Easy Blackstone Griddle Dinner Recipes for Weeknights

Are you tired of the same old boring dinner routine? Do you struggle to find recipes that are both delicious and easy to clean up? Many home cooks find it challenging to cook diverse, flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen and dealing with a mountain of dishes afterward. It can be overwhelming to balance flavor, efficiency, and cleanup, especially on busy weeknights.

To cook fantastic dinners on a Blackstone griddle, focus on recipes that utilize its even heat distribution and large surface area, such as smash burgers, fajitas, and fried rice. These are quick, easy, and minimize cleanup.

Cooking dinner on a Blackstone griddle offers a unique, versatile, and efficient culinary experience. As a culinary enthusiast with years of experience exploring different cooking methods, I’ve found the Blackstone griddle to be a game-changer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of Blackstone griddle dinner recipes, exploring everything from the basics to more advanced techniques. You will discover easy and quick options, gourmet-level creations, tips for maximizing your griddle’s potential, and answers to all your burning questions!

Key Facts:
* Versatility: Blackstone griddles can cook a wide variety of foods, from breakfast items like pancakes and eggs to dinner entrees like steaks and stir-fries.
* Even Heat Distribution: Blackstone griddles are known for their even heat distribution, which helps to prevent hot spots and ensure that food cooks evenly.
* Large Cooking Surface: The large cooking surface of a Blackstone griddle allows you to cook multiple items at once, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.
* Easy to Clean: Blackstone griddles are relatively easy to clean, typically requiring only scraping and a light coat of oil after use.
* Outdoor Cooking: Blackstone griddles are designed for outdoor use, making them a great option for camping, tailgating, and backyard barbecues.

What Are the Benefits of Cooking Dinner on a Blackstone Griddle?

Blackstone griddles offer even heat distribution, a large cooking surface for multiple ingredients, and faster cooking times, making them ideal for preparing a variety of dinner recipes quickly and efficiently. The consistent temperature across the griddle surface ensures that everything from delicate seafood to hearty steaks cooks perfectly.

The Blackstone griddle isn’t just another kitchen appliance; it’s a culinary revolution. Unlike traditional grills, the Blackstone’s flat top surface provides unparalleled versatility. You can cook virtually anything on it, from pancakes and eggs to stir-fries and steaks. This is thanks to the exceptional heat distribution. The heavy-duty steel construction ensures that heat is spread evenly across the entire surface, eliminating hot spots and ensuring consistent results. This is crucial for achieving that perfect sear on a steak or cooking vegetables to tender-crisp perfection.

Another major advantage is the sheer size of the cooking surface. A Blackstone griddle offers ample space to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. Imagine cooking burgers, vegetables, and even toasting buns all at the same time! This not only saves time but also allows flavors to meld together, creating a more complex and satisfying meal. Furthermore, the rapid heating capabilities of the Blackstone, combined with its efficient heat retention, significantly reduces cooking times, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights.

Is a Blackstone Griddle Easy to Clean?

Cleaning a Blackstone griddle is simple: scrape off food debris, wipe down with a paper towel, apply a thin layer of oil, and heat to season. This straightforward process, taking only a few minutes, ensures your griddle remains in top condition and ready for your next culinary adventure.

Cleaning is often the least favorite part of cooking, but the Blackstone makes it surprisingly easy. After cooking, while the griddle is still warm (but not scorching hot), use a metal scraper to remove any stuck-on food particles. Then, wipe the surface clean with paper towels or a dedicated griddle cleaning cloth. Once clean, apply a thin layer of cooking oil (such as canola or vegetable oil) to the entire surface. This helps to protect the griddle from rust and maintain its seasoning. Finally, heat the griddle for a few minutes to allow the oil to polymerize, creating a protective coating. With proper care and maintenance, your Blackstone griddle will last for years.

Can You Cook a Variety of Dinners on a Blackstone?

A Blackstone griddle can cook a wide array of dinners, including smash burgers, chicken fajitas, fried rice, steaks, Philly cheesesteaks, and even seafood like shrimp. Its versatility extends beyond these examples, enabling you to prepare almost any dish you can imagine, from stir-fries to pizzas.

