Blackstone griddles are rapidly becoming a backyard staple, and there’s arguably no better way to utilize this versatile cooking appliance than by creating quick and incredibly flavorful Chinese-inspired dishes. Forget takeout menus and delivery fees; with a little know-how, you can easily whip up restaurant-quality Chinese cuisine right in your own backyard. This collection of simple and tasty Chinese food recipes, adapted specifically for the Blackstone griddle, will have you enjoying authentic flavors in no time. Imagine perfectly seared meats, crisp-tender vegetables, and savory sauces, all cooked to perfection on your Blackstone. This article will unlock the secrets to dishes like Chicken Stir-Fry, Beef and Broccoli, Shrimp Fried Rice, and Mongolian Beef. Get ready to fire up your griddle and embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your weeknight meals. So, keep reading to discover these amazing recipes and unleash your inner Blackstone chef!
Understanding the Blackstone for Chinese Cooking
The key to successful Blackstone Chinese food lies in understanding how to leverage the unique capabilities of your griddle. One of the most crucial elements is temperature control. The Blackstone allows you to create distinct heat zones across its surface. Use higher heat for searing proteins and quickly cooking vegetables, mimicking the intense heat of a traditional wok. Lower heat zones are perfect for simmering sauces and keeping cooked ingredients warm while you finish other components of the dish. Mastering this temperature differential is essential for achieving that signature wok hei flavor – the smoky, slightly charred taste that defines authentic Chinese stir-fries.
Seasoning is another vital aspect. A well-seasoned Blackstone griddle provides a naturally non-stick surface, preventing your ingredients from sticking and burning. This is particularly important when working with delicate items like tofu or shrimp. If your Blackstone is relatively new, be sure to season it thoroughly before attempting these recipes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper seasoning. A well-maintained seasoning not only prevents sticking but also contributes to the overall flavor of your dishes, building a rich and complex base over time.
To elevate your Blackstone Chinese cooking experience, having the right tools at your fingertips is crucial. A good set of long metal spatulas or turners is indispensable for flipping ingredients and scraping the griddle surface. Squeeze bottles for sauces are a game-changer, allowing for precise and even distribution of flavors across the cooking surface. Heat-resistant tongs are essential for handling larger pieces of protein or vegetables, ensuring your hands stay safe from the heat. Finally, a robust scraper is necessary for maintaining a clean cooking surface between batches, preventing the buildup of burnt food particles that can negatively impact the flavor of your dishes.
Choosing the right oil is paramount for high-heat cooking. Certain oils perform better than others when subjected to the intense temperatures of a Blackstone griddle. Peanut oil is a classic choice for Chinese cooking, known for its high smoke point and subtle nutty flavor. Vegetable oil and canola oil are also suitable options, offering neutral flavor profiles that won’t overpower the other ingredients in your dishes. However, it’s important to note that some olive oils are not ideal for high-heat cooking due to their lower smoke points. Using an unsuitable oil can lead to unwanted flavors and potentially create unhealthy byproducts. So, stick with high smoke point oils to ensure the best results and a healthy cooking experience.
Core Ingredients in Chinese Cooking (Blackstone Friendly)
No Chinese dish is complete without its signature sauces. These liquid flavor bombs are what elevate the taste profile, adding depth, complexity, and a touch of umami. Soy sauce, both light and dark varieties, is a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine, providing a salty and savory base. Oyster sauce adds a rich, slightly sweet, and intensely savory note, derived from oyster extracts. Hoisin sauce brings a sweet, tangy, and slightly fermented flavor, often used in marinades and glazes. Sesame oil lends a nutty and aromatic touch, typically added towards the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor. Rice vinegar provides a subtle acidity that balances the other flavors. Chili garlic sauce adds a spicy kick and a pungent garlic aroma, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
The protein component of a Chinese dish is equally important, providing substance and flavor. Chicken, especially chicken thighs, is a versatile choice, offering a good balance of flavor and tenderness. Beef, such as steak, flank, or sirloin, is another popular option, providing a rich and satisfying flavor. Pork tenderloin or shoulder are also excellent choices, offering a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to beef. Shrimp is a quick-cooking and flavorful protein, perfect for stir-fries. And for vegetarian options, firm or extra-firm tofu provides a good source of protein and readily absorbs the flavors of the surrounding sauces.
Vegetables are an integral part of any balanced Chinese meal, adding color, texture, and essential nutrients. Broccoli is a classic choice, offering a slightly bitter and earthy flavor. Bell peppers, in various colors, add sweetness and a vibrant visual appeal. Onions provide a savory and aromatic base. Mushrooms contribute an earthy and umami flavor. Carrots add sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Snow peas offer a delicate sweetness and a crisp texture. Bok choy is a leafy green with a mild and slightly peppery flavor. And cabbage provides a subtle sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture.
A starchy element typically completes the meal, providing a source of carbohydrates for energy. Rice, cooked separately or used in fried rice, is a staple in Chinese cuisine. Noodles, such as lo mein, chow mein, or rice noodles, offer a satisfying texture and readily absorb the flavors of the sauces. These starchy components help to create a complete and satisfying meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
Blackstone Chicken Stir-Fry
This classic dish is a surefire hit, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Broccoli florets
Bell pepper, sliced
Onion, sliced
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Garlic, minced
Ginger, minced
Vegetable oil
Instructions:
In a bowl, marinate the chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger.
