How to Care for Cast Iron
A few years back I decided to bite the bullet and finally purchase a cast iron pan. At the time, I had seen people using them to create tons of awesome food but never used one, and wanted to get in on the action! I purchased the pan, took it home, and realized I now needed to take care of this pan! Maven Maxine had used one in the past, but I never noticed how she took care of it. Below, I have laid out what I have learned since buying my pan, and ways for you to best take care of a cast iron skillet!
Finding your Pan
Once you have decided you, too, want to start using a cast iron skillet, you will need to find the right one for you. Here, you have 2 real options:
- Go to a store like Target or Bed Bath and Beyond and buy a new pan;
- Go to a second-hand store or garage sale and see if someone is selling one
Since properly cared for cast iron can last for many, many years, finding a quality pan at a garage sale is a great option. It might be rare to find, but if you can get lucky and get a real great pan from someone and save a bunch of money. Be sure to follow the steps below for whatever method you go to getting your cast iron pan.
Preparation
This initial washing will be slightly different than daily upkeep because you should use hot, soapy water! Maybe you too have heard that you shouldn’t use soap on cast iron, but that’s not exactly true. When it comes to new and used pans — a little soap and water is a good thing. This first wash removes any factory residue or rust bits that might be on the skillet. Make sure to rinse clean and dry the pan well after this first soapy washing. You’ll likely only need to wash your pan with soap once or twice a year if you take good care of it.
Seasoning
Cast iron seasoning is the process that occurs when multiple layers of oil bake into the pan, creating a rust-resistant and nonstick surface. Finding the right oil can be tricky, and there are many schools of thought on this one. Personally, I just used vegetable oil, but I am sure with more research you might find bacon fat or some other type of oil more preferential for you!
Storing
Once you have cleaned and seasoned your pan, you will need to keep it ready for use with proper storage. Where you store your cast iron is a lot less important than how you store your cast iron. Cast iron should always be bone dry before you stack it or hang it in order to avoid rust. If you are going to be stacking multiple pans, try putting a few paper towels in between the pans to try and prevent against scratching.
Upkeep
You just used your properly seasoned cast iron pan to cook. Now is the most important part (as far as I am concerned) of the cast iron care. It is usually easiest to clean the pan before it completely cools off. Of course, be careful about grabbing a hot pan, but starting the process while it is still warm will make your life easier. Feel free to use a little bit of warm water or a rubber/wooden tool to help take caked on food off the pan.
Maven Tip: Try to avoid using metal tools on cast iron. An occasional use to flip something wont mess anything up, but scraping the pan with metal will help lead to removal of your season.
Maven Tip: NEVER soak a cast iron skillet for an extended period of time. Doing this will ultimately take off your seasoning, and potentially lead to rust and a pan you can no longer use.
After you have a clean pan, dry the cast iron with a clean towel and then place over low heat. Add a thin coat of your preferred oil, but make sure the oil doesn’t pool anywhere. One teaspoon wiped across the entire cooking surface is just right for most sized pans. Let the oil evaporate and the pan cool, and you are ready to store your pan for next time!
What to Cook
Now that you know how to care for your skillet, you might be wondering what to cook on the cast iron pan! The first thing most people recommend is to do a fried egg. Eggs are quick and cheap, so it is a great way to learn how your pan will work best. Be sure to preheat the cast iron skillet so it is hot before you add any oil/butter or the egg. Once the pan is hot, add in some oil/butter quickly followed by the egg and cook it to your liking. It might take a few tries before it turns out perfectly, but thats why we start with an egg and not a steak!
After you have mastered eggs, the cast iron world is your oyster. Be creative with you pan and try making a Buffalo Chicken Dip or some Cast Iron Cookies! Or, try using your skillet to fry some chicken or bake a frittata. The cast iron pan is extremely versatile, so be sure to experiment!
