If you love fried rice but want to take it up a notch, cooking it on a Blackstone griddle is a game-changer. The large, flat surface heats evenly, giving you perfectly cooked rice with a slightly crispy texture and rich flavor every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned griddle master, this step-by-step guide will show you how to make mouthwatering fried rice on your Blackstone that your family and friends will rave about.
Why Use a Blackstone for Fried Rice?
The Blackstone griddle offers a spacious cooking surface that distributes heat evenly, making it ideal for stir-frying rice and ingredients quickly. It allows you to cook everything in one place—vegetables, eggs, protein, and rice—while getting that signature sear and smoky flavor that’s hard to achieve in a regular pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– ½ cup diced onion (white or yellow)
– ½ cup diced bell pepper
– ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions or chives for garnish
– Optional protein: diced chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Blackstone Griddle
Turn on your Blackstone griddle and set it to medium-high heat, around 350°F to 375°F. Let it warm up fully before adding any ingredients. This ensures a nice sear and prevents sticking.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Add a tablespoon of oil and one tablespoon of butter to the hot griddle. Toss in the diced onions, bell peppers, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 4 to 6 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minute to avoid burning.
3. Scramble the Eggs
Push the vegetables to one side of the griddle. Add a little more oil if needed, then pour the beaten eggs onto the griddle. Use your spatula to scramble them quickly until just set, about 10 to 20 seconds. Mix the eggs with the cooked vegetables.
4. Add the Rice
Add the chilled, cooked rice to the griddle. Spread it out and break up any clumps with your spatula. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the rice. Toss everything together well, ensuring the rice is coated with the sauces and heated through. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to get a lightly toasted, slightly crispy texture.
5. Incorporate Protein (Optional)
If you want to add protein like diced chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu, cook it separately on the griddle first, then mix it into the rice and vegetables during this step.
6. Final Touches
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together one last time to blend the flavors. Remove the fried rice from the griddle and garnish with chopped green onions or chives for a fresh finish.
Tips for Perfect Blackstone Fried Rice
– Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky. Day-old rice that’s been refrigerated dries out slightly, making it perfect for frying.
– Prep everything before cooking: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go to keep the cooking process smooth and fast.
– Don’t overcrowd the griddle: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and proper searing.
– Use a good spatula: A flat, sturdy spatula helps with tossing and stirring the rice without breaking it apart too much.
– Adjust heat as needed: If things start to burn, lower the heat slightly to maintain control.
Variations to Try
– Spicy Fried Rice: Add sriracha or chili flakes for a kick.
– Pineapple Fried Rice: Toss in pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.
– Vegetarian: Load up on mushrooms, snap peas, and tofu.
– Garlic Butter Fried Rice: Use extra butter and garlic for a rich flavor.
Making fried rice on your Blackstone griddle is a fun and easy way to create a flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fried rice right at home.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy griddling!