Discover the best oil for griddle cooking and other oils that are perfect for cooking tasty griddle meals.
Key Takeaways:
Griddle cooking is a versatile way to prepare delicious meals — whether you're making pancakes on a lazy Sunday morning, sizzling burgers for a backyard BBQ, or whipping up a stir-fry for dinner!
It’s popular with families, food lovers, and home cooks who want to prepare meals quickly. One key element to griddle cooking success is choosing the right oil. Oil not only helps prevent food from sticking but also enhances flavor, promotes even cooking, and can affect the texture of your dishes.
If you're a beginner, picking the right oil can be tricky, but this article will guide you to make the best choice.
When choosing an oil for griddle cooking, the oil’s smoke point is the most important factor to consider. This is the temperature at which the oil begins to burn and produce smoke. If you exceed this temperature, not only can the oil impart a burnt taste to your food, but it can also release harmful compounds.
Algae oil’s high smoke point of 535°F makes it perfect for cooking a wide range of dishes on the griddle. You can use it for everything from crispy, golden pancakes and eggs to juicy burgers and stir-fried vegetables. Its neutral flavor allows the natural flavors of your food to shine.
For a sweet twist, algae oil can also be used to cook French toast, waffle batter, or even to fry up a batch of cinnamon rolls with a perfect golden finish!
Here’s why algae oil is a top contender for your griddle:
Algae oil has an impressive ability to handle high heat without breaking down. With a smoke point of around 535°F, it's 125°F higher than olive oil. This means algae oil can withstand much hotter temperatures before it begins to burn.
Moreover, algae oil is five times more stable than avocado oil in terms of oxidation. This means it resists breaking down and producing harmful compounds during cooking, which helps maintain the oil’s quality ❶.
Another key advantage of algae oil is its neutral flavor. In contrast, oils like olive oil and coconut oil have strong, distinctive flavors that can influence the flavor profile of the food you're preparing. For example, olive oil often adds a fruity or peppery taste, while coconut oil can impart a slightly sweet or tropical flavor.
Plus, algae oil gives food a smooth and rich texture without leaving a greasy or oily feeling in your mouth, unlike some other oils. It makes the food feel satisfying but not heavy or coated with oil.
Algae cooking oil is considered “clean” for several reasons.
It’s seed oil-free, meaning algae oil doesn't come from seeds like sunflower, soybean, or canola. This can be a benefit for those avoiding seed oils due to concerns about their processing methods. Many seed oils undergo a refining process that includes bleaching and deodorizing, which improves taste, color, and shelf life but also removes beneficial antioxidants like vitamin E and phenols ❷.
The absence of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide in conventional farming, contributes to algae oil’s “clean” profile. Being free from glyphosate means algae oil is less likely to contain harmful chemical residues, which helps ensure a safer product for consumers ❸.
Algae oil is also also considered “clean” because it’s made through fermentation, not farming. This means it doesn’t use pesticides or fertilizers, which can leave harmful chemicals behind. Because of this, algae oil is more environmentally friendly!
There are other oils that can also work well, depending on your needs and flavor preferences. Here is a list of a few other popular oils with their respective smoke points:
Despite their high smoke points, it’s important to consider each oil’s health effects and the unique flavors they bring to your food. But if you’re looking for a balance of high heat tolerance, health benefits, and a neutral flavor profile, algae oil is an ideal choice.
Choosing the right oil is key for griddle cooking. While avocado oil, clarified butter, and coconut oil are good options, algae oil stands out with its high smoke point! Plus, it’s clean and has a neutral flavor.
Try Algae Cooking Club’s chef-grade algae oil and discover how this premium oil can make a difference in your griddle-cooked meals.
Tiffany Joy Yamut is a registered nurse with a focus on health and wellness. With over 10 years of writing experience, she combines her expertise in diet and nutrition coaching to help others adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced eating habits. A foodie at heart, Tiffany believes that food is essential to feeling your best.
