First Time Cooking On My New Blackstone Griddle A Beginner's Guide

Hey guys! So, I finally took the plunge and got myself a Blackstone griddle. I've been drooling over these things for ages, watching countless videos and imagining all the delicious meals I could whip up. The day finally arrived, and I was both excited and a little nervous to fire it up for the first time. This is my story, my Blackstone initiation, if you will. I'm going to walk you through the whole process, from seasoning the griddle to cooking my first meal, sharing my triumphs, and yes, even my minor mishaps. Get ready for a griddle adventure!

Unboxing and Setting Up My Blackstone Griddle

First things first, let's talk about the unboxing and setup. This was probably the most physically demanding part of the whole process. The box was huge and heavy! I definitely recommend having a buddy help you out, unless you're some kind of superhero. Once I wrestled the Blackstone out of the box, I laid out all the parts and consulted the manual. Now, I'm not usually a manual kind of guy, but this time I figured it was a good idea to at least glance at it. The assembly wasn't too complicated, mostly attaching the legs and the side shelves. It took me about an hour or so, but I took my time to make sure everything was secure. I'm not going to lie; I was already picturing myself flipping burgers and searing steaks while I was putting it together. The anticipation was killing me! Once it was fully assembled, I wheeled it out to my patio, gave it a good wipe down, and admired my new griddle in all its glory. It's a beautiful piece of cooking equipment, and I was so ready to get started. This initial setup is crucial, guys. Make sure everything is stable and you've got enough space around the griddle to move comfortably. Think about your propane tank placement too – you want it to be easily accessible but also safely out of the way. Now, the real fun begins: seasoning!

Seasoning the Blackstone: The Key to Griddle Greatness

Okay, guys, this is where the magic happens – seasoning your Blackstone griddle. Seasoning is absolutely crucial for a few reasons. First, it creates a non-stick surface, which makes cooking and cleaning so much easier. Second, it protects the griddle top from rust and corrosion. And third, it imparts a beautiful, flavorful patina that will only get better with time. Think of it like a cast iron skillet – the more you use it and season it, the better it gets. So, how do you season a Blackstone, you ask? Well, it's a pretty straightforward process, but it does take a little time and patience. The first step is to give the griddle top a good cleaning. I used some hot, soapy water and a scrub brush to remove any manufacturing oils or debris. Make sure you rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely. Water is the enemy of a seasoned griddle, so get it bone dry. Next, you'll need some high-heat cooking oil. I used flaxseed oil for my first seasoning, as it's known for creating a hard, durable finish. However, you can also use other oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or even Blackstone's own seasoning conditioner. The key is to use a very thin layer of oil. I poured a small amount of oil onto the griddle and then used a lint-free cloth to spread it around, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Then, I wiped it off again with a clean cloth, as if I was trying to remove all the oil. This is important – you want a very thin layer, not a puddle. Now comes the fun part: firing up the griddle! I turned all the burners to high and let the oil heat up until it started to smoke. Once it started smoking, I let it go for about 15-20 minutes, until the smoking subsided and the griddle top started to darken. Then, I turned off the burners and let the griddle cool completely. I repeated this process about 3-4 times, each time applying a thin layer of oil and heating it until it smoked. With each layer, the griddle top will become darker and more non-stick. It's a labor of love, but trust me, it's worth it! A well-seasoned Blackstone is a thing of beauty, and it will make your cooking experience so much more enjoyable. You'll know you've done a good job when the surface is smooth, dark, and slightly glossy. Now, it's time to cook!

