Cooking on a Blackstone griddle can be a game-changer, but using the best oil for your Blackstone griddle is essential for achieving perfect results. Whether you’re searing steaks, frying eggs, or grilling vegetables, the right oil ensures food doesn’t stick and your griddle stays in top condition. In this guide, we’ll explore the best oils to use, including their health benefits, smoke points, and how to properly season your griddle.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about selecting the best oil for your Blackstone griddle, from understanding the importance of smoke points to considering health benefits, flavor profiles, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which oil to use for different cooking techniques and how to season and maintain your griddle properly.
Why Oil is Essential for a Blackstone Griddle
When using a Blackstone griddle, oil serves multiple important functions:
- Seasoning the Griddle: Before using your Blackstone griddle for the first time, it’s important to season it properly. Seasoning involves applying a thin layer of oil to the surface and heating it to create a protective, non-stick layer. This layer prevents food from sticking to the griddle and helps protect the surface from rust and wear.
- Non-Stick Cooking: During cooking, oil helps create a barrier between the food and the griddle, ensuring that food doesn’t stick. The right oil will help you achieve crispy, evenly cooked food without leaving burnt bits stuck to the griddle.
- Re-seasoning After Use: After each cooking session, it’s essential to clean your griddle and apply a light coat of oil to re-season the surface. This step keeps your griddle’s non-stick coating intact and prevents rusting.
Without the right oil, you risk damaging your griddle, leading to stuck-on food, difficult clean-ups, and a shorter lifespan for your cooking surface.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Oil
There are several key factors to consider when selecting the best oil for your Blackstone griddle:
1. Smoke Point
The smoke point of an oil refers to the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and smoke. When oil reaches its smoke point, it not only starts to burn but also releases harmful chemicals and imparts a bitter taste to your food. For high-heat cooking, such as on a Blackstone griddle, it’s essential to choose an oil with a high smoke point to avoid these problems.
Here are the smoke points for some popular cooking oils:
- Avocado oil: 520°F
- Canola oil: 400°F
- Grapeseed oil: 420°F
- Peanut oil: 450°F
- Olive oil: 325°F – 375°F
- Coconut oil: 350°F
- Vegetable oil: 400°F – 450°F
2. Health Benefits
In addition to the smoke point, it’s important to consider the health benefits of the oil you’re using. Oils high in unsaturated fats, such as avocado oil, canola oil, and olive oil, are generally considered healthier. These oils can help reduce cholesterol levels, lower the risk of heart disease, and provide essential fatty acids that your body needs.
Conversely, oils high in saturated fats, such as coconut oil and palm oil, should be used in moderation. While these oils may have a rich flavor, they can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.
3. Flavor Profile
The flavor of the oil you use can significantly affect the taste of your food. Some oils, like olive oil and sesame oil, have strong, distinctive flavors that can enhance certain dishes but may overpower more delicate flavors. On the other hand, neutral oils like canola oil and grapeseed oil won’t interfere with the natural taste of your ingredients, making them ideal for most cooking applications.
4. Cost and Availability
Finally, cost and availability are practical considerations when choosing oil. Everyday oils like canola oil and vegetable oil are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making them ideal for general cooking purposes. Premium oils, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, may be more expensive but offer additional health benefits and are better suited for high-heat cooking.
Best Oils for Blackstone Griddle Cooking
Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider, let’s dive into the best oils for use on your Blackstone griddle. Each of these oils offers a combination of high smoke points, health benefits, and flavor versatility that make them ideal for griddle cooking.
1. Avocado Oil
- Smoke Point: 520°F
- Health Benefits: Avocado oil is rich in unsaturated fats and is loaded with vitamin E and antioxidants. It can help lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, and reduce inflammation.
- Flavor Profile: Avocado oil has a mild, neutral flavor with a slight hint of avocado, making it versatile for a wide range of dishes.
- Best Uses: Avocado oil is ideal for high-heat cooking on a Blackstone griddle. It’s perfect for searing steaks, grilling vegetables, and stir-frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Avocado oil is one of the best oils for griddle cooking because of its exceptionally high smoke point. It can handle the intense heat of the Blackstone without breaking down, making it perfect for achieving a nice sear on meats or cooking delicate foods like fish.
2. Canola Oil
- Smoke Point: 400°F
- Health Benefits: Canola oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats, which help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Flavor Profile: Canola oil has a neutral flavor, making it versatile for a wide range of dishes without affecting the taste of your food.
- Best Uses: Canola oil is a great all-purpose oil for everyday cooking on the griddle. It’s ideal for frying, sautéing, and grilling.
Canola oil is a budget-friendly, widely available option that works well for most cooking techniques on the Blackstone. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for medium- to high-heat applications, while its neutral flavor won’t interfere with the taste of your ingredients.
3. Grapeseed Oil
- Smoke Point: 420°F
- Health Benefits: Grapeseed oil contains polyunsaturated fats and is a good source of vitamin E, which is beneficial for heart health and skin.
- Flavor Profile: Grapeseed oil has a mild, neutral flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
- Best Uses: Grapeseed oil is great for high-heat cooking, including grilling, frying, and stir-frying.