Heat vegetable oil on the Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken to the griddle and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned.
Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and onion to the griddle and stir-fry until crisp-tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a little water.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir-fry until the sauce thickens.
Serve over rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
Substitute other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Adjust the sauce to your liking by adding more or less soy sauce or oyster sauce.
Blackstone Beef and Broccoli
A restaurant favorite, easily replicated on your Blackstone griddle.
Ingredients:
Flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Broccoli florets
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Brown sugar
Garlic, minced
Ginger, minced
Cornstarch
Vegetable oil
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a bowl, marinate the beef with soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger.
Heat vegetable oil on the Blackstone griddle over high heat.
Add the marinated beef to the griddle and stir-fry until browned.
Add the broccoli to the griddle and stir-fry until crisp-tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and a little water.
Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli and stir-fry until the sauce thickens.
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
Use a different cut of beef, such as sirloin or skirt steak.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar.
Add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for a tangy flavor.
Blackstone Shrimp Fried Rice
A flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal.
Ingredients:
Cooked rice, cooled
Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Eggs, beaten
Peas
Carrots, diced
Onion, diced
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Garlic, minced
Ginger, minced
Vegetable oil
Instructions:
Heat vegetable oil on the Blackstone griddle over medium heat.
Add the beaten eggs to the griddle and cook, scrambling until set. Remove the eggs from the griddle and set aside.
Add more vegetable oil to the griddle and add the shrimp, cooking until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the griddle and set aside.
Add more vegetable oil to the griddle and add the onion, carrots, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until softened.
Add the cooked rice to the griddle and stir-fry until heated through.
Add the scrambled eggs, shrimp, and peas to the griddle and stir-fry until combined.
Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the fried rice and stir-fry until evenly distributed.
Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
Use leftover cooked rice for the best texture.
Add other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or corn.
Substitute the shrimp with chicken, pork, or tofu.
Blackstone Mongolian Beef
A sweet and savory dish with a crispy exterior.
Ingredients:
Flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Cornstarch
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Garlic, minced
Ginger, minced
Vegetable oil
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a bowl, toss the beef with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil on the Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat.
Add the beef to the griddle and stir-fry until browned and crispy.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
Pour the sauce over the beef and stir-fry until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Garnish with green onions and serve over rice.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute the beef with chicken or pork.
Tips for Perfect Blackstone Chinese Food
Preparation is arguably the most important step. Before you even turn on your Blackstone, ensure all your ingredients are chopped, sliced, diced, and measured. This is particularly crucial for stir-fries, where quick cooking times demand that everything is ready to go. Having your sauces pre-mixed and your proteins marinated will streamline the cooking process and ensure that everything cooks evenly and to perfection.
Avoid overcrowding the griddle. When cooking on a Blackstone, it’s tempting to throw everything on at once. However, overcrowding can lower the temperature of the cooking surface, resulting in steamed rather than seared ingredients. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and ensure that each ingredient cooks properly, achieving that desirable char and smoky flavor.
When adding sauces, less is often more. Add sauces gradually, tasting as you go, to avoid a soggy or overly salty dish. It’s always easier to add more sauce than to take it away. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking, allowing the flavors to meld together as you stir-fry.
Constant temperature monitoring is a must. The heat on a Blackstone can fluctuate, so it’s important to keep a close eye on the cooking surface. Adjust the burners as needed to maintain the desired temperature for each stage of the cooking process. Use different heat zones to your advantage, moving ingredients to cooler areas of the griddle to prevent burning while you finish other components of the dish.
Practice cleaning as you go. Keeping your Blackstone clean throughout the cooking process is essential for preventing burnt food particles from affecting the flavor of your dishes. Scrape the griddle between batches with a metal scraper to remove any debris. This will help ensure that each dish tastes fresh and clean, without any unwanted bitterness.
Beyond the Recipes: Experimentation & Customization
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and sauces to create your own unique Blackstone Chinese dishes. Swap out proteins, vegetables, or sauces to tailor the recipes to your personal preferences. Try different combinations of flavors and textures to discover new and exciting dishes. The possibilities are endless!
Consider adapting your family’s favorite Chinese recipes for the Blackstone. Take a classic dish that you love and think about how you can adapt it for griddle cooking. This can be a great way to introduce new flavors and textures to your family’s repertoire, while also making use of your Blackstone griddle.
Explore the world of homemade sauces. While store-bought sauces are convenient, making your own sauces from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Experiment with different combinations of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce to create your own signature flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Using a Blackstone for Chinese cooking offers a unique and exciting way to enjoy authentic flavors in the comfort of your own backyard. The high heat, large cooking surface, and easy cleanup make it the perfect appliance for creating quick, delicious, and customizable meals. The high heat allows for that beautiful wok hei flavor.
So, fire up your Blackstone and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure! Try the recipes in this article, experiment with different ingredients and flavors, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Share your creations with friends and family, and most importantly, have fun! Cooking Chinese food on a Blackstone is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that will transform your weeknight meals and impress your guests. With a little practice, you’ll be a Blackstone Chinese food master in no time!
