If you’re a grilling enthusiast, the 17-inch Blackstone griddle is likely a standout addition to your kitchen or outdoor cooking setup. This versatile appliance allows you to fry, grill, and sauté like a pro, enabling you to whip up delicious meals for family and friends. However, in order to achieve the best cooking results, it’s essential to season your griddle properly. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of seasoning your 17-inch Blackstone griddle, ensuring it not only cooks better but also lasts longer. Read on to unlock the secret to incredible flavors!
Why Season Your 17 Inch Blackstone Griddle?
Before diving into the seasoning process, it’s important to understand why seasoning is necessary for your griddle. Here are the primary reasons:
1. Non-Stick Surface
The seasoning creates a non-stick layer that makes cooking and cleaning hassle-free. A well-seasoned griddle reduces the chances of food sticking, providing an effortless cooking experience.
2. Enhanced Flavor
A properly seasoned griddle can enhance the flavors of your food. The seasoning builds a rich layer of flavor on the cooking surface, ensuring that your dishes are savored to the fullest.
3. Rust Prevention
Seasoning forms a protective barrier against moisture, which helps in preventing rust and prolonging the life of your griddle. This is particularly important if you plan to store your griddle outdoors.
4. Better Heat Distribution
Seasoning helps in achieving an even heat distribution across the cooking surface. This means your food will cook more uniformly, preventing hot or cold spots that could ruin your meal.
What You Will Need to Season Your 17 Inch Blackstone Griddle
To kick off the seasoning process, you will need a few essential items:
Tools and Ingredients
- 17 inch Blackstone griddle
- High-smoke point oil (like canola oil or avocado oil)
- Paper towels or a clean cloth
- Heat-resistant spatula
- Scraper (optional but recommended)
- Griddle cleaning brush (optional)
With these items ready, you can jump into the seasoning process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning Your Griddle
Follow these simple steps to effectively season your 17-inch Blackstone griddle.
Step 1: Clean Your Griddle Surface
Before you start seasoning, make sure your griddle surface is clean. Washing it will remove any manufacturing residues or dust that may have accumulated.
How to Clean
- Heat the griddle on low for about 10 minutes to expand the metal.
- Use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive scrubber to clean the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely with a clean cloth.
Note: Avoid using heavy-duty scrubbers that can scratch the surface.
Step 2: Preheat Your Griddle
Once cleaned, preheat your griddle. Turn the burners to a medium-high heat and allow it to warm for about 10–15 minutes. This ensures that the pores of the metal open up, allowing the oil to penetrate better.
Step 3: Apply Oil Generously
With your griddle heated, it’s time to apply the oil. Use a paper towel or a cloth to apply a generous amount of high-smoke point oil across the entire cooking surface.
Tips for Application:
- Make sure to cover the griddle evenly.
- Use just enough oil to create a thin layer. Too much oil can lead to a sticky surface.
Step 4: Perform the First Seasoning
Now that you’ve applied the oil, it’s time to season the griddle.
How to Season
- Allow the oil to heat until it begins to smoke, which generally takes about 10–15 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the griddle, ensuring the oil doesn’t burn. If it does, wipe it off and start over with a thinner layer of oil.
- Once the oil is smoking, turn off the heat and allow it to cool completely.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
To achieve a well-seasoned griddle, repeating the heating and oiling process two to three times is highly recommended. This builds up a resilient layer of seasoning.
Key Points to Remember:
- After each oiling and heating cycle, allow your griddle to cool down completely.
- Each layer of seasoning will build upon the last, creating a robust non-stick surface.
Tips for Maintaining Your Seasoned Griddle
Once you’ve seasoned your griddle, maintaining that seasoning is crucial for longevity and performance.
1. Regular Cleaning
After each use, allow your griddle to cool, then clean it while it’s still warm. Wipe off any food residue with a scraper or a cleaning brush. Never use soap again, as it will strip the seasoning.
2. Reapply Oil After Each Use
Lightly coat the surface with oil after every session. This practice not only maintains the non-stick surface but also adds a layer of seasoning with each use.
3. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
Prevent your griddle from rusting or cracking by avoiding sudden temperature changes. This means not placing cold items on a hot griddle or exposing the griddle to extreme cold after cooking.
4. Store Properly
If you store your griddle outside, make sure it’s covered to protect it from moisture. You can also place a light coat of oil over the surface if you won’t be using it for an extended period.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While seasoning your 17-inch Blackstone griddle is straightforward, you may encounter some challenges. Here are common issues and troubleshooting tips:
Issue 1: Food Sticking
If food starts to stick to the griddle surface, it may indicate insufficient seasoning. Solution: Reapply oil and run through the seasoning steps once more.
Issue 2: Rust Development
If rust appears, it indicates that the protective oil layer has been stripped away. Solution: Remove the rust with a scraper, clean thoroughly, and re-season.
Issue 3: Uneven Cooking Surface
For uneven heating, check the gas burners. Ensure that they are properly functioning and distributing heat evenly. You may also want to check for any buildup on the burners.
The Benefits of Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle
The benefits of seasoning your 17-inch Blackstone griddle extend beyond just better cooking; it also enhances your overall grilling experience:
- Increased durability and lifespan of the griddle.
