Easy Blackstone Griddle Dinner Recipes for Weeknights

Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Do you crave restaurant-quality meals without the hefty price tag or the hassle of extensive cleanup? Cooking dinner on a Blackstone griddle can revolutionize your culinary experience, offering speed, versatility, and incredible flavor. It’s not just about grilling; it’s about creating a complete, delicious meal with minimal fuss. However, many home cooks are hesitant, unsure where to start or worried about achieving those perfect sear marks and evenly cooked dishes. Common concerns include managing the heat, avoiding sticking, and selecting the right recipes for a griddle.

Blackstone griddles offer a vast cooking surface, rapid and consistent heat distribution, and remarkable versatility, enabling the preparation of diverse dishes from smash burgers to stir-fries, all while simplifying cleanup.

This comprehensive guide will unlock the secrets to mastering Blackstone griddle dinners. You’ll discover the incredible advantages of this cooking method, explore a variety of easy and healthy recipes, and find answers to frequently asked questions. Get ready to transform your weeknight meals and impress your friends and family with your newfound griddle skills! We’ll also cover trending recipes and techniques found in current Blackstone communities.

Key Facts:
* Even Heat Distribution: Blackstone griddles are known for their superior heat distribution, eliminating hot spots and ensuring consistently cooked food.
* Large Cooking Surface: The expansive surface area allows you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, perfect for families or entertaining.
* Versatility: Blackstone griddles can handle everything from breakfast pancakes to dinner steaks, making them incredibly versatile.
* Easy Cleanup: The smooth, seasoned surface is remarkably easy to clean, often requiring just a quick scrape and wipe.
* Outdoor Cooking: Blackstone Griddles are perfect for cooking on game days, tailgating, or camping, as mentioned by Fresh Off The Grid.

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

The Blackstone griddle offers even heat distribution, a large cooking surface for multiple ingredients, and faster cooking times, making it ideal for weeknight dinners and large gatherings. It also simplifies cleanup compared to traditional grills. Blackstone cooking is not only efficient but also enhances the flavors of your food, bringing a unique outdoor cooking experience to your home.

Space and Efficiency

Blackstone griddles are game-changers when it comes to space and efficiency. The large cooking surface allows you to prepare multiple dishes at once.

• Cook Multiple Items Simultaneously: You can easily cook your protein, vegetables, and even sides like potatoes all at the same time.
• Batch Cooking: Ideal for meal prepping, allowing you to cook large quantities of food for the week ahead.
• Surface Area: Blackstone griddles come in various sizes, but even the smaller models offer ample space compared to traditional pans. For example, a 28-inch griddle can comfortably fit up to 18 burgers or 12 steaks.
• Time Savings: Efficient use of space leads to less time in the kitchen.

Versatility in Cooking

One of the biggest draws of a Blackstone griddle is its versatility. It’s not just for burgers and steaks; you can cook almost anything on it!

You can prepare dishes from various cuisines, experimenting with different cooking techniques like searing, sautéing, and even baking. This versatility means you can make breakfast, lunch, and dinner – all on your Blackstone. For instance, you can start your day with pancakes and bacon, make grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, and finish with a delicious steak and vegetable stir-fry for dinner.

What Are Some Easy Blackstone Griddle Dinner Recipes?

Easy Blackstone griddle dinner recipes include smash burgers, chicken fajitas, fried rice, steak and veggies, and Philly cheesesteaks. These recipes are quick, require minimal ingredients, and are perfect for weeknight meals. These beginner-friendly options are perfect for getting started with your Blackstone.

Blackstone Smash Burgers

Smash burgers are a Blackstone classic – juicy, flavorful, and quick to cook.

1. Prepare the Patties: Form 3-4 oz balls of 80/20 ground beef. Do not overwork the meat.
2. Preheat the Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone to medium-high heat.
3. Smash the Burgers: Place the beef balls on the griddle and, using a sturdy spatula or burger press, smash them down to about ¼ inch thickness.
4. Season: Season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite burger seasoning.
5. Cook: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Add Cheese: Add your choice of cheese (American or Cheddar are popular) during the last minute of cooking.
7. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast brioche buns on the griddle.
8. Assemble: Place the cooked patties on the toasted buns and add your favorite toppings.

Chicken Fajitas on the Blackstone

These fajitas are a crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to make on the griddle.

1. Marinate the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts or thighs into strips and marinate in fajita seasoning for at least 30 minutes. You can find pre-made seasoning or create your own blend.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice bell peppers (various colors for visual appeal) and onions into strips.
3. Preheat the Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone to medium-high heat.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cook the marinated chicken on the griddle until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced peppers and onions to the griddle and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Combine: Combine the cooked chicken and vegetables on the griddle.
7. Warm the Tortillas: Warm flour tortillas on the griddle.
8. Serve: Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings (sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese).

Blackstone Fried Rice

Fried rice is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and create a complete meal.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: You’ll need day-old cooked rice (cold rice works best), eggs, soy sauce, and your choice of vegetables (peas, carrots, onions are common) and protein (shrimp, chicken, steak, or tofu).
2. Preheat the Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone to medium-high heat.
3. Scramble the Eggs: Scramble the eggs on the griddle until fully cooked.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the vegetables to the griddle and sauté until tender-crisp.
5. Add the Rice: Add the cold, cooked rice to the griddle.
6. Add Soy Sauce: Pour soy sauce over the rice and vegetables.
7. Incorporate Protein: Add your cooked protein of choice.
8. Cook Together: Cook everything together, stirring frequently, until heated through.