The versatility of the Blackstone is truly remarkable. It’s not just for burgers and hot dogs (although it excels at those!). The large, flat surface is perfect for stir-frying vegetables, searing steaks, cooking delicate fish, and even making pizzas. You can easily create restaurant-quality meals at home. The even heat distribution ensures that everything cooks perfectly, whether you’re sautéing, searing, or grilling. The Blackstone allows for true culinary creativity, allowing you to explore different cuisines and cooking styles with ease.
The following video demonstrates how to make Smash Burgers:

This tutorial video covers forming patties, preparing the griddle, pressing the burgers, proper seasoning, and finally the building/assembly of the burger.

What Are Some Easy Blackstone Griddle Dinner Recipes?

Some easy Blackstone griddle dinner recipes include smash burgers, chicken fajitas, and fried rice, all requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time. These dishes are perfect for beginners and weeknight meals, delivering delicious results with minimal effort.

Let’s start with some simple, yet incredibly satisfying, recipes that are perfect for weeknights or when you’re short on time. These recipes are designed to be beginner-friendly, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation. They’re also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to your liking.

Blackstone Smash Burgers

To make smash burgers on a Blackstone, form ground beef into balls, smash them thin on the hot griddle, season, cook for 2-3 minutes per side, add cheese, and serve on toasted buns. The high heat and flat surface create a beautifully caramelized crust, resulting in a juicy, flavorful burger.

Smash burgers are a Blackstone classic, and for good reason. They’re incredibly quick and easy to make, and the results are phenomenal. Start with high-quality ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended for maximum flavor and juiciness). Form the beef into loosely packed balls, about 3-4 ounces each. Preheat your Blackstone to medium-high heat. Place the beef balls on the hot griddle and, using a sturdy spatula, smash them down into thin patties. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices (garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika work well). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until a nice crust forms. Add a slice of cheese (American, cheddar, or your favorite) during the last minute of cooking. Serve on toasted brioche buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a special sauce.

Blackstone Chicken Fajitas

For Blackstone chicken fajitas, marinate chicken in fajita seasoning, cook on the griddle, add sliced peppers and onions, sauté until tender, and serve with warm tortillas and toppings. This recipe is quick, healthy, and packed with flavor, perfect for a family-friendly meal.

Chicken fajitas are another Blackstone favorite. They’re quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. Start by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips. Marinate the chicken in your favorite fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade) for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight. Preheat your Blackstone to medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the griddle, then add the marinated chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Add sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green, or a mix) and onions to the griddle. Sauté until tender-crisp. Serve the chicken and vegetables with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese.

Blackstone Fried Rice

Blackstone fried rice is made by scrambling eggs, sautéing vegetables, adding cooked rice and soy sauce, then combining everything with your choice of protein. This is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Fried rice is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to add any protein you like (chicken, shrimp, steak, tofu, or even just vegetables). Preheat your Blackstone to medium heat. Add a little oil to the griddle, then scramble some eggs. Remove the eggs and set aside. Add your choice of vegetables (peas, carrots, onions, broccoli, etc.) to the griddle and sauté until tender-crisp. Add the cooked rice (day-old rice works best) to the griddle, along with soy sauce, sesame oil, and any other desired seasonings. Stir to combine. Add the cooked protein and scrambled eggs back to the griddle. Stir everything together until heated through. Serve immediately.

How Do I Cook More Complex Dinners on a Blackstone?

More complex Blackstone dinners include perfectly seared steaks, flavorful Philly cheesesteaks, and delicate garlic butter shrimp, requiring precise temperature control and cooking techniques. These dishes showcase the Blackstone’s versatility, enabling you to create restaurant-quality meals at home.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more complex and impressive dishes. These recipes require a bit more attention to detail and technique, but the results are well worth the effort.

Steak & Veggies on the Blackstone

Sear seasoned steaks on a hot Blackstone for 3-5 minutes per side, then cook vegetables in olive oil or butter while the steak rests. This method ensures a perfectly cooked steak with a flavorful crust and tender, juicy interior, complemented by perfectly cooked vegetables.