- Lower maintenance efforts, leading to hassle-free cooking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, seasoning your 17-inch Blackstone griddle is an essential step toward achieving culinary greatness. Not only does it ensure a non-stick cooking surface, but it also enhances the flavor of the dishes you prepare. With the right techniques for cleaning, applying oil, and maintaining the seasoning, your griddle will become a beloved tool in your kitchen or outdoor cooking space.
Embrace the joy of cooking with a perfectly seasoned griddle, and you’ll impress family and friends with every delicious meal! Take the time to care for your griddle properly, and it will reward you with years of tasty cooking adventures. Happy grilling!
What is the best way to season a new Blackstone griddle?
To season a new Blackstone griddle, start by thoroughly cleaning the griddle surface to remove any manufacturing residues. Use a mild soap and water solution, rinsing it well afterward to ensure that no soap remains. After drying the griddle, apply a high-smoke-point oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, using a heat-resistant cloth or paper towel. Make sure to cover the entire cooking surface evenly to create a non-stick layer.
Next, preheat the griddle on medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes. Once the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and let the griddle cool down naturally. Repeat the oiling and heating process a few times to build up a patina on the surface, which will enhance the seasoning and improve the flavor of your food in the long run.
How often should I re-season my Blackstone griddle?
Re-seasoning your Blackstone griddle typically depends on how often you use it and how you care for it. Regular use for frying and grilling can cause wear on the seasoning, so checking for flaking or discoloration should guide you. Ideally, you should perform a light re-seasoning after every few uses, particularly if you’re cooking greasy or sticky foods.
During the heavy usage periods, such as summer barbecues, it may be necessary to re-season more frequently. If you start noticing significant build-up or issues with food sticking, a thorough cleaning and re-seasoning process may be warranted. Just remember that proper maintenance, including cleaning after cooking and using the right cooking oils, can prolong the seasoning layer.
Can I use any cooking oil to season my griddle?
While it may be tempting to use any oil for seasoning, it’s crucial to choose an oil with a high smoke point. Oils like canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil are excellent choices as they can withstand the high temperatures needed for effective seasoning without breaking down. Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they have lower smoke points and can lead to a sticky residue that doesn’t complement the seasoning.
Using the right oil not only ensures that you achieve the best non-stick surface but also adds flavors during cooking. High-quality oils can help create a robust seasoning layer, enhancing the overall experience of cooking with your Blackstone griddle.
What common mistakes should I avoid when seasoning my griddle?
One common mistake is applying too much oil, which can lead to a sticky surface rather than a non-stick one. A thin, even layer is key; if you apply too much, it can pool and create a failure in your seasoning process. Instead, focus on using a small amount and spreading it evenly across the surface with a clean cloth.
Another mistake is neglecting to properly preheat the griddle before adding oil. If the griddle isn’t hot enough, the oil won’t bond effectively to the surface, leading to uneven seasoning. Always ensure your griddle is adequately heated before starting the seasoning process, which allows the oil to polymerize and form a durable layer on the cooking surface.
Is it necessary to clean the griddle after each use?
Yes, cleaning your griddle after each use is essential for maintaining the seasoning and lifespan of the cooking surface. After cooking, allow the griddle to cool slightly and use a metal spatula or scraper to remove food particles and residues. Then, wipe the surface with a few paper towels to collect any remaining debris, ensuring it’s free from any sticking food.
Once the griddle is cleaned, consider applying a very light coating of oil while it’s still warm. This preserves the seasoning and keeps the surface ready for the next cooking session. Regular cleaning helps to prevent the buildup of carbonized food residues, which can detract from the flavor of your meals and ruin the integrity of your griddle.
How do I know when my griddle is well-seasoned?
A well-seasoned Blackstone griddle should have a smooth, dark finish that appears somewhat shiny. This coloration comes from the oil that has polymerized and bonded to the metal, providing a barrier that prevents sticking. If your food slides off easily and doesn’t cling to the surface, then your griddle is likely well-seasoned.
Additionally, you may notice a subtle aroma while cooking, which is a good indication of a properly seasoned surface. If you encounter food sticking to the griddle or if you see peeling or flaking of the seasoning layer, it may indicate that it’s time for a re-seasoning or that the initial seasoning was inadequate.
Can I cook acidic foods on my Blackstone griddle?
Cooking acidic foods on a well-seasoned griddle should be done with caution. Foods such as tomatoes or citrus can break down the seasoning layer if cooked too often or if the seasoning isn’t strong. It’s important to ensure that your griddle is adequately seasoned before cooking such foods, as a strong seasoning layer can help protect the metal underneath.
If you find yourself frequently cooking acidic dishes, consider re-seasoning your griddle more often to maintain a robust protective layer. If damage does occur, such as rust or deterioration of the seasoning, it’s an indication that a thorough cleaning and re-seasoning is necessary to restore the griddle’s effectiveness.
What types of food are best to cook on a seasoned Blackstone griddle?
A seasoned Blackstone griddle is versatile and can accommodate various foods, making it ideal for cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Foods that benefit from the high heat and even cooking surface include eggs, pancakes, burgers, and vegetables. The seasoning adds flavor to your dishes while creating a great sear and preventing sticking.
In addition to traditional griddle foods, you can experiment with stir-fries or even warm desserts like s’mores. The versatility of the griddle allows you to get creative, and as you master the seasoning process, you’ll likely find that cooking on a well-seasoned Blackstone enhances the taste and texture of a wide range of dishes.