Which Oil is Best for Cooking on a Griddle?
If you are a fan of cooking outdoors or even indoors, then you might be familiar with the griddle, an essential tool in the kitchen that has been around for centuries. Griddles are commonly used to cook food items such as burgers, pancakes, eggs, and fish. However, using the wrong oil while cooking on a griddle can have disastrous results.
Different oils have different smoke points and flavors, which make them suitable for specific cooking methods or dishes. In this article, we will discuss the best oils for cooking on a griddle and those you should avoid. Additionally, we will delve into the factors to consider when choosing an oil for cooking on a griddle.
Best Oils for Cooking on a Griddle
1. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is one of the most versatile oils out there and also one of the healthiest ones. This oil has a high smoke point of around 520°F to 570°F, making it perfect for high-heat cooking methods like on a griddle. It is extracted from avocados, and it has a neutral flavor; therefore, it won’t alter the taste of your food.
If you use avocado oil in your meals regularly, you will benefit from its nutritional value. Avocado oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) that help reduce inflammation in your body, and they are great for heart health as well.
When using avocado oil to cook on a griddle, only use a small amount as it spreads easily and evenly across its surface. You can also use it as a marinade or salad dressing.
2. Canola Oil
Canola oil is another healthy option that works well when cooking on a griddle. This oil has a high smoke point of around 400°F. The canola plant is part of the mustard family; therefore, it has a neutral taste, making it perfect for cooking different kinds of meals.
Just like avocado oil, canola oil has numerous health benefits as well. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are essential to your body’s overall health.
You should use canola oil sparingly while cooking on a griddle as it can easily splash or spread across the surface, which may cause other food items to stick. To combat this, only use a small amount of the oil and heat the griddle before cooking.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils in the kitchen, especially when cooking on a griddle. It has a high smoke point of around 350°F, making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods such as stir-fry, deep frying, and sautéing.
Additionally, coconut oil has many nutritional benefits as well. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can promote energy metabolism and help in weight loss.
To get the best use out of coconut oil while cooking on a griddle, make sure to heat up the griddle properly beforehand. You only need to use a small amount because this oil spreads easily across the surface of your griddle. Coconut oil also adds excellent flavor to your dishes.
4. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is extracted from grape seeds and has anti-inflammatory properties because it contains an antioxidant called proanthocyanidin. This oil has a high smoke point of around 420°F, making it great for grilling your favorite food items like fish and vegetables.
Grapeseed oil doesn’t have a distinct taste, so it won’t alter your meal’s flavor as much as other oils would. This oil is also great for baking or sautéing, and it doesn’t leave a heavy residue behind.
When using grapeseed oil on a griddle, preheat the griddle to ensure it’s hot before adding any food items. You can also use this oil as a salad dressing or a marinade.
Oils to Avoid when Cooking on a Griddle
1. Butter and Margarine
Although many people believe that butter and margarine add great flavor to your favorite foods, they are not the best choices when cooking on a griddle. Butter has a low smoke point, making it unsuitable for high-heat cooking methods such as grilling or broiling. The same goes for margarine.
Additionally, with butter and margarine, there’s an increased risk of burning your food due to their high fat content, which may cause damage to the non-stick surface of your griddle.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils out there as it contains healthy fats, but it’s not suitable for cooking on a griddle. This oil has a low smoke point of around 375°F, which makes it unsuitable for high-heat cooking methods such as grilling or frying.
Also, when olive oil is heated at high temperatures, it can break down into harmful compounds that are detrimental to your health. Therefore, stick to using olive oil in salads or drizzling over warm food items instead of using it when cooking on a griddle.
Factors To Consider When Choosing An Oil For Cooking On A Griddle
While choosing the best oil for cooking on a griddle, the following factors should be taken into consideration:
1. Smoke point
The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke, which can cause it to break down and form free radicals that are harmful to the body. Therefore, when choosing an oil for griddle cooking, ensure that the oil’s smoke point is high enough to withstand high heat.
2. Flavor
Some oils have unique flavors that may affect your meal’s taste or aroma. For instance, olive oil has a distinct flavor that may alter the taste of your food item. So, it’s crucial to select an oil with a neutral taste so that your food’s original flavor isn’t altered.
Conclusion
When cooking on a griddle, it’s crucial to choose the right oil for optimum results. Avocado oil, canola oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil are some of the best options as they have high smoke points and are great for different kinds of cooking methods. While butter and margarine are not ideal options, olive oil has a low smoke point and should only be used in cold dishes.
The factors to consider when choosing the ideal oil include smoke point and flavor. Ensure you take these into account before picking any oil for cooking on a griddle. With this guide, you should be able to choose the best oil for your favorite dishes every time you cook on a griddle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best type of oil to use for cooking on a griddle?
Using an oil that has a high smoke point is the best option. Oil with a high smoke point won’t burn and will withstand the high temperature of your griddle, which makes it perfect for cooking food evenly and quickly.
Can I use butter instead of oil to cook on a griddle?
If you’re cooking at lower temperatures and for shorter periods of time, butter can be used on a griddle. However, butter has a low smoke point and can burn quickly at higher temperatures, so it’s best to avoid using it when cooking foods that require longer cooking times or higher heat.
Which specific types of oil have high smoke points?
Avocado oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil are some examples of oils with high smoke points that are ideal for griddle cooking. These oils have smoke points ranging from 450°F to 520°F, so they provide excellent heat resistant properties.
Is it okay to use extra virgin olive oil for griddle cooking?
Extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point compared to other oils, making it not the best choice for griddle cooking. However, it can still be used if you’re cooking food at lower temperatures or for shorter time periods. If you’re planning to do any high-heat or long-cooking recipes, consider using an alternative oil with a higher smoke point.
