Unveiling The Secrets: How To Season Blackstone Griddle In The Oven Like A Pro
What To Know
- This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide on how to season your Blackstone griddle in the oven, ensuring optimal results and a well-seasoned griddle ready for years of delicious meals.
- Use a paper towel or a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of high-heat cooking oil to the entire surface of the griddle.
- If you notice that food is starting to stick to the griddle, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface and heat it up to re-season it.
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is a crucial step in maintaining its performance and longevity. It creates a protective layer that prevents rust and corrosion, enhances heat distribution, and improves the overall cooking experience. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide on how to season your Blackstone griddle in the oven, ensuring optimal results and a well-seasoned griddle ready for years of delicious meals.
Understanding the Seasoning Process
Seasoning involves applying a thin layer of oil to the griddle’s surface and heating it to a high temperature. This process creates a polymerized layer, which is a hard, non-stick coating that protects the griddle and enhances its cooking performance. Seasoning also helps prevent food from sticking to the griddle, making it easier to clean and maintain.
Preparing Your Blackstone Griddle for Seasoning
1. Clean the Griddle Thoroughly: Begin by cleaning the griddle with a mild dish soap and warm water. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Rinse thoroughly and dry the griddle completely with a clean towel.
2. Remove the Griddle from the Base: If your Blackstone griddle has a removable griddle top, detach it from the base. This will make it easier to handle and season the griddle in the oven.
Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle in the Oven
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Apply a Thin Layer of Oil: Use a paper towel or a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of high-heat cooking oil to the entire surface of the griddle. Make sure to cover all areas, including the sides and edges.
3. Place the Griddle in the Oven: Carefully place the griddle upside down on a baking sheet or oven rack. Ensure that the griddle is stable and won’t move around during the seasoning process.
4. Bake the Griddle: Bake the griddle for 1 hour at 350°F (175°C). After 1 hour, turn off the oven and let the griddle cool down completely inside the oven.
5. Repeat the Process: Repeat steps 2-4 two more times, applying a thin layer of oil each time and baking the griddle for 1 hour. This will create multiple layers of seasoning and provide a durable, non-stick surface.
Completing the Seasoning Process
1. Wipe Off Excess Oil: Once the griddle has cooled down completely, use a paper towel to wipe off any excess oil from the surface.
2. Reattach the Griddle to the Base: If you detached the griddle from the base earlier, reattach it now.
3. Cook Something Fatty: To further enhance the seasoning, cook something fatty on the griddle, such as bacon, burgers, or steaks. The fats from the food will help penetrate the seasoning and create a well-seasoned surface.
Maintaining Your Seasoned Blackstone Griddle
1. Regular Cleaning: After each use, clean the griddle with a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the seasoning.
2. Reapply Oil as Needed: If you notice that food is starting to stick to the griddle, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface and heat it up to re-season it.
3. Store Properly: When not in use, store the griddle in a dry place to prevent rust and corrosion.
Troubleshooting Common Seasoning Issues
1. Seasoning Flaking Off: If the seasoning starts to flake off, it may be due to improper seasoning, using the wrong type of oil, or excessive heat. Re-season the griddle following the steps outlined above.
2. Griddle Not Non-Stick: If food is sticking to the griddle, ensure that it is properly seasoned and that you are using the right type of oil. You may need to re-season the griddle or adjust your cooking technique.
3. Rust Spots: Rust spots can occur if the griddle is not properly dried after cleaning or if it is exposed to moisture. To remove rust spots, use a mild abrasive cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse thoroughly and re-season the griddle.
Recommendations: The Key to a Well-Seasoned Blackstone Griddle
Seasoning your Blackstone griddle in the oven is a simple yet essential process that will extend the life of your griddle and enhance its cooking performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a well-seasoned griddle that will provide years of delicious meals and memories.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I season my Blackstone griddle in the oven if it has a porcelain coating?
A: No, seasoning is not necessary for griddles with a porcelain coating. Porcelain is a non-stick surface that does not require seasoning.
Q: What type of oil should I use to season my Blackstone griddle?
A: Use high-heat cooking oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Avoid using oils with a low smoke point, such as olive oil or butter, as they can burn and create a sticky residue.
Q: How often should I season my Blackstone griddle?
A: Season your griddle regularly, especially after deep cleaning or if you notice that food is starting to stick to the surface. You may need to re-season the griddle more frequently if you cook frequently or use it in harsh weather conditions.
