What Oil to Season Blackstone?
The best oil to season a Blackstone griddle depends on personal preference and cooking needs.
Popular options include canola oil, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and butter.
Canola oil is a common and affordable choice with a neutral flavor and a smoking point of 450-470°F.
Coconut oil has a rich and flavorful taste, but it is best for low-temperature cooking due to its smoking point of 350-400°F.
Olive oil enhances flavor and is suitable for most cooking methods except high-heat cooking, with a smoking point of 375-425°F.
Avocado oil has a high smoking point of 520°F, making it suitable for high-heat cooking, and adds a hint of avocado flavor.
Butter can also be used for seasoning, but it has a lower smoking point of 300-350°F and is primarily used for pancakes, steak, vegetables, and toasting bread rather than a healthy choice for seasoning the griddle.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Olive oil is a popular choice for seasoning a Blackstone, as it adds a unique flavor to the food being cooked. However, a lesser-known alternative is avocado oil, which can withstand higher heat and has a similar taste profile.
2. Contrary to popular belief, seasoning a Blackstone with vegetable oil is not recommended, as its lower smoke point can lead to a buildup of sticky residue on the surface of the griddle.
3. Flaxseed oil, known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, may seem like a healthy option for seasoning a Blackstone. However, flaxseed oil has a relatively low smoke point and is not suitable for high-heat cooking like searing on a griddle.
4. It is crucial to avoid using oils with a high percentage of saturated fats, such as butter or coconut oil, for seasoning a Blackstone. These oils tend to polymerize at lower temperatures, which can cause a gummy residue to develop on the griddle.
5. For a unique twist, some adventurous grill enthusiasts use sesame oil to season their Blackstone. Its distinctive nutty flavor adds an intriguing taste to various dishes, but it is important to note that sesame oil has a low smoke point, and caution should be exercised to prevent overheating.
Canola Oil: Affordable And Neutral Flavor
Canola oil is a popular choice for seasoning a Blackstone griddle due to its affordability and neutral flavor. With a smoking point ranging from 450-470°F, it can withstand high cooking temperatures without breaking down and creating a burnt flavor. This makes it ideal for a wide range of cooking needs on a Blackstone griddle.
One of the key advantages of using canola oil for seasoning is its affordability. It is a commonly available oil that can be purchased at most grocery stores without burning a hole in your pocket. This makes it a practical choice for those who want to maintain the performance of their Blackstone griddle without breaking the bank.
Additionally, canola oil has a neutral flavor that does not overpower the natural tastes of the food being cooked. This allows the flavors of the ingredients to shine through without any added interference. Whether you’re cooking pancakes, stir-frying vegetables, or searing meats, canola oil’s neutral taste will let the flavors of your dishes take center stage.
Coconut Oil: Rich And Flavorful For Low-Heat Cooking
Coconut oil is an excellent choice for seasoning your Blackstone griddle if you want to add a rich and flavorful taste to your dishes. It has a smoking point that ranges from 350-400°F, making it perfect for low-heat cooking methods like sautéing and stir-frying.
What makes coconut oil unique is its distinct flavor profile. It brings a subtle sweetness and a tropical aroma to your dishes, enhancing the overall taste experience. This is especially enjoyable when preparing dishes such as shrimp stir-fry, Thai curry, or even pancakes with a unique twist.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that coconut oil’s lower smoking point makes it less suitable for high-heat cooking methods like searing or grilling. Subjecting coconut oil to high temperatures can cause it to break down and release smoke, resulting in a burnt taste. Therefore, it’s recommended to reserve coconut oil for low-heat cooking on your Blackstone griddle.
Olive Oil: Enhancing Flavors In A Variety Of Dishes
Olive oil is a versatile option for seasoning your Blackstone griddle, bringing a range of flavors and benefits to your cooking. With a smoking point ranging from 375-425°F, it is suitable for most cooking methods except those involving extremely high temperatures.
The use of olive oil for seasoning goes beyond its ability to withstand a range of cooking temperatures. The distinct taste of olive oil can enhance the flavors of a variety of dishes, from vegetables to meats and even pasta. It adds a luscious, fruity, and sometimes slightly peppery flavor that can take your culinary creations to the next level.
In addition to its flavor-enhancing properties, olive oil also offers numerous health benefits. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, which help improve heart health and reduce inflammation in the body. By using olive oil to season your Blackstone griddle, you not only enhance the taste of your food but also add a healthy touch to your cooking.
