Mastering the Art of Cooking Perfect Fried Rice on a Blackstone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of spending money on takeout or constantly burning your attempts at making fried rice on the stovetop? Look no further, because today we will be diving into the world of cooking delicious fried rice on a Blackstone griddle. Whether you are a novice or an experienced chef, this article will guide you through the process and equip you with all the necessary skills to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your friends and family. So grab your apron and get ready to master the art of cooking fried rice on a Blackstone!

Fried rice is a popular dish among many cultures, known for its flavorful combination of rice, vegetables, and protein. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit individual taste preferences. While most people cook fried rice on a traditional stovetop, using a Blackstone griddle can elevate the dish to a whole new level. The large cooking surface and even heat distribution make it perfect for creating delicious fried rice with crispy textures and bold flavors. In this guide, we will explore how to cook fried rice on a Blackstone griddle.

Benefits of Cooking Fried Rice on a Blackstone

Using a Blackstone griddle has several advantages when it comes to cooking fried rice. The most significant benefit is the large flat cooking surface that allows for even heat distribution. Unlike traditional stovetops, where the heat source is concentrated in the center, the entire surface of the Blackstone griddle gets hot, ensuring that your fried rice cooks evenly without any cold spots. This also means that you can cook more significant quantities of fried rice at once without worrying about overcrowding or burning.

The other advantage of using a Blackstone griddle is its high heat capabilities. With temperatures reaching up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, you can achieve that signature smoky flavor in your fried rice that is usually found in restaurant versions. The intense heat also ensures that your vegetables and proteins are cooked quickly while retaining their crunchiness.

Another essential benefit is the versatility of the Blackstone griddle. You can make all types of fried rice on it with ease – from classic Chinese-style to spicy Thai or flavorful Indian versions.

Preparing Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking on your Blackstone griddle, it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Fried rice cooks quickly, so having everything at your fingertips will help you create a perfectly balanced dish. The following are the main ingredients you will need for fried rice on a Blackstone griddle:

1. Rice – Fried rice is traditionally made with long-grain rice, but you can use any variety you prefer. Make sure to cook and cool the rice beforehand, preferably a day ahead, to remove excess moisture.

2. Vegetables – You can use any vegetables of your choice for fried rice. Popular options include diced carrots, onions, peas, corn, bell peppers, and green onions.

3. Protein – Fried rice is often made with diced chicken or pork, but you can also use shrimp or tofu as protein sources.

4. Eggs – Beaten eggs are essential for creating the characteristic scramble in fried rice.

5. Seasonings – Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and garlic are standard seasonings used in fried rice for their savory and umami flavors.

Steps to Cook Fried Rice on a Blackstone

Now that your ingredients are ready let’s dive into the steps of cooking fried rice on a Blackstone griddle:

Step 1: Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (around 375 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s essential to preheat the griddle to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add some oil (canola or peanut oil works best) to the griddle and spread it evenly using a spatula or brush.

Step 3: Once the oil is hot (it should shimmer), add chopped vegetables (excluding green onions) to the griddle and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 4: Push the vegetables aside on one side of the griddle and add your protein (diced chicken or pork). Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 5-6 minutes).

Step 5: On the other side of the griddle, add beaten eggs and scramble them until they are lightly cooked.

Step 6: Once the protein and eggs are cooked, mix them with the vegetables on the griddle.

Step 7: Add cooked and cooled rice to the griddle and carefully mix it with the vegetables, protein, and eggs.

Step 8: Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the fried rice mixture. These sauces add savory flavors and also give that signature dark color to fried rice.

Step 9: Using two spatulas or a spatula and a fork, mix all ingredients together until well combined.

Step 10: Continue stirring occasionally for another 5-6 minutes. This will help to distribute heat evenly and allow all ingredients to cook thoroughly.

Tips for Perfect Fried Rice on a Blackstone

1. Use a non-stick griddle – This will help prevent your ingredients from sticking and ensure easy flipping.

2. Cook meat first – It’s best to cook your meat first on one side of the griddle before adding any other ingredients. This will give it enough space to brown without overcrowding.

3. Use day-old rice – As mentioned earlier, using cooled rice that is at

Ingredients Required

Fried rice is a popular dish enjoyed by people all over the world. While it may seem simple, there are a few key ingredients that are essential to making delicious fried rice on a Blackstone griddle. These include white rice, vegetables, proteins, and seasonings.

First and foremost, you will need white rice. This can be any type of long grain or jasmine rice. Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch. Opt for a high-quality rice for the best results.

Next, you will need vegetables such as carrots, peas, onions, and bell peppers. These add color, texture, and flavor to your dish. It is important to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly on the griddle.

For proteins, you can choose from chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu. Cut the protein into bite-sized pieces before cooking them on the Blackstone griddle. This ensures they are cooked through and evenly distributed throughout the fried rice.

Lastly, seasonings are crucial for adding flavor to your dish. Soy sauce is a must-have ingredient for its umami flavor. You can also use oyster sauce, sesame oil or chili paste for added taste.