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Steak and Veggies

A classic combination that’s perfectly suited for the Blackstone.

1. Prepare the Steak: Choose your favorite cut of steak (ribeye or sirloin work well). Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Choose your favorite vegetables (zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms are great options). Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Preheat the Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone to high heat for searing the steak.
4. Sear the Steak: Sear the seasoned steaks for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust cooking time depending on your preferred doneness.
5. Grill the Vegetables: Add the vegetables to the griddle and cook until tender-crisp. You can add a little oil or butter for flavor.

Blackstone Philly Cheesesteaks

This iconic sandwich is even better when made on a Blackstone.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: You’ll need thinly sliced ribeye steak, hoagie rolls, and provolone cheese. You can also add bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
2. Preheat the Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone to medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Steak: Cook the sliced ribeye on the griddle until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Sauté Vegetables (Optional): If using, sauté sliced peppers, onions, and mushrooms on the griddle until softened.
5. Combine: Combine the cooked steak and vegetables.
6. Add Cheese: Top the mixture with provolone cheese slices.
7. Toast the Rolls: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls on the griddle.
8. Serve: Scoop the cheesesteak mixture onto the toasted rolls.

Garlic Butter Shrimp on the Blackstone

This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: You’ll need large shrimp (peeled and deveined), garlic, butter, lemon juice, and parsley.
2. Preheat the Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone to medium heat.
3. Melt the Butter: Melt butter on the griddle and add minced garlic.
4. Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the garlic butter and cook until pink and cooked through, about 4 minutes total.
5. Finish: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

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What are Some Healthy Blackstone Griddle Dinner Options?

Healthy Blackstone griddle dinner options include grilled chicken and vegetables, salmon with asparagus, shrimp stir-fry with brown rice, and lean turkey burgers with lettuce wraps. These choices emphasize lean proteins, plenty of vegetables, and healthy fats. You can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor.

Marinated Chicken Tenders with Fajita Veggies

This dish is a healthy and flavorful option, combining lean protein with nutrient-rich vegetables.

Key Ingredients:
* Chicken Breast: A great source of lean protein.
* Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A and C.
* Onions: Contain antioxidants and beneficial compounds.
* Marinade (Low-sodium options): Use a marinade with olive oil, lime juice, and herbs for a healthy and flavorful boost.

FAQs About Blackstone Griddle Recipes Dinners:

What to cook on a Blackstone griddle for dinner?

You can cook almost anything on a Blackstone for dinner! Popular choices include smash burgers, fajitas, fried rice, steak and veggies, Philly cheesesteaks, and grilled fish. The versatility of the griddle allows for endless dinner possibilities.

What not to do on a Blackstone griddle?

Avoid using metal utensils that can scratch the surface, and don’t use abrasive cleaners. Also, avoid overcrowding the griddle, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

What foods are best cooked on a griddle?

Foods that benefit from high, even heat are best cooked on a griddle, such as burgers, steaks, pancakes, eggs, and stir-fries. Research from the USDA supports this.

Do you put oil down every time you cook on Blackstone?

It’s generally recommended to add a thin layer of oil before cooking on a Blackstone to prevent sticking and help with heat distribution. However, the amount of oil needed may vary depending on the food being cooked.

Can I cook frozen food on a Blackstone Griddle?

Yes, you can cook frozen food on a Blackstone, but it’s essential to adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly. Thawing food before cooking is generally recommended for more even cooking, but thinner frozen items like burger patties can cook well from frozen.

How do I clean my Blackstone griddle after cooking dinner?

Clean your Blackstone while it’s still warm. Scrape off any food debris with a metal spatula, then wipe the surface with a paper towel or cloth. For tougher messes, use a Blackstone cleaning kit or a mixture of water and mild dish soap.

What is the best temperature for cooking steak on a Blackstone?

The best temperature for cooking steak on a Blackstone is high heat (around 450-500°F) to achieve a good sear. According to Certified Angus Beef, a high temperature is key for a delicious crust.

Can I use metal utensils on my Blackstone griddle?

While the Blackstone surface is durable, it’s best to use silicone or wooden utensils to avoid scratching the seasoning. Metal utensils can be used with care, but avoid scraping aggressively.

How do I prevent food from sticking to my Blackstone griddle?

Ensure the griddle is properly seasoned and preheated before adding food. Use a thin layer of oil, and avoid moving the food too early, allowing it to develop a sear before flipping.

What are some good Blackstone griddle accessories for cooking dinner?

Useful accessories include a good quality spatula, a scraper, a thermometer, a melting dome (for melting cheese), and a squeeze bottle for oil.

Summary:

Cooking dinner on a Blackstone griddle is easy, efficient, and versatile. With recipes ranging from smash burgers to healthy grilled options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This cooking method offers numerous advantages, including even heat distribution, a large cooking surface, and simplified cleanup. Embrace the Blackstone and transform your dinner routine! What will you create on your Blackstone tonight? Share your favorite Blackstone recipes in the comments below!