My First Blackstone Meal: Smash Burgers and Grilled Onions

Alright, guys, the moment of truth had arrived! After all that seasoning, I was itching to cook something on my new Blackstone. I decided to start with something classic and relatively simple: smash burgers and grilled onions. I figured this would be a great way to test out the griddle's heat distribution and non-stick capabilities. Plus, who doesn't love a good smash burger? I started by prepping my ingredients. I had some 80/20 ground beef, which is ideal for smash burgers because of its high-fat content. The fat renders out and helps to create that crispy, caramelized crust that we all crave. I also sliced up some onions, got my favorite burger buns ready, and gathered my condiments. The key to great smash burgers is to use cold beef and to handle it as little as possible. I formed the ground beef into loose balls, about 4 ounces each, and placed them in the fridge until I was ready to cook. For the grilled onions, I simply sliced them thinly and tossed them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. With the Blackstone preheated to medium-high heat, I added the onions to one side of the griddle. The Blackstone heats up incredibly quickly and evenly, which is one of its biggest advantages over a regular grill. As the onions were sizzling away, I grabbed my burger balls and placed them on the hot griddle. Then came the fun part: smashing! Using a sturdy metal spatula, I pressed down firmly on each burger ball, smashing it into a thin patty. The sound of the beef searing on the hot griddle was music to my ears. I let the burgers cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they developed a beautiful, crispy crust. Then, I flipped them and cooked them for another 2-3 minutes, until they were cooked to my desired level of doneness. While the burgers were cooking, I kept an eye on the onions, stirring them occasionally to ensure they were cooking evenly. The Blackstone is fantastic for cooking onions because you can get them nice and caramelized without burning them. Once the burgers were cooked, I topped them with my favorite cheese – cheddar, of course – and let it melt. Then, I piled the grilled onions on top, slid the burgers onto the buns, and added my condiments. The first bite was pure bliss. The burgers were juicy, flavorful, and had that perfect crispy crust. The grilled onions added a touch of sweetness and the melted cheese tied everything together. It was a smash burger masterpiece, if I do say so myself! My first Blackstone meal was a resounding success, and I was already planning my next culinary adventure.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle

Okay, guys, so you've cooked up a storm on your Blackstone, and now it's time to clean up. Don't worry, cleaning a Blackstone is actually pretty easy, especially if you've seasoned it properly. The key is to clean it while it's still warm, but not scorching hot. After I finished cooking my smash burgers, I scraped off any food debris with a metal spatula. Then, I poured a little bit of water onto the griddle surface. The water will sizzle and steam, loosening any remaining bits of food. I used the spatula to scrape the water and debris into the grease trap. Be careful not to use too much water, as you don't want to flood the griddle. Once I had removed all the debris, I dried the griddle surface with a clean cloth or paper towels. Again, it's crucial to get the griddle completely dry to prevent rust. After drying, I applied a thin layer of cooking oil to the surface to protect the seasoning. This is an important step, as it helps to maintain the non-stick finish and prevent rust. I used the same oil I used for seasoning – flaxseed oil – but you can use any high-heat cooking oil. That's it! Cleaning your Blackstone is that simple. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your griddle will stay in great condition for years to come. In addition to regular cleaning, there are a few other things you can do to maintain your Blackstone. If you're not planning on using it for a while, you can apply a heavier coat of oil to the surface and cover it with a griddle cover. This will help to protect it from the elements and prevent rust. You should also check the grease trap regularly and empty it as needed. A full grease trap can be a fire hazard, so it's important to keep it clean. With a little care and attention, your Blackstone griddle will be your trusty cooking companion for many years to come. It's an investment in delicious meals and memorable grilling experiences. Trust me, guys, you won't regret it!

Final Thoughts: My Blackstone Griddle Obsession Begins

So, guys, that was my first Blackstone experience! I have to say, I'm completely hooked. From the initial setup and seasoning to cooking those amazing smash burgers, the whole process was incredibly satisfying. The Blackstone is such a versatile piece of cooking equipment. I can't wait to experiment with different recipes and techniques. I'm already planning my next griddle feast, maybe some breakfast tacos or a big stir-fry. The possibilities are endless! If you're thinking about getting a Blackstone griddle, I highly recommend it. It's a fantastic way to cook outdoors, and it's so much fun. Plus, the food tastes amazing! Just remember to take the time to season it properly and clean it regularly, and your Blackstone will reward you with years of delicious meals. I hope my experience has inspired you to embark on your own Blackstone adventure. Get out there, fire up the griddle, and start cooking! And don't forget to share your creations with me. I'm always looking for new ideas and inspiration. Happy griddling, guys!