A griddle pan is kitchen equipment that has a broad flat-bottomed base. It usually comes in metals like iron, stone, steel, etc. It can conduct heat uniformly, allowing the food to cook thoroughly. A griddle pan can cook numerous mouthwatering dishes. A griddle pan is available in both seasoned and plain models. A seasoned griddle has a non-stick surface that is curated with oil or heated fat. Plain models come with just a surface. Ensure to season the griddle before use if you prefer a plain griddle. This avoids sticking food to the griddle pan surface.
An electric griddle is seasoned from the manufacturer's end and lasts for many years. You can read our blog to know more about these electric griddles.
What Do you Mean by Seasoning a Griddle Pan?
Seasoning a griddle means preparing the griddle for cooking by spreading a layer of vegetable oil on top of its surface. It would help if you then blackened it with heat so that a black scratch-resistant layer forms on top of the cooking surface. Seasoning a griddle like Ninja C30628 11-Inch Square Griddle also ensures that the food is flavorsome and delicious. The oil from the pores of the griddle offers flavors to the food and is an important step while grilling or cooking in a griddle pan.
Why is Seasoning a Griddle Pan Important?
Seasoning a griddle like Goodful Aluminum Non-Stick Square Griddle not only imparts mouthwatering flavor to the food. It also prevents the food from sticking to the surface and keeps your griddle protected. It is an effective way to protect your griddle from humid and moist conditions that might damage and rust the surface over time.
How to Season a Griddle Pan?
Follow the steps below to season your Blackstone Griddle or any Griddle:
Clean the New Griddle Before Seasoning
Griddle cleaning is helpful in removing debris and dust left behind during packaging and shipping. Cleaning a new griddle prepares it for seasoning as well. Use a damp soapy solution and gently scrub away the debris to clean a griddle pan. Dry it with paper towels after rinsing it with water. Read our blog on cleaning a griddle to know more.
Preheat the Griddle
Preheating is an essential step for a griddle like Rachael Ray Cucina Hard Anodized Nonstick Griddle to season thoroughly as the oil spreads evenly on a hot griddle. Turn the heat to maximum and let the griddle sit for 10-15 minutes. Check the heat level with your palm facing downwards. You can start seasoning the griddle right away if you feel the heat radiating in your palm.
Spread a Layer of Oil
Spreading a high-fat content oil on the griddle pan will result in a thicker coating. It will also allow the seasoning to spread evenly. Pour some healthy cooking oil like virgin olive oil over the entire surface of the griddle to start with seasoning. Use a multifold paper towel to spread it evenly. Allow the griddle to sit on high heat for about 30 minutes before it reaches the smoke point. The customer reviews of Hawkins/Futura Nonstick griddles claims that it requires little or no oil for cooking food.
Heat and Repeat
Covering it with oil just once is not enough as the oil layer will wear off with time. Allow the griddle to cool down a little and repeat the entire process 3 or 4 times. You will see a layer on top of the griddle with the surface blackening up by now. This layer offers flavor to the foods and allows you to savor each bite.
Things to Remember While Seasoning a Griddle Pan
Seasoning your griddle outdoors is a better option as it will allow the smoke to clear away quickly without creating much residue. It is advisable to not go for outdoor griddle seasoning during the windy days as the wind will interfere with the cooking.
What is the Best Oil to Season a Griddle Pan?
Vegetable oils like olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil are ideal for overall health. They can be spread on the griddle and have a higher smoke point. Your cooking time will reduce significantly.
How Often do You Season a Griddle Pan?
It would help if you seasoned a griddle every 7 to 10 days. Another indicator is when the food sticks to the surface. Re-seasoning is advisable if that happens.
Presto 07046 Tilt 'n Drain Big Griddle's reviews show that it is an affordable griddle pan that you can consider buying.
Takeaway
Seasoning bakes the oil into the griddle surface, so the griddle pan's pores are filled with fat or oil. The base doesn’t interfere with the cooking, while the layer of oil works to keep the flavor intact. You can also use a grill press to hold the food down for better cooking in less time. Read all about grill press before you buy.
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