Do You Cook the Rice Before Putting It on the Blackstone? Avoid This Mistake!

If you’re a fan of hibachi-style cooking, chances are you’ve thought about whipping up some delicious fried rice on your Blackstone griddle. But here’s a common question: Do you cook the rice before putting it on the Blackstone? The short answer—yes, you should!

Cooking fried rice on a griddle is all about texture, and using pre-cooked, cooled rice is the key to achieving that signature restaurant-style crispiness. In this guide, we’ll break down the entire process, from prepping the rice to cooking it like a pro. You’ll learn why pre-cooked rice works best, the best types of rice to use, and step-by-step instructions for making perfect Blackstone fried rice.

Ready to elevate your griddle game? Let’s dive in!

The Cooking Process

What is a Blackstone Griddle?

A Blackstone griddle is a flat-top cooking surface designed for even heat distribution, making it perfect for searing meats, vegetables, and, of course, fried rice. Unlike traditional stovetop woks or pans, a griddle provides ample space to cook large batches at once, ensuring each grain of rice gets that perfect caramelized texture.

How Does a Blackstone Griddle Work for Cooking Rice?

When cooking rice on a Blackstone, the key is high, direct heat. The griddle’s broad surface allows you to spread out ingredients evenly, preventing overcrowding and ensuring every bite has that delicious, slightly crispy texture. But here’s the catch—the rice must be pre-cooked and cooled before it touches the griddle.

Using freshly cooked rice can lead to a sticky, clumpy mess. That’s because steaming-hot rice has too much moisture, making it difficult to achieve that light, fluffy consistency we love in fried rice.

The Importance of Cooking Rice Before Frying on a Blackstone

So, do you cook the rice before putting it on the Blackstone? Absolutely! Pre-cooked rice:

• Prevents stickiness – Cooling the rice helps separate the grains.
• Enhances texture – Dry, day-old rice fries better, giving you that perfect chewy bite.
• Absorbs flavors better – Cold rice soaks up soy sauce, oils, and seasonings more effectively.

For best results, cook your rice at least a few hours before frying—ideally, let it sit in the fridge overnight.

Best Types of Rice for Blackstone Fried Rice

Not all rice is created equal! If you want the best results, choose a variety that holds its shape after cooking. Here are some great options:

• Jasmine rice – Light and slightly sticky, perfect for fried rice.
• Long-grain white rice – Stays fluffy and firm.
• Basmati rice – Slightly aromatic and less sticky.
• Brown rice – Adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Avoid short-grain rice or sticky sushi rice, as they tend to clump together too much for fried rice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Rice for Blackstone Cooking

Should You Rinse Rice Before Cooking?

Absolutely! Rinsing rice before cooking removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky. To do this:

1. Place the rice in a bowl and fill it with water.
2. Swirl the rice with your fingers until the water turns cloudy.
3. Drain and repeat until the water is almost clear.

This simple step ensures the grains remain separate, giving you that perfect Blackstone fried rice texture.

How to Cook Rice Properly for Fried Rice

To achieve the best results, follow these cooking guidelines:

• Use the right rice-to-water ratio – Typically, use 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water for long-grain rice.
• Cook with a tight-fitting lid – This traps steam, ensuring even cooking.
• Let it rest – After cooking, let the rice sit for 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

Want more details on making restaurant-quality Blackstone fried rice? Check out this fried rice guide for extra tips.

Official Blackstone Products & Recipes – A great resource for more Blackstone griddle recipes and cooking techniques.

Why Cooling Rice Before Using It on a Blackstone Matters

One of the biggest mistakes when making fried rice is using freshly cooked rice. Do you cook the rice before putting it on the Blackstone? Yes—but you also need to let it cool!

Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture, which can make it mushy when fried. Chilling it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight) dries it out, making it perfect for frying.

How Long Should You Chill Cooked Rice?

For the best results, store your cooked rice in an airtight container and refrigerate it:

• At least 4 hours for a quick meal.
• Overnight (12+ hours) for optimal texture.
• Up to 3 days if meal prepping.

