When it comes to outdoor cooking, the Blackstone griddle stands out as a versatile and beloved appliance. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the griddle is perfect for searing, frying, and sautéing a variety of foods. To ensure your Blackstone griddle performs optimally and lasts for years to come, seasoning is a crucial step that cannot be overlooked. In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about what to season your Blackstone griddle with, the techniques involved, the benefits of proper seasoning, and tips for maintenance.
Why Season Your Blackstone Griddle?
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle creates a protective layer that enhances flavor, prevents rust, and helps achieve that trademark non-stick surface that leaves food gliding off with ease. This process essentially creates a seasoned patina that not only improves cooking performance but also prolongs the lifespan of your investment.
The Benefits of Seasoning:
- Improved Flavor: Seasoning helps to lock in flavors and can even add a unique taste to your food.
- Non-Stick Surface: A well-seasoned griddle reduces sticking, making food easier to cook and flip.
- Corrosion Resistance: The oil layer protects the metal from moisture and rust.
If you want a griddle that delivers both performance and longevity, seasoning is your secret weapon.
What to Season With: The Best Oils
Choosing the right oil for seasoning is essential. The oil you select will affect the flavor and performance of your griddle. Here are some of the best oils for seasoning your Blackstone griddle:
1. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is praised among seasoned cooks for its high smoke point and ability to create a hard, durable finish. It polymerizes, forming a sturdy, non-stick coating. Although it’s on the pricier side, its benefits are worth the investment.
2. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is another excellent choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. It creates a beautiful finish and does a great job of preventing food from sticking.
3. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is readily available and cost-effective. It also has a decent smoke point and works well for seasoning, making it an easy go-to for many home cooks.
4. Canola Oil
Similar to vegetable oil, canola oil is inexpensive and offers a high smoke point. While not the best for flavor enhancement, its utility for seasoning cannot be denied.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and exotic flair to dishes. However, due to its lower smoke point, it’s often better used in conjunction with higher smoke point oils.
The Seasoning Process
The process of seasoning your Blackstone griddle consists of several steps that ensure a high-quality finish. Below, we outline these steps in detail.
Step 1: Clean the Griddle
Before seasoning, start with a clean surface. If your griddle is new, wash it down with warm, soapy water, and then rinse thoroughly to remove any residue. If your griddle has been previously used, scrape off any leftover food particles and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Step 2: Heat the Griddle
Turn the griddle to medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes. Heating the griddle prepares it for the oil to adhere effectively during the seasoning process.
Step 3: Apply the Oil
Once heated, use a paper towel or a cloth to apply a thin layer of your chosen oil evenly across the surface. Note that less is more; over-application can lead to a sticky residue.
Step 4: Distribute the Oil
Spread the oil with a spatula or another paper towel, ensuring complete coverage, especially the edges.
Step 5: Let It Smoke
Allow the oil to heat to the smoking point, which should take only a few minutes. You will notice a change in color and sheen as it melts into the surface. This occurs when the oil begins to polymerize and bond to the metal.
Step 6: Repeat the Process
For best results, repeat the oil application process 2-3 times. Each new layer builds on the previous one, creating a more robust non-stick coating.
Step 7: Cool Down
Once you’ve finished applying the oil, turn off the grill and allow it to cool down naturally. This step is vital in allowing the newly seasoned surface to settle properly.
Maintaining Your Seasoned Griddle
Once your Blackstone griddle is seasoned, maintenance is crucial to keep it in prime condition. Here are some tips to follow:
Regular Cleaning
After cooking, scrape off excess food debris while the griddle is still warm. Follow this up with a minimal amount of water and a scraper to ensure the surface is clear. Avoid using anything abrasive that may scratch the seasoned layer.
Re-season Frequently
Depending on frequency of use, you should consider re-seasoning your griddle every few months or when you notice food beginning to stick.
Store Properly
Keep your griddle covered or stored in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup. If your griddle is left outside, rust can develop quickly, jeopardizing all that hard work you put into seasoning it.
Avoid Cooking Acidic Foods
While your griddle can handle diverse foods, it’s best to avoid highly acidic ingredients like tomatoes and vinegar shortly after seasoning. These can strip away your newly seasoned layer.
Conclusion: Invest in Your Enjoyment
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is more than just a step—it’s an investment in your outdoor cooking experience. Choosing the right oil, following proper procedures, and maintaining that seasoned surface ensures you enjoy delicious meals for years to come.
