Are you a cooking enthusiast who loves to experiment with different cooking methods and flavors? If so, then you must be familiar with the Blackstone Griddle. This versatile outdoor cooking appliance has gained immense popularity in recent years, as it allows you to cook various types of meals while enjoying the outdoors.
When it comes to cooking on a Blackstone Griddle, the right techniques are crucial. Depending on the type of food you’re grilling, using oil can make a significant difference in the taste and texture of your dish. In this article, we’ll explore different aspects of using oil when cooking on a Blackstone Griddle.
What is a Blackstone Griddle?
Before delving into the details about using oil on a Blackstone Griddle, let’s first understand what makes this appliance so special.
A Blackstone Griddle is an outdoor flat-top grill that features a flat cooking surface made of cast iron or steel. It provides ample space for preparing meals for large groups, making it perfect for hosting backyard barbeques or camping trips with friends and family.
One of the key benefits of using a Blackstone Griddle is its versatility. You can cook anything from pancakes and eggs to burgers and steaks on it. Plus, its high heat output makes it ideal for searing meats and vegetables quickly, while still keeping them tender and flavorful.
Why Oil is Important in Cooking
Oil plays an essential role when cooking on any type of grill or griddle. Not only does oil add flavor to your food, but it also helps prevent sticking and burning while creating a crisp crust around meats and vegetables.
When heated, oil penetrates the food’s surface, enhancing its flavor and texture by locking in moisture and creating caramelization. Additionally, oil prevents food from sticking to the griddle’s surface by creating an anti-stick layer between the two surfaces.
Types of Oil Recommended for Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle
Not all oils are created equal when it comes to cooking on a Blackstone Griddle. Here are some of the best types of oil for high-temperature cooking:
- Olive Oil: This healthy oil is perfect for grilling and sautéing, as it adds flavor while keeping food moist. However, its low smoking point makes it unsuitable for high-heat grilling.
- Vegetable oil: This is a non-flavored oil that has a higher smoking point than olive oil, making it ideal for high-heat grilling.
- Canola Oil: This is another healthy option that works well for grilling because of its neutral taste and high smoke point.
When selecting an oil to use on your Blackstone Griddle, consider the specific health benefits and properties associated with each type of oil. Choose oils that are heart-friendly, with lower saturated fat content and high levels of monounsaturated fats such as canola or peanut oil.
Do You Need to Add Oil to Food Before Placing It on the Blackstone Griddle?
Deciding whether to apply oil before or during cooking will depend largely on the food’s nature. For example, if you’re cooking meats like chicken or fish with skin on them, there’s no need to add extra oil since they’ll already release natural juices and fats onto the surface.
On the other hand, vegetables and other types of food may require additional lubrication to avoid sticking or burning when grilled. Applying a bit of oil before placing them on the griddle ensures that they have enough lubrication without being overly greasy.
Be sure not to overdo the amount of lubrication applied since this could cause your dish to become oily or charred even when cooked correctly.
How Much Oil Should be Used When Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle?
The optimal amount of oil applied will depend on various factors such as the type and quantity of food you’re cooking on the Blackstone Griddle. Always measure and apply oil in moderation, to avoid under or overusing.
Here’s a rough guide for optimal oil consumption when using a Blackstone Griddle:
- Steaks, burgers, and poultry: 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil per pound of meat
- Fish: A light coating of olive oil may suffice
- Veggies: 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil per pound
By monitoring your usage of oil for different meals and incorporating a good grilling technique, you can ensure that grilled food is healthy and tasty.
Tips For Using Oil On A Blackstone Griddle
Preheating The Grill: An effective way to evenly distribute heat into the surface is via preheating. Once the temperature gauge indicates sufficient heating, spread preferred type of oil on the grill before placing food on it.
Application Techniques: When applying oils with a lot of flavors such as garlic or basil-infused olive oils, use them sparingly until you are sure they will not overpower other flavors in your dish.
Spreading Techniques: Combining small quantities of salt with fats or drip grease from meats are alternative ways that improve even coverage while minimizing waste.
Timing Considerations: By timing your uses well downwards – pouring any only after observing signs like smoking or sticking so that any addition occurs at optimum periods minimizing smoke build-up.
How To Maintain Your Blackstone Griddle With Oiled Cookings
The correct way to clean these kind outdoor grills requires disinfecting surfaces after use properly. Cleaning must be done while using proper care for each surface so as not to corrode metal nor damage heat resistance coatings. For grease management purposes, prior cleaning should handle collected debris by brushing over oiled surfaces instead. Be careful never to pour boiling water directly onto a hot surface since this can cause deadly steam production and permanent damage to your grill.
Conclusion
Using oil when cooking on a Blackstone Griddle adds both flavor and texture to your dishes making familiar dishes more interesting. The types of oils selected vary in health benefits available, while the amount applied during cooking should be measured accurately and timed well for maximum results.
Preheating the griddle effectively, identifying when or if to add more oil through careful observation of sticking and smoking is necessary. Proper cleaning using disinfectant must also be carried out regularly.
With the tips outlined above, you can easily perfect the art of using oil on your Blackstone Griddle while ensuring that your grilled dishes are healthy and delicious. Enjoy!
Q&A
Q1: Is it necessary to use oil when cooking on a Blackstone Griddle?
A: Yes, it is important to use oil when cooking on a Blackstone Griddle. It helps prevent food from sticking and also adds flavor to your dishes.
Q2: Can you use any type of oil for cooking on a Blackstone Griddle?
A: You can use any type of oil, but it’s recommended to use oils with high smoke points such as vegetable oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Q3: How much oil should you use when cooking on a Blackstone Griddle?
A: The amount of oil used depends on the dish being prepared. For example, if you’re grilling meat, it’s best to lightly coat the surface of the griddle with oil first before placing the meat.
Q4: What are some tips for using oil when cooking on a Blackstone Griddle?
A: When using oil, make sure the griddle is heated to the proper temperature (medium-high heat) first before adding any ingredients. Also, avoid overcrowding the griddle as this can cause food to steam rather than sear properly. And lastly, always clean and season your griddle after each use for optimal performance.
