook 8 minutes each side (160°F and above internal temperature)
Steps to Cook Steak Perfectly
Add Oil: Once the griddle is hot, add a thin layer of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or avocado oil. This will create a non-stick surface.
Sear the Steak: Place your seasoned steak on the griddle. Avoid overcrowding the surface, which can lower the cooking temperature.
Don’t Move the Steak: Allow the steak to cook undisturbed for the time specified in the earlier cooking times. Moving it too soon can hinder the essential caramelization process.
Flip and Cook the Other Side: Once you’ve achieved that beautiful crust, flip the steak to the other side, letting it cook for the appropriate time.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For the best results, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. It ensures your steak is cooked to your liking.
Allow the Steak to Rest: Once cooked, remove the steak from the griddle and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, resulting in a more flavorful bite.
Enhancing Your Steak Experience
While a perfectly cooked steak is a delicious endeavor, enhancing your experience with sides and sauces can make it memorable.
Best Sides to Serve with Steak
Consider serving your steak with a few delicious sides cooked right on your Blackstone griddle:
- Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, Zucchini, and asparagus sautéed with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms flavored with garlic and a hint of parsley.
Delicious Steak Sauces and Toppings
A great steak can be complemented by an array of sauces and toppings:
- Garlic Herb Butter: Garlic, parsley, and softened butter mixed together can elevate the flavor of your steak.
- Chimichurri Sauce: This fresh and vibrant sauce made from parsley, vinegar, and oil pairs beautifully with steak.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle
After enjoying your fabulous steak, it’s essential to clean and maintain your griddle for future use.
Cleaning Steps
- Allow the Griddle to Cool: Wait until the griddle cools down before cleaning.
- Scrape Residue: Using a metal spatula or scraper, remove any leftover food particles.
- Wipe Down: Use paper towels and warm, soapy water to clean the surface. Follow up with a dry cloth.
- Season the Griddle: After cleaning, re-season the griddle surface with oil, applying a thin layer to protect it from rust and maintain longevity.
The Final Sealing of Your Steak Techniques
Utilizing a Blackstone griddle for cooking steak not only brings out the best flavors but also provides a backyard cooking experience like no other. By following the steps outlined in this guide, anyone can master the technique of griddling steak.
As you experiment with different cuts, marinades, and sides, you’ll find that each cooking session is an opportunity for new flavors and memorable gatherings around the grill. So fire up your Blackstone, invite some friends over, and let the griddling adventures begin!
What type of steak is best for cooking on a Blackstone griddle?
For cooking on a Blackstone griddle, cuts like ribeye, sirloin, and New York strip are excellent choices. Ribeye is particularly favored for its marbling, which contributes to a juicy and flavorful outcome. Sirloin is a leaner option that still delivers great taste, while New York strip steaks provide a good balance of tenderness and flavor.
Ultimately, the best cut for your steak depends on personal preference—some may prefer the rich flavor of a fattier cut, while others might lean towards a leaner steak. It’s also essential to choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick to ensure proper cooking on the griddle and to achieve that perfect crust.
How do I prepare the steak before cooking?
Preparing your steak before cooking involves seasoning and bringing it to room temperature. Start by patting the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your favorite steak rub, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. For an enhanced taste, consider marinating the steak for a few hours or overnight.
After seasoning, leave the steak out for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature. This step helps ensure even cooking. Cooking cold steak straight from the refrigerator can lead to uneven doneness, so allowing it to warm slightly will provide more consistent results on your Blackstone griddle.
What temperature should the Blackstone griddle be for cooking steak?
For cooking steak on a Blackstone griddle, preheat to a high temperature, ideally around 450°F to 500°F (232°C to 260°C). This high heat is essential for achieving a perfect sear, which locks in juices and creates that desirable crust. To check if the griddle is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface—if they sizzle and evaporate almost immediately, the griddle is ready.
Once the desired temperature is reached, place the steaks on the griddle without overcrowding the cooking surface. To maintain high heat and ensure a good sear, work in batches if necessary. This technique helps to achieve a perfect crust on the steaks while keeping the griddle’s temperature consistent.
How long should I cook each side of the steak?
The cooking time for each side of the steak largely depends on its thickness and your preferred doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side before flipping. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C) and adjust your cooking times accordingly.
After flipping the steak, continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, as it provides the most accurate results. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly after it is removed from the heat, so consider taking it off just before it reaches your desired level.
Can I add butter or oil to the griddle while cooking steak?
Yes, adding butter or oil while cooking steak on a Blackstone griddle can enhance flavor and help achieve that golden crust. Using a high smoke point oil, like canola or avocado oil, can prevent burning and keep the steak moist. You can add the oil at the beginning of cooking or brush it onto the steak itself before placing it on the griddle.
Butter is also a great option, but it has a lower smoke point, so consider adding it a minute or so before the steak is finished cooking. This technique allows the butter to melt and baste the steak, adding richness and flavor without risking a burnt taste. The combination of oil and butter can create a delightful effect, enhancing the overall dish.
How can I tell if the steak is done cooking?
The best way to check if a steak is done cooking is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. This method provides an accurate reading of the steak’s internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, you should aim for a temperature between 130°F and 135°F (54°C to 57°C). Medium steaks are typically cooked to an internal temperature of about 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C).
If you do not have a thermometer, you can also use the touch test method, but it is less reliable. Press the center of the steak with your finger; the firmness can give you an idea of doneness. A rare steak will feel soft, medium will be somewhat firm, and well-done will feel quite firm. Remember to rest the steak for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
What is the best way to rest a steak after cooking?
Resting a steak after cooking is crucial for maximizing juiciness and flavor. After removing the steak from the Blackstone griddle, place it on a cutting board or plate. Loosely cover the steak with aluminum foil to retain some heat without steaming it, which can cause a loss of the desired crust.
It’s generally recommended to let the steak rest for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on its size. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak when it’s finally sliced. Avoid cutting into the steak immediately, as this will cause the juices to escape, leaving you with a drier piece of meat.