Now, if you’re like me, you’ve got a Blackstone griddle waiting in your backyard, gleaming under the sun, ready to cook up a storm.

But before we ignite those burners and let the sizzle begin, there’s a small yet significant detail to talk about: those mysterious Blackstone squirt bottles.

Fast Facts: Blackstone bottles are designed for convenience and precision in griddle cooking, typically filled with oils or water. They allow for easy application of oil for seasoning the griddle, ensuring even cooking, and water for steam cooking or cleaning, enhancing both flavor and griddle maintenance.

Why Blackstone Bottles Are Your Griddle’s Best Friends

When I first got my hands on my very own Blackstone griddle, I was like a kid with a shiny new toy. I couldn’t wait to throw on some steaks and flip some fluffy pancakes.

But I quickly realized that mastering the art of griddle cooking involves more than just food and flames – it’s about technique. And that’s where Blackstone bottles come to play.

In this post, I’m going to spill the beans on what goes into those bottles and share some personal stories about how these simple tools have elevated my griddle game.

H2O: The Griddler’s Secret Weapon

The first weapon in my Blackstone bottle arsenal is none other than good ol’ H2O.

Water for Cleaning

A water bottle is indispensable for cleaning your Blackstone griddle between batches of food or even amidst cooking. Just a quick squirt and a scrape, you can say goodbye to the remnants of your previous dish, preventing flavors from mingling unwelcomely.

Water for Steam Cooking

Moreover, water is your ally when you want to add a touch of steam to your cooking. I remember the first time I decided to steam some vegetables on the griddle. A dash of water followed by a dome cover, and voila! Gorgeous, brightly colored, perfectly cooked veggies emerged, with a little smoky griddle kiss.

The Oils That Make Griddling Glorious

There is more to the bottles than a simple answer like “oil”. In fact, it goes deeper than you would think, but for simplicity purposes, lets look at the most obvious.

High Smoke Point Oils for Seasoning

When it comes to oils, I learned the hard way that not just any oil can take the heat. For seasoning my Blackstone, I stick to oils with high smoke points, like canola, vegetable, or flaxseed oil. These are perfect for that initial seasoning layer that protects your griddle and builds up a non-stick surface over time.

Flavored Oils for Cooking

For cooking, I favor a more flavorful approach. Depending on what’s on the menu, I might reach for a bottle of extra virgin olive oil for my Mediterranean dishes or sesame oil to bring an Asian touch. These oils not only prevent foods from sticking but also infuse them with aromatic goodness.

Sauces to Enhance Every Griddle Creation

Homemade Marinades and Sauces

Blackstone bottles are not just for cleaning and oiling; they house my homemade marinades and sauces. Whether it’s a zesty barbecue sauce for my ribs, a tangy buffalo concoction for wings, or a luscious garlic butter for seafood, these bottles keep my secret weapons within arm’s reach. They allow for easy, controlled dispersing, making sure every piece of food is evenly coated in flavor town.

Vinegars for Zing

Then there’s the world of vinegar. A squirt of balsamic can finish off a griddle salad with a flourish, while apple cider vinegar can tenderize and perk up a cut of pork. Oh, the power in these bottles!

Liquids for Sipping and Savoring

Broths and Stocks

I’ve discovered that keeping a bottle filled with chicken or vegetable broth handy can be a game-changer. Not only can you use it to deglaze the griddle, but you can also use it to prep a quick side dish like rice or quinoa right there on the flat top. This versatility is one of the reasons why griddle cooking has become my obsession.

Beer and Wine

Believe it or not, a squirt of beer or wine from your Blackstone bottle while griddling can add a whole new dimension to your food. I’ve de-glazed bratwurst with beer and simmered shrimp in white wine, leading to some of the most mouthwatering dishes I’ve ever made. Plus, a swig for the chef makes the outdoor cooking experience all the more enjoyable!

Sweet Additions for Delicious Twists

Syrups and Honey

For those sweet-toothed griddle enthusiasts, fill a bottle with maple syrup or honey and you’ve got instant access to a sweet glaze or pancake topping. The control you get from these bottles allows you to create picture-perfect dishes that taste as good they look.

Liquid Sugars

And for the mixologists out there, a liquid sugar or simple syrup bottle can come in handy for sweetening up those outdoor cocktails or for a sweet glaze on fruit.

Putting It Into Practice: Blackstone Cooking Stories

The Great Burgerscapade

One of the funniest yet educational mishaps I had with my Blackstone bottles involved a backyard burger blowout. In my eagerness to serve up the juiciest burgers on the block, I got my bottles mixed up and squirted apple cider vinegar onto my patties instead of the oil. While expecting a sizzle, I got a hiss and an unexpected burst of tang. It was a misstep that turned into a culinary twist; the burgers had a subtle zing that my guests loved!

Sunday Morning Pancake Perfection

Then there was the Sunday morning where I wanted to impress my family with perfect pancakes. I armed myself with a bottle of batter, another with butter, and a third with maple syrup. The control I had over the amount of batter poured led to uniformly sized pancakes, and the butter bottle provided a quick way to grease the griddle in between batches. The syrup bottle? Well, that was the icing on the cake – or, rather, the pancake.

In these adventures and countless others, my Blackstone bottles have been more than mere containers. They’re the trusty sidekicks that every griddle master needs. What I’ve shared here are just a few ideas to get you started. But the true beauty lies in the experimentation and the personal touch you bring to your backyard cooking sessions.

Blackstone Bottle Tips and Tricks

Here’s a few tips to keep your bottles performing at their best:

• Always label your bottles to avoid any cooking “surprises.”
• Clean your bottles thoroughly after use, especially when switching liquids.
• If you’re storing sauces or marinades, keep them refrigerated to ensure they don’t spoil.

Final Thoughts

To wrap up, what goes into your Blackstone bottles can be as diverse as your imagination and your palate dare. From the staples like water and oil to the creative like marinades and wines, these bottles empower you to explore new culinary heights.

Griddling is about more than just food; it’s an experience – one that’s enhanced by the tools you choose to use. And trust me, when you’ve got your Blackstone bottles by your side, filled with the magic potions of griddling, you’ll not only turn out some seriously scrumptious food, but you’ll also enjoy every flip, sizzle, and squirt along the way.