The Blackstone is ideal for cooking steaks. The high heat and even heat distribution create a beautiful sear, while the large surface area allows you to cook vegetables alongside the steak. Choose your favorite cut of steak (ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, etc.). Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices (garlic powder, onion powder, etc.). Preheat your Blackstone to high heat. Add a little oil to the griddle, then place the steaks on the hot surface. Sear for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your desired internal temperature. While the steak is resting, add your choice of vegetables (zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, onions, etc.) to the griddle. Cook until tender-crisp. Serve the steak and vegetables immediately. According to research on proper steak doneness, a meat thermometer is vital.

Blackstone Philly Cheesesteaks

Cook thinly sliced ribeye on the Blackstone, sauté vegetables, combine with the steak, top with provolone, and serve on toasted hoagie rolls. This classic sandwich is elevated when cooked on a Blackstone, with the griddle imparting a unique flavor and texture.

Philly cheesesteaks are a classic comfort food, and they’re even better when cooked on a Blackstone. Start with thinly sliced ribeye steak (you can ask your butcher to slice it for you). Preheat your Blackstone to medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the griddle, then add the sliced steak. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Add sliced onions and bell peppers (optional) to the griddle. Sauté until tender-crisp. Combine the steak and vegetables. Top with provolone cheese slices. Allow the cheese to melt. Serve on toasted hoagie rolls.

Blackstone Garlic Butter Shrimp

Melt butter on the Blackstone, add minced garlic, cook shrimp until pink, drizzle with lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve over rice or pasta. This dish is quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, showcasing the Blackstone’s ability to cook delicate seafood perfectly.

Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and easy dish that’s packed with flavor. Preheat your Blackstone to medium heat. Melt butter on the griddle. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the griddle. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or your favorite side dish. You could also make some grilled salmon skewers with cilantro sauce for an additional seafood option.

FAQs About Blackstone Griddle Recipes Dinners:

What to cook on a Blackstone griddle for dinner?
Almost anything! From steaks and burgers to stir-fries, fajitas, and seafood, the Blackstone can handle it all. The possibilities are truly endless.

What not to do on a Blackstone griddle?
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the seasoning. Also, avoid using excessive amounts of liquid, as this can cause the griddle to warp.

What foods are best cooked on a griddle?
Foods that benefit from high heat and even cooking, such as steaks, burgers, vegetables, and pancakes, are best cooked on a griddle.

Do you put oil down every time you cook on Blackstone?
Yes, it’s recommended to apply a thin layer of oil before each use to protect the seasoning and prevent food from sticking. According to Blackstone’s FAQ section, oil after every use.

What are some healthy Blackstone griddle dinner options?
Chicken or shrimp stir-fries, grilled vegetables, and lean protein like fish or chicken breasts are all healthy options.

Can I cook a whole meal on a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, the large cooking surface allows you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

How do I prevent food from sticking to my Blackstone?
Make sure the griddle is properly seasoned and preheated, and use enough oil.

What’s the best way to season a Blackstone griddle?
Apply a thin layer of oil to the entire surface and heat it until it smokes. Repeat this process several times to build up a protective coating.

Can I use metal utensils on my Blackstone?
Yes, metal utensils are safe to use on a Blackstone griddle.

How do I control the temperature on my Blackstone griddle?
Use the control knobs to adjust the heat output of the burners. Practice and experience will help you learn the nuances of temperature control.

Summary:

The Blackstone griddle offers a versatile and efficient way to cook a wide range of dinners, from simple weeknight meals to more elaborate dishes, with easy cleanup and consistent results. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves to cook outdoors, offering unparalleled versatility and convenience.

From quick and easy weeknight meals to gourmet creations, the Blackstone griddle is a versatile and powerful tool for any home cook. By understanding the basics of Blackstone cooking and following these recipes and tips, you can unlock a whole new world of culinary possibilities. We have explored various dinner recipes, covering benefits and answering some frequently asked questions. Do you have a favorite Blackstone Griddle recipe? Share your cooking tips and questions in the comments below!