Incorporating proper seasoning into your method not only elevates your meals but also enhances cooking efficiency and extends the life of your griddle. Start the seasoning process today, and unlock a world of flavorful cooking!
What is the best way to season a Blackstone griddle?
To season a Blackstone griddle effectively, start by thoroughly cleaning it with warm, soapy water and a scrubbing pad to remove any factory coating or residues. Rinse and dry the surface completely before proceeding. Once clean, apply a thin, even layer of high smoke point oil, such as grapeseed or canola oil, to the entire cooking surface. Make sure to cover the edges and corners, as these areas are often overlooked.
After applying the oil, preheat the griddle on a medium setting until it begins to smoke. This indicates that the oil is reaching its smoke point and will start to polymerize, creating a non-stick surface. Allow the griddle to continue heating for around 15-20 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool naturally. Repeat this process two to three times for optimal seasoning.
How often should I season my Blackstone griddle?
The frequency of seasoning your Blackstone griddle largely depends on your usage. If you use your griddle frequently—like several times a week—it may benefit from a light re-seasoning every few uses. After the first few uses, inspect the surface for any signs of wear or discoloration. If you notice that food begins to stick or the surface looks dull, it’s time to reapply oil and go through the seasoning process again.
For lighter use, such as a few times a month, a full seasoning once a season is typically sufficient. Always remember to maintain the cooking surface by cleaning it properly after each use. Even if you don’t fully re-season the griddle often, a light application of oil after cooking can help protect and maintain the seasoned surface.
Can I use any type of oil for seasoning?
While it might be tempting to use whatever oil you have on hand, not all oils are suitable for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. It’s crucial to choose oils that have a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil. These oils not only withstand the high temperatures needed for seasoning but also polymerize effectively, forming a solid non-stick coating on the surface.
Avoid using oils with low smoke points, like olive oil or butter, as they can burn and create a sticky residue instead of a smooth, non-stick surface. Selecting the right oil helps ensure a long-lasting and durable seasoning that will enhance your cooking experience and prolong the life of your griddle.
How can I tell if my griddle is properly seasoned?
A properly seasoned Blackstone griddle will have a smooth, darkened surface with a slightly shiny appearance. When you cook on it, food should glide easily across the surface without sticking. If you notice your food is starting to stick or the surface has a dull or rusty look, these are indicators that your griddle may need more seasoning.
Another test for seasoning quality is the water test. When you sprinkle a few drops of water on the heated surface, they should bead up and dance around rather than evaporate immediately. This beading effect signifies a well-seasoned surface that has good non-stick properties, enhancing your cooking experience.
Can I use my griddle immediately after seasoning?
Yes, you can use your Blackstone griddle after seasoning, but it’s recommended to let it cool completely before cooking on it. Once the griddle has cooled down, you can brush a thin layer of oil on the surface again to further enhance the non-stick coating. This additional oil layer will help protect the seasoning and ensure that your food cooks evenly.
However, if you season your griddle for the first time or after a thorough cleaning, it might be beneficial to let the seasoning cure for several hours before cooking on it. This gives the oils a chance to bond better with the surface, leading to a stronger and more effective seasoning.
What should I do if my Blackstone griddle gets rusty?
If your Blackstone griddle develops rust, the first step is to remove it thoroughly. Begin by scrubbing the rusted areas with a steel wool pad or a grill brush until the rust is gone. After you’ve removed the rust, the griddle will likely need to be re-seasoned to restore its protective coatings. Clean the surface well to remove any debris, then dry it completely to prevent new rust from forming.
Once the surface is clean and dry, proceed with the seasoning process as described in this guide. Applying a new layer of oil and heating the griddle will help protect it from future rust and restore its non-stick properties, allowing you to enjoy cooking again without worry.
Is it necessary to season a Blackstone griddle before every use?
No, it is not necessary to season your Blackstone griddle before each use. Instead, a proper initial seasoning combined with regular cleaning and light oiling after each cooking session will suffice. Each time you finish cooking, make sure to clean the surface with a scraper and a damp cloth to remove food residues, and then apply a thin layer of oil. This practice helps maintain your existing seasoning and prevents buildup that could lead to sticking.
However, if you notice that food starts to stick or if the surface becomes dull or rusty over time, it indicates that your griddle needs to be re-seasoned. Assess the condition of the cooking surface regularly and re-season as needed to ensure the best cooking experience and a long-lasting griddle.