How To Season An Outdoor Griddle – In 6 Steps

Outdoor griddles are the perfect addition to your backyard cooking arsenal, providing a versatile and delicious way to whip up everything from pancakes and burgers to stir-fries and fajitas.

There’s one crucial step that can make all the difference – seasoning your outdoor griddle. Just like breaking in a new pair of shoes or seasoning a cast iron skillet, this process is essential for ensuring optimal performance and prolonging the life of your trusty cooking surface.

To season an outdoor griddle, first clean it well. Then, spread a thin layer of oil like vegetable or flaxseed oil all over the surface. Heat the griddle on medium-high for 20-30 minutes. Let it cool completely, and repeat if needed. This creates a protective layer and prevents rust. Regular seasoning keeps your griddle in good shape and makes cooking easier.

Let’s dive into our guide on how to season an outdoor griddle in six simple steps. Get ready to unlock those tantalizing flavors and become the master chef of your own backyard!

Why Seasoning Is Important For Outdoor Griddles

Seasoning your outdoor griddle is essential for better cooking and durability. It creates a protective layer, making it easier to clean and prevents food from sticking. This means you can cook delicate items like eggs without worry. Seasoning also ensures even heat distribution, preventing hot spots for more consistent cooking. Plus, it helps prevent rust, extending the life of your griddle. Don’t forget this step before cooking!

How To Season An Outdoor Griddle – Steps

Step 1: Clean The Griddle

Before seasoning your outdoor griddle, it’s crucial to start with a thorough cleaning. This sets the stage for a perfectly seasoned surface.

• To clean your griddle, use a grill scraper or spatula to remove any food residue or debris. Pay special attention to stubborn bits that could affect the seasoning process. 
• Wash the surface with warm soapy water and a sponge or cloth to eliminate grease or oil buildup.
• After cleaning, rinse the griddle with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a towel, ensuring no soap residue remains.

Maintaining cleanliness is essential for effective seasoning. A clean surface allows for better oil adhesion and results in a more even and durable seasoning layer.

With a sparkling clean griddle, you’re ready to move on to step two: heating up the griddle!

Step 2: Heat Up The Griddle

After cleaning your outdoor griddle, it’s time to heat it up to prepare for seasoning. This step is essential for opening up the griddle’s pores, allowing the oil or seasoning mix to penetrate deeply and create a non-stick surface.

• Start by turning on your outdoor griddle and setting it to high heat. Let it preheat for about 10-15 minutes until it reaches around 400°F (204°C). This ensures any remaining moisture evaporates completely.
• During heating, you may notice some smoke or odors, which is normal. Ensure proper ventilation by cooking outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• Once the griddle reaches the desired temperature, use a grill brush or scraper to remove any remaining debris from the surface, ensuring a clean foundation for seasoning.

Properly heating your griddle is crucial for achieving a perfectly seasoned surface, enhancing your cooking experience, and extending the lifespan of your outdoor appliance. Take your time with this step to let the temperatures rise before proceeding.

Step 3: Apply Oil or Seasoning Mix

Now that your griddle is clean and heated, it’s time to apply the oil or seasoning mix. This step is crucial for creating a non-stick surface on your outdoor griddle.

• For oil, opt for high smoke point options like vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil to avoid unwanted flavors on your food.
• If you prefer a seasoning mix, many options are available, typically containing salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices to enhance flavor.
• To apply, pour the oil or seasoning mix onto the heated griddle surface and spread it evenly with a paper towel or heat-resistant brush. Avoid letting excess pool in one spot for even seasoning.
• Allow the griddle to continue heating for another 15-20 minutes to bond the oils and seasonings with the metal surface.

Repeat this step as needed for optimal results, understanding that practice improves technique.

Step 4: Spread the Oil/Seasoning Mix Evenly

Once you’ve applied the oil or seasoning mix onto your outdoor griddle, it’s crucial to spread it evenly across the surface. This ensures every inch is properly coated, creating a protective layer.

• Using a heat-resistant brush, spatula, or paper towel, spread the oil or seasoning mix thoroughly over both the cooking surface and sides of the griddle. Use gentle circular motions to distribute it evenly, paying attention to any hotspots where food may cook faster.
• Take your time with this step to create an even layer that prevents food from sticking and promotes consistent cooking.

Remember, proper distribution leads to more consistent results when cooking on your seasoned outdoor griddle.

Step 5: Let It Cool And Reapply If Necessary

After spreading the oil or seasoning mix evenly on your outdoor griddle, allow it to cool down. This step is crucial as cooling helps the seasoning adhere better to the surface.

While it might be tempting to start cooking right away, patience is key. Let the griddle cool thoroughly before proceeding. Use this time to prepare for your cooking or simply relax.

Once the griddle has cooled, assess if another coat of oil or seasoning mix is necessary. Sometimes, one application may not suffice, especially for griddles with deep ridges or grooves that require more coverage.

If you notice any areas with thin or uneven seasoning, don’t hesitate to reapply. It’s better to invest a bit more time now than deal with food sticking later.

Remember, each layer of seasoning contributes to building a non-stick surface, making cooking easier in the long run. Take your time with this step to ensure your outdoor griddle gets the attention it deserves.

Step 6: Maintenance Tips for a Seasoned Outdoor Griddle

Once you’ve seasoned your outdoor griddle, proper maintenance is key to its longevity and performance. Here’s how to keep it in top shape:

• Clean after each use: Use a grill brush or scraper to thoroughly clean the griddle after cooking, removing any food particles or residue.
• Use gentle cleaning agents: Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can damage the seasoning layer. Stick to mild dish soap and warm water instead.
• Reapply oil as needed: Periodically add a thin layer of oil after cleaning to maintain the griddle’s non-stick surface.
• Store properly: When not in use, store the griddle in a dry place away from moisture and extreme temperatures.
• Check for rust: Regularly inspect the griddle for rust spots. If found, gently remove them with steel wool and reseason those areas before using again.

By following these maintenance tips, your seasoned outdoor griddle will continue to provide delicious meals for years to come!

Conclusion

In conclusion, seasoning your outdoor griddle is a simple yet crucial process that enhances its performance, prevents rust, and ensures delicious cooking results. By following the steps outlined above – cleaning the griddle, heating it up, applying oil or seasoning mix, spreading it evenly, and allowing it to cool – you can create a durable non-stick surface that improves with each use. With proper maintenance and occasional reseasoning, your outdoor griddle will continue to serve you well for many cooking adventures to come. 

FAQs