What To Know
- The amount of oil you need will depend on the size of your pan and the type of food you’re frying.
- Remove the food from the oil and immediately place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Use a Blackstone cleaner and a sponge to clean the surface of the Blackstone.
The Blackstone griddle is a versatile cooking surface, known for its even heat distribution and large cooking area. But did you know you can also use it for deep frying? That’s right, with a few simple tricks and the right equipment, your Blackstone can become your go-to for crispy, golden-brown fried foods. This guide will walk you through the process of how to deep fry on the blackstone, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time.
Setting Up Your Blackstone for Deep Frying
Before you start frying, it’s crucial to prepare your Blackstone for the task. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose the Right Pan: You’ll need a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven that fits comfortably on your Blackstone. Choose a size that allows for ample space around the pan for heat circulation.
2. Heat the Blackstone: Turn your Blackstone on high heat and let it preheat for about 10-15 minutes. This ensures the oil heats up evenly and quickly.
3. Add the Oil: Pour your chosen oil into the pan. The amount of oil you need will depend on the size of your pan and the type of food you’re frying. A general rule of thumb is to fill the pan about halfway.
4. Check the Temperature: Use a deep-frying thermometer to check the oil temperature. Most foods fry best at temperatures between 350°F and 375°F.
Deep-Frying Essentials: The Tools You Need
Having the right tools will make your deep-frying experience much smoother and safer. Here are some essentials:
- Deep-Frying Thermometer: This is crucial for monitoring the oil temperature, ensuring consistent cooking results.
- Spatula or Slotted Spoon: These are essential for safely adding and removing food from the hot oil.
- Wire Mesh Basket: A wire mesh basket helps you safely lower and remove food from the oil, preventing splatters and ensuring even cooking.
- Paper Towels: Have paper towels on hand to absorb excess oil from the fried food.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows the fried food to drain and cool, preventing soggy results.
Mastering the Deep-Frying Technique
Now that you have your Blackstone preheated and your tools ready, it’s time to learn the art of deep-frying. Here are some key tips:
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Adding too much food to the oil will lower the temperature, resulting in uneven cooking and greasy food. Fry in batches if necessary.
2. Cook Food Until Golden Brown: The food should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, indicating it’s cooked through.
3. Use a Timer: Set a timer to avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry and burnt food.
4. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the food from the oil and immediately place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Deep-Frying on the Blackstone: Food Ideas
The Blackstone is perfect for deep-frying a wide variety of delicious foods. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Crispy French Fries: Cut potatoes into fries and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Then, dry them thoroughly and fry them until golden brown and crispy.
- Chicken Tenders: Marinate chicken tenders in your favorite spices and bread them before frying.
- Onion Rings: Cut onions into rings, dredge them in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, and fry them until crispy.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Dip mozzarella sticks in bread crumbs and fry them until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Doughnuts: Deep-fry homemade or store-bought doughnuts until they are puffed and golden brown.
Cleaning Your Blackstone After Deep-Frying
After you’ve enjoyed your delicious fried food, it’s important to clean your Blackstone properly. Here’s how:
1. Let the Blackstone Cool Down: Allow the Blackstone to cool down completely before cleaning.
2. Remove Excess Oil: Use a paper towel to soak up any remaining oil in the pan.
3. Clean the Pan: Use a Blackstone scraper to remove any food debris from the pan.
4. Clean the Blackstone Surface: Use a Blackstone cleaner and a sponge to clean the surface of the Blackstone.
5. Dry the Blackstone: Wipe the Blackstone surface with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.
The End of the Fry: Beyond the Basics
Deep-frying on the Blackstone is a fun and rewarding experience. By mastering the basics, you can create crispy, delicious fried foods that will impress your family and friends. Remember to experiment with different recipes and techniques to find what works best for you.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: What type of oil is best for deep frying?
A: High-heat oils like canola oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil are ideal for deep frying. These oils have high smoke points and can withstand high temperatures without breaking down.
Q: How do I know if my oil is too hot?
A: If the oil is too hot, it will smoke and the food will burn quickly. If you see smoke, immediately lower the heat.
Q: Can I use the same oil multiple times?
A: It’s generally not recommended to reuse oil for deep frying, as it breaks down and can become contaminated with food particles.
Q: What if my fried food isn’t crispy?
A: If your fried food isn’t crispy, it could be due to overcrowding the pan, not draining excess oil, or not cooking it long enough. Adjust your technique and try again.
Q: Is deep-frying on the Blackstone safe?
A: Deep-frying on the Blackstone is safe as long as you follow proper safety precautions and use the right equipment. Always use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.