Preparing the Blackstone Griddle

Before you start cooking your fried rice on a Blackstone griddle, it is important to make sure it is properly prepared. Follow these steps for optimal results:

1) Preheat your griddle by turning all burners to high heat.
2) Once heated up (around 10-15 minutes), turn off one side of burners and lower others to medium heat.
3) Drizzle some oil on the griddle surface and spread it out evenly using paper towels.
4) Let the oil heat up for a minute before adding any ingredients.

The key here is to create two temperature zones – one for high heat and one for medium heat. This will help prevent the rice from burning while allowing it to cook evenly.

Cooking the Fried Rice

Now that your griddle is properly prepared, it’s time to start cooking your fried rice. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook fried rice on a Blackstone griddle:

1) Begin by cooking your vegetable of choice. Start with hard vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, then add in softer ones like peas and onions.
2) Once the vegetables are cooked, push them to one side of the griddle.
3) Add in your protein next and cook until fully cooked through.
4) Push the protein to the same side as the vegetables.
5) Add in your cooked rice to the empty side of the griddle.
6) Let the rice sit for a few minutes to allow it to crisp up before stirring it around.
7) Once the rice is evenly heated, mix in the vegetables and protein.
8) Add in seasonings of your choice (soy sauce, oyster sauce, etc.) and continue stirring until everything is well combined.

Note: It is important not to overcrowd the griddle. Cook each ingredient separately and combine them later on for best results.

Tips for Perfect Fried Rice

While cooking fried rice on a Blackstone griddle may seem straightforward, there are a few tips that can take your dish from good to great:

– Use day-old rice: Using leftover cooked white rice will produce better results than freshly cooked rice. This is because older rice has less moisture, making it easier to crisp up on the griddle.

– Use high-quality ingredients: As mentioned earlier, using high-quality ingredients will give you better-tasting fried rice. Fresh vegetables and good quality proteins make all the difference.

– Keep it moving: Stirring constantly while cooking helps to prevent sticking and evenly distributes ingredients and seasonings throughout the dish.

– Don’t be afraid of high heat: A hot griddle is key to achieving that delicious crispy texture in fried rice. Just make sure to lower the heat once your ingredients are added to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

Fried rice can be served as a side dish or a main course. It pairs well with Asian dishes like stir-fries, teriyaki chicken, or sesame beef. It can also be served as a standalone dish with some sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for garnish.

For an extra kick of flavor, try topping your fried rice with a fried egg or drizzling it with some sriracha sauce. The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving fried rice!

Clean-Up

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious homemade fried rice, it’s time to clean up your Blackstone griddle. Follow these steps for easy clean-up:

1) While the griddle is still warm but not too hot, use a scraper to remove any leftover food bits.
2) Once cooled down, use hot water and a mild detergent to clean the surface.
3) Rinse off the soap thoroughly and dry with paper towels.

1. What is the ideal heat level for cooking fried rice on a Blackstone?
The best heat level for cooking fried rice on a Blackstone is medium-high. This allows the rice to cook evenly without burning or getting soggy.

2. Can I use any type of oil for cooking fried rice on a Blackstone?
Yes, you can use any type of oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil. Avoid using oils with low smoke points such as olive or sesame oil.

3. How long does it take to cook fried rice on a Blackstone?
It usually takes about 10-15 minutes to cook fried rice on a Blackstone. However, this may vary depending on the amount of ingredients being used and the heat level.

4. Do I need to preheat the Blackstone before cooking fried rice?
Yes, it is important to preheat the Blackstone for at least 5-10 minutes before adding any ingredients. This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed and helps in preventing sticking.

5. Should I use freshly cooked or leftover rice for making fried rice on a Blackstone?
Either freshly cooked or leftover rice can be used for making fried rice on a Blackstone. However, using day-old chilled rice will yield better results as it has less moisture and helps in preventing a soggy texture.

6. How do I prevent my fried rice from sticking to the Blackstone?
To prevent sticking, make sure to preheat the Blackstone and add your desired oil before adding any ingredients. Also, constantly stir the ingredients while cooking to avoid any burning or sticking.

In conclusion, cooking fried rice on a Blackstone griddle may seem intimidating at first, but with the right techniques and tools, anyone can create a delicious dish that rivals any restaurant. By following the steps of properly preheating the griddle, preparing the ingredients correctly, and knowing when and how to incorporate them onto the griddle, you can achieve perfectly cooked fried rice with an unbeatable texture and flavor.

Additionally, it is essential to remember that using the right type of oil and keeping a close eye on the rice while cooking are crucial factors in achieving success. The use of fresh ingredients, such as vegetables and proteins, not only adds more flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish.

Furthermore, experimenting with different flavors and seasonings allows for endless possibilities and variations of this classic dish. Whether it’s adding a touch of spice or incorporating different meats or grains, you can elevate your fried rice to new levels.

Lastly, cooking fried rice on a Blackstone provides a convenient and efficient way to create a large portion in one go. It is also an excellent option for outdoor gatherings or camping trips where space is limited.

Overall, learning how to cook fried rice on a Blackstone opens up new opportunities for flavorful meals that are easy to make and sure to impress