How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
Imagine a cast-iron pot, pan, or skillet for a moment. It is dense, heavy, timeless, and has been a cooking choice for generations. It is beloved for its ability to hold heat evenly, which can result in beautifully browning and searing foods especially meat. Its durability and versatility in the kitchen means that it can truly be passed down through generations with love. Yet, for some reason, using a cast iron seems a bit mysterious and intimidating as questions like how to season, care for, or clean a cast-iron skillet need to be properly understood before even setting a cast iron skillet or pan on the stove, grill, campfire or in the oven.
Owning a cast-iron skillet begins with properly seasoning and cooking with these unique pans. Each step is simple, requiring minimum effort, a bit of attention, and good habits that will enable you to enjoy your cast iron for a lifetime.
HOW TO SEASON A CAST-IRON PAN
The first step is to learn how to take care of a cast-iron skillet by seasoning it prior to use.
This preliminary action promotes successful as well as tasty cooking while priming the cast iron for proper use and care. It seems like a strange first step for those who have never used cast iron before but seasoning the pan simply means building a layer on the surface of the skillet that will prevent food from sticking, make clean up easier, and most importantly, prevents rust.
Even cast-iron pots and pans purchased with the claim “pre-seasoned” may benefit from this step as it creates a surface that is easier to release the food from as well as part of the care and maintenance routine required for cast iron.
Season a cast iron in three easy steps
- Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the cast iron. Consider vegetable or canola as they have high smoke point temperatures – meaning they can withstand high heat without filling the kitchen with smoke and setting off the smoke alarm.
- Place upside down in a preheated oven of 450 – 500 degrees Fahrenheit for about one hour with either a sheet of aluminum foil or an additional pan underneath to catch any oil drips.
- Allow to cool and consider storing with a layer of paper towel between the seasoned cast iron and any other cookware to avoid possible moisture accumulation which in turn will cause rust.
COOKING WITH CAST IRON
The second step in learning how to properly clean a cast iron require good techniques for cooking. Cast-iron pans and skillets are quite versatile and can be used to cook a range of foods and meals from traditional eggs to sweet skillet desserts.
- Limit the use of metal tools such as spatulas, forks, and spoons when using cast iron. Try using silicone, wood, rubber or coated metal whenever possible.
- Ensure the pan is heated to temperature before adding food. Placing ingredients in a cold pan will increase the odds of sticking, will not allow for a beautiful sear, and reduce the ability of the food to brown. Test the heat of the pan by sprinkling in a drop of water and if it sizzles or immediately evaporates, the surface is hot enough for searing.
- Avoid excessive liquids to pool or sit in cast iron. Remember, rust is the enemy of cast iron. Making pan sauces and gravies right in a cast iron skillet creates a greater depth of flavor and color – just make sure to remove all of the liquids for serving and do not let the pot or pan sit or soak in water.
HOW TO CLEAN CAST IRON
Cleaning cast iron is extremely important after every use. Once food has been cooked and removed from a cast iron pan or skillet, the first step is to remove all of the solids. Use a nylon, wood, bamboo, silicone, or plastic scraper to ensure all bits of food have been scraped away (no metal!).
Some seasoned cooks swear by using coarse salt at this step to pry away any remaining food. However, heed this advice with a bit of caution as some also warn this to be damaging and cause pitting in the finish of the cast iron.
Next, if additional food has stuck to the surface, it is perfectly acceptable to use hot, soapy water and a gentle cloth but the main point is to make sure the cast-iron cookware does not sit damp or drip dry as this can cause rust. Instead, dry immediately, then place on a hot burner on the stove top or in the oven to ensure all moisture has been removed.
Finally, the key step to maintaining your cast-iron skillet is to re-season it by following all three of the steps above, then place on a clean, dry, piece of paper towel or moisture wicking cloth before storing.
The proper seasoning, cooking with, storing, and cleaning of your cast-iron pots, pans and skillets will enable them to be used for a lifetime and passed down to future generations.