Grapeseed oil is a popular choice in professional kitchens due to its high smoke point and versatility. It’s perfect for use on a Blackstone griddle when grilling meats, sautéing vegetables, or stir-frying. Its neutral flavor makes it a great option for cooking dishes where you don’t want the oil to influence the final taste.
4. Peanut Oil
- Smoke Point: 450°F
- Health Benefits: Peanut oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Flavor Profile: Peanut oil has a slightly nutty flavor, but it’s mild enough not to overpower most dishes.
- Best Uses: Peanut oil is ideal for high-heat frying, grilling, and stir-frying on a Blackstone griddle.
Peanut oil is often used for frying due to its high smoke point and ability to maintain its quality at high temperatures. It’s a great choice for stir-frying vegetables or frying foods like chicken wings, making it a versatile option for your Blackstone.
5. Olive Oil
- Smoke Point: 325°F – 375°F
- Health Benefits: Olive oil is packed with antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, making it one of the healthiest oils available. It helps reduce inflammation, lowers cholesterol levels, and supports heart health.
- Flavor Profile: Olive oil has a rich, fruity flavor that pairs well with Mediterranean dishes.
- Best Uses: Olive oil is best used for medium-heat cooking or as a finishing oil.
While olive oil is a staple in many kitchens, it’s not ideal for high-heat cooking on a Blackstone griddle due to its lower smoke point. However, it’s perfect for sautéing vegetables or finishing dishes with a drizzle of flavorful oil.
6. Coconut Oil
- Smoke Point: 350°F
- Health Benefits: Coconut oil contains saturated fats and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which some studies suggest can boost metabolism.
- Flavor Profile: Coconut oil has a distinct, sweet flavor that works well in tropical or Asian-inspired dishes.
- Best Uses: Coconut oil is best for low to medium-heat cooking and baking.
Coconut oil is best used in recipes where its flavor will complement the dish. It’s not ideal for high-heat cooking on a Blackstone griddle, but it works well for adding richness to baked goods, sautéing at lower temperatures, or enhancing the flavor of certain dishes like curries or stir-fries.
How to Season Your Blackstone Griddle
Properly seasoning your Blackstone griddle is essential for creating a non-stick surface and protecting it from rust. The best oils for seasoning a Blackstone are those with high smoke points, such as canola oil, flaxseed oil, or vegetable oil. Here’s how to season your griddle:
- Clean the Griddle: Before seasoning, make sure your griddle is clean. Wash it with warm, soapy water to remove any dirt or residue from manufacturing.
- Apply Oil: Pour a small amount of oil onto the griddle surface. Use a paper towel or cloth to spread the oil evenly over the entire surface, including the sides and corners.
- Heat the Griddle: Turn on your griddle and heat it until the oil begins to smoke. This allows the oil to bond with the metal, creating a protective layer. Let the griddle cool down, and then repeat the process 2-3 more times to build up a strong, non-stick surface.
- Re-season After Each Use: After cooking, clean the griddle and apply another thin layer of oil to keep the surface protected and prevent rust.
By following this process, you’ll ensure that your Blackstone griddle stays in top condition, providing you with a reliable, non-stick cooking surface for years to come.
FAQs About Oils for Blackstone Griddles
Can I use olive oil on my Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can use olive oil on your Blackstone griddle, but it’s not ideal for high-heat cooking. Due to its lower smoke point, olive oil is best for medium-heat cooking or as a finishing oil. It’s great for sautéing vegetables or drizzling over cooked food for added flavor.
Which oil is best for high-heat cooking on a Blackstone griddle?
Avocado oil is one of the best oils for high-heat cooking due to its very high smoke point of 520°F. Other good options include peanut oil and grapeseed oil, both of which have high smoke points and are ideal for grilling, frying, and searing on a Blackstone.
Can I use butter on a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can use butter on a Blackstone griddle, but be mindful of its low smoke point (around 300°F). Butter is best used for lower-heat cooking, such as making pancakes or toasting bread, rather than high-heat grilling. If you want the flavor of butter for high-heat cooking, consider using clarified butter (ghee), which has a higher smoke point.
How often should I season my Blackstone griddle?
It’s a good idea to season your griddle after every use. After cleaning the griddle, apply a thin layer of oil and heat it until the oil bonds to the surface. This will keep the griddle’s non-stick coating in good condition and prevent rust from forming.
What happens if I use oil with a low smoke point?
Using oil with a low smoke point, such as extra virgin olive oil, on a high-heat griddle can cause the oil to burn and release harmful compounds. This will result in a bitter flavor and can also damage the seasoning on your griddle. It’s always best to use oils with high smoke points when cooking on a Blackstone griddle.
Conclusion
Choosing the right oil for your Blackstone griddle is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked food, maintaining a non-stick surface, and extending the life of your griddle. Oils like avocado, canola, and grapeseed oil are excellent choices for high-heat cooking due to their high smoke points, while oils like olive oil and coconut oil are better suited for lower-heat applications.
By understanding the properties of different oils and how they interact with your griddle, you’ll be able to cook a wide variety of dishes while keeping your griddle in top condition. Remember to season your griddle regularly, use the right oils for the job, and enjoy the versatility and convenience that a Blackstone griddle offers.
For more cooking tips and recipes that highlight the benefits of using the right oil, check out this guide on making the ultimate Salisbury steak recipe for a restaurant-quality meal cooked on your griddle.
Happy grilling!