Avocado Oil: High-Heat Cooking With A Hint Of Avocado Flavor
Avocado oil is gaining popularity as a seasoning option for Blackstone griddles due to its high smoking point of 520°F. This makes it suitable for high-heat cooking methods such as searing, grilling, and deep-frying.
Moreover, avocado oil adds a subtle hint of avocado flavor to your dishes, enhancing their taste and appeal.
The high smoking point of avocado oil makes it an excellent choice when you need to rapidly heat up your Blackstone griddle to achieve a delectable sear on your steak or get the perfect char on your vegetables. Its ability to withstand high temperatures ensures that it won’t break down and create a burnt flavor, giving you consistently delicious results.
Furthermore, the hint of avocado flavor that avocado oil provides can elevate the taste of your dishes. It adds a creamy and buttery undertone that pairs well with various ingredients. From fajitas to roasted potatoes, avocado oil can enhance the overall flavor profile and take your cooking to new heights.
Butter: Delicious Addition To Pancakes, Steak, And Vegetables, But Not Ideal For Health
Butter, although not technically an oil, is often used for seasoning a Blackstone griddle due to its rich flavor and versatility in the kitchen. While it has a lower smoking point of 300-350°F, making it unsuitable for high-heat cooking, butter adds a mouthwatering taste to your pancakes, steaks, vegetables, and toasts.
There’s no denying the irresistible flavor that butter can add to your favorite dishes. From giving pancakes a golden and crispy exterior to adding a luscious melt-in-your-mouth finish to your steaks, butter brings a level of indulgence to your cooking. The richness and depth of flavor that butter imparts can turn an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience.
However, it is essential to note that while butter may be delicious, it is not the healthiest option. It is high in saturated fats and cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess. Therefore, it is recommended to use butter in moderation and explore healthier oil options for most of your Blackstone griddle seasoning needs.
- Butter adds rich flavor to dishes
- Butter is versatile for seasoning a Blackstone griddle
- Butter is not suitable for high-heat cooking
- Butter is high in saturated fats and cholesterol
- Use butter in moderation
- Explore healthier oil options for seasoning needs
Excluded Oils: Vegetable, Grapeseed, And Peanut Oil
While the aforementioned oils provide a comprehensive list of options for seasoning a Blackstone griddle, it is worth mentioning the exclusion of three commonly used oils:
- Vegetable oil: a blend of different oils, offers a neutral flavor and has a relatively high smoking point, making it suitable for a variety of cooking methods.
- Grapeseed oil: has a high smoking point and a light, neutral flavor, making it an ideal choice for high-heat cooking and deep-frying.
- Peanut oil: has a distinct nutty taste and can withstand high temperatures, making it a popular choice for Asian stir-fry dishes.
While these oils can certainly be used for seasoning a Blackstone griddle, it is important to consider their specific smoking points and flavor profiles to ensure optimal performance and taste. Experimenting with different oils can bring new flavors and experiences to your cooking on a Blackstone griddle, allowing you to discover the perfect seasoning combination for your culinary adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of oil do you use on a Blackstone griddle?
Avocado Oil
With a high smoke point of around 520°F, avocado oil is an excellent choice for seasoning and cooking on a Blackstone griddle. It also contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and imparts a subtle buttery flavor to your dishes. Additionally, avocado oil’s versatility and nutritional benefits make it a popular option among griddle enthusiasts.
Is it OK to season Blackstone with vegetable oil?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to season your Blackstone griddle with vegetable oil. Vegetable oil, along with other cooking oils or fats with a high smoke point, can be used for seasoning. However, it is important to avoid using extra virgin olive oil as it cannot withstand the high heat and may burn. So go ahead and use your preferred vegetable oil to enhance the flavor and protect your Blackstone griddle.
What is best oil to season cast iron?
When it comes to seasoning cast iron, there are several oils that can be used to achieve the best results. However, considering factors such as availability, affordability, effectiveness, and a high smoke point, vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil are highly recommended by Lodge. These oils not only provide excellent seasoning but are also easily accessible and offer a practical solution for cast iron enthusiasts.
Can I use any oil to season my Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you have several options when it comes to seasoning your Blackstone griddle. You can use Blackstone Cast Iron Conditioner, or alternatively, flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or extra virgin olive oil. After applying the oil of your choice with a paper towel, you can turn the heat back on high and wait for the griddle to heat up until it reaches the smoking point. This process will help to season and protect the griddle plate for optimal cooking results.