Can You Use Olive Oil To Season A Grill

Are you fond of making food outdoors on the weekends? Grilling is the ideal way to prepare delicious food outdoors, whether juicy burgers, soft veggies, or succulent chicken. Just like you season your food before grilling, it is crucial to season your grill as well.

Seasoning a grill makes cleaning simpler and aids in preventing food from sticking. But is it possible to season a grill with olive oil? Let’s find out.

Why Seasoning the Grill is Important?

When discussing seasoning a grill, we do not mean adding salt and pepper to the meal. Instead, we are discussing creating a non-stick coating on the grill’s grates. This coating will assist you in preventing food from sticking to the grill. Also, it makes the cooking process smoother.

Can I Use Olive Oil to Season Grill?

Olive oil is a popular cooking oil that offers both a rich flavour and health benefits. Although it might enhance the flavour of your meal, olive oil might not be the ideal option for seasoning a grill.

Seasoning a grill with olive oil involves applying a thin layer of cold olive oil to the grill grates and then heating the grill to allow the oil to polymerize. Olive oil has a low smoke point. Therefore, this technique might result in the oil burning off and releasing smoke, which could give the food a bitter taste.

Additionally, the oil’s nature may prevent it from adhering to the grates as well, which might result in an uneven coating or rapid deterioration.

Are There Any Better Alternatives to Olive Oil?

There are many alternatives available to using olive oil to season your grill. Oils with higher smoke points, or those that can withstand higher temperatures without breakdown, are frequently advised by grilling experts.

Some oils with high smoke points include vegetable, grapeseed, and canola oil. When heated on the grill, these oils are less likely to produce smoke and unfavorable flavors.

How to Season Your Grill?

1. Clean the Grill: First, you must ensure your grill grates are clean. To remove any leftover food or residue, use a grill brush.
2. Apply the Oil: Apply a little coating of high smoke point oil to the grill grates. You can do it by using a paper towel or a brush. Be careful to cover each area of the grill evenly.
3. Heat the Grill: Your grill will start heating up in around 15-20 minutes after you turn it on. The oil will adhere to the grates and make a protective layer.
4. Cool and Wipe: Now, turn off the grill and allow it to cool. Use a paper towel to clean away any extra oil after it is cold to the touch. It is important to ensure you attain a thin layer, not a heavy coating.

Conclusion

Although olive oil is an excellent option for cooking and dressing salads, it might not be the ideal choice for seasoning a grill. The breakdown of olive oil due to the grill’s high heat can produce flavorless residues and sticky stains. Hence, choose oils with higher smoke points to season your grill and improve your outdoor cooking experience.