Now that you have properly prepared rice, it’s time to cook it on the griddle!

Cooking Fried Rice on a Blackstone Griddle

Preparing Your Blackstone Griddle for Cooking

Before you start, ensure your Blackstone griddle is clean and properly preheated. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
2. Apply oil – Use a high-smoke-point oil like sesame or avocado oil.
3. Use a griddle spatula – This helps with flipping and mixing ingredients evenly.

Best Oils and Seasonings for Fried Rice

Oil selection is key to achieving the right texture. The best options include:

• Sesame oil – Adds an authentic, nutty flavor.
• Avocado oil – High smoke point and neutral taste.
• Vegetable oil – Commonly used in hibachi cooking.

For seasonings, a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and green onions enhances the flavor. Some chefs also add a splash of oyster sauce or sriracha for extra depth.

Step-by-Step Process to Frying Rice on a Blackstone

Now, let’s cook!

1. Heat oil on the griddle and spread it evenly.
2. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
3. Add chilled rice and break apart any clumps with your spatula.
4. Drizzle soy sauce and seasonings while mixing constantly.
5. Push rice to the side and scramble an egg in the empty space.
6. Combine all ingredients and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.

Tips to Prevent Sticky or Mushy Fried Rice

• Use pre-cooked, chilled rice to avoid clumping.
• Don’t add too much sauce—too much liquid can make the rice soggy.
• Spread the rice evenly on the griddle for better heat distribution.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Rice on a Blackstone

Making fried rice on a Blackstone griddle is simple, but small mistakes can ruin the dish. Avoid these common pitfalls to get that perfect restaurant-style texture.

Using Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Cooled Rice

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is using rice straight from the pot. Do you cook the rice before putting it on the Blackstone? Yes, but it needs to be cooled first! Freshly cooked rice is too moist and can turn mushy when fried. Always chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better.

Skipping the Rinsing Step

Rinsing rice before cooking removes excess starch, which prevents it from becoming too sticky. If you skip this step, you might end up with clumpy fried rice. Take a minute to rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Overcrowding the Griddle with Ingredients

A Blackstone griddle gives you plenty of space to cook, but if you pile on too many ingredients at once, the rice won’t fry properly. Instead, spread the rice evenly across the surface to ensure every grain gets that delicious crispy texture.

Not Controlling Heat Levels Properly

If your griddle is too hot, the rice may burn before it crisps up. If it’s too cool, the rice can turn soggy. Keep the heat at medium-high (375-400°F) and stir often to avoid burning.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you create perfect Blackstone fried rice every time!

Conclusion and Final Tips for Cooking Rice on a Blackstone

Now that you know the best way to prepare and cook rice on a Blackstone griddle, you’re ready to make restaurant-quality fried rice at home!

Do you cook the rice before putting it on the Blackstone? Absolutely! The key to perfect fried rice is using pre-cooked, cooled rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture, which makes it sticky and mushy instead of crispy and flavorful. By following the proper steps—rinsing, cooking, cooling, and frying—you’ll achieve that delicious, slightly crispy texture that makes fried rice so irresistible.

To summarize, here are some final tips for making the best fried rice on a Blackstone:
✅ Use day-old rice – Refrigerating it overnight dries it out, giving it the perfect texture.
✅ Preheat your griddle – Cooking at the right temperature (375-400°F) ensures even frying.
✅ Use the right oil – Sesame oil adds flavor, while avocado or vegetable oil prevents sticking.
✅ Avoid overcrowding – Spreading out the rice helps it fry evenly.
✅ Mix ingredients gradually – This keeps everything well-seasoned and prevents sogginess.

If you’re looking for new flavors to try, consider adding chicken, shrimp, kimchi, or even pineapple for a fun twist!

FAQs: Answering Common Questions from “People Also Ask”

For more Blackstone griddle recipes, check out this detailed fried rice guide for additional tips and variations!

Now, it’s time to fire up your Blackstone griddle and put these tips into action. Happy cooking! 🍳🔥