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How to Season a Blackstone Griddle: Easy Guide for Beginners

The Blackstone griddle has become a favourite cooking appliance for outdoor chefs and kitchen enthusiasts alike. With its large cooking surface and versatility, it’s perfect for grilling burgers, frying eggs, or sautéing vegetables. However, to get the most out of your griddle and ensure a long lifespan, seasoning is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to season your Blackstone griddle, along with tips for care and maintenance.

What is Seasoning?

Seasoning is the process of applying a layer of oil to the cooking surface of the griddle and heating it to create a non-stick layer. This not only enhances the flavour of your food but also protects the griddle from rust and corrosion.

Why Season Your Blackstone Griddle?

1. Prevents Rust: The oil creates a barrier between the griddle surface and moisture, helping to prevent rust.
2. Enhances Non-Stick Properties: A well-seasoned griddle makes cooking and cleaning much easier, as food won’t stick to the surface.
3. Improves Flavour: Seasoning can add a subtle taste to your food as it develops a rich patina over time.

How to Season Your Blackstone Griddle: Step-by-Step Guide

What You Will Need:

• Blackstone griddle
• Cooking oil (High smoke point oils like canola, flaxseed, or vegetable oil are recommended)
• Paper towels
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Scraper (optional)
• Lint-free cloth or grill brush

Step 1: Clean the Griddle

Before you begin seasoning, it’s essential to ensure your griddle is clean. If it’s new, wipe it down with paper towels to remove any dust or residue from the manufacturing process. If you’re seasoning an older griddle:

1. Heat the griddle on high for about 10 minutes to cook off any previous residues.
2. Once heated, use a scraper to remove food particles or debris, and then wipe the surface with a damp cloth to cool it down. Ensure the griddle is dry before proceeding.

Step 2: Apply the Oil

1. Pour a generous amount of your chosen oil onto the griddle surface. Start with a few tablespoons—enough to create a thin layer across the entire cooking surface.
2. Using a paper towel or lint-free cloth, spread the oil evenly across the surface, ensuring it covers the entire area, including the sides.

Step 3: Heat the Griddle

1. Turn the burners to high heat and allow the griddle to heat up for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the surface begins to shimmer and smoke slightly.
2. This is the oil polymerising—transforming into a hard coating on the surface of the griddle.

Step 4: Repeat the Process

To create a durable non-stick surface, you should repeat the oil application and heating process at least two to three times. The more you season your griddle, the better the results.

Step 5: Cool Down and Wipe Clean

Once you’ve completed the seasoning process, turn off the heat and allow the griddle to cool down completely. Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel to prevent it from becoming sticky.

Step 6: Store Your Griddle

To maintain your Blackstone griddle, always store it in a dry place. If you’re storing it for an extended period, consider applying a thin layer of oil to the cooking surface for added protection.

Care and Maintenance Tips

1. Regular Cleaning: After each use, scrape off any food particles while the griddle is still warm. Wipe it down with a damp cloth or paper towel.
2. Deep Cleaning: Every few uses, you may need to deep clean your griddle. Allow it to cool before pouring some water on the surface, scraping it gently, then wiping clean.
3. Reseasoning: Over time, you’ll need to re-season the griddle. A good rule of thumb is to do this every 5-10 uses or when you notice food starting to stick.
4. Avoid Soaking: Never soak your griddle in water, as this can lead to rust. Instead, clean with damp cloths and ensure it is thoroughly dried afterwards.
5. Use High Smoke Point Oils: Always opt for oils with high smoke points to prevent smoking and burning during cooking.

Conclusion

Seasoning your Blackstone griddle not only enhances your cooking experience but also prolongs the life of this fantastic cooking tool. By following these simple steps and maintaining it regularly, you’ll enjoy delicious meals cooked on a well-seasoned griddle for years to come. Happy cooking!