Growing up, my best friend’s mom Mary, used to make the most amazing dinners in a cast iron skillet that was passed down to her from her mother. We’re talking fried chicken, cornbread, and exceptional pan-seared steaks!
I absolutely love to cook, and when the COVID shutdown happened I had too much time on my hands. In between the wasted hours of binge watching Netflix, and bouncing off the walls, I was obsessed with trying to find new ways to enhance my culinary skills.
By that time, Mary had long since passed away, but in an homage to her (and thanks to Amazon), I purchased my first cast iron skillet set. After some trial and error, I’ve found that there is something truly special about cooking with cast iron….if you know what you are doing!
If you’ve ever owned a cast iron skillet, you know that it is extremely durable. It is not uncommon for properly cared for cast iron skillets to be passed down for generations with great pride! Once you’ve seasoned it properly, the surface becomes practically non-stick.
Cast iron cookware in any form does require some maintenance, and there are some foods that you need to avoid cooking in them. At first I did have a few setbacks, but over time I got the hang of it.
Hopefully this article may help you learn from my mistakes!
The Benefits of Cooking with Cast Iron
When it comes to kitchen essentials, a cast iron skillet is something that I believe every home cook should have in their kitchen. It may seem like just another awkward heavy pan at first glance, but once you experience the benefits, you’ll realize why cast iron has been a staple in kitchens for centuries.
Cast Iron has Superior Heat Retention and Distribution
One of the things I love most about my cast iron skillet is its ability to retain and evenly distribute heat. This means no hot spots, which is a common problem with other pans. Whether I’m searing a steak or frying eggs, the even heat ensures that everything cooks uniformly, giving me that perfect golden crust every time.
Versatility for All Types of Cooking
I use my cast iron skillet for just about everything. From stovetop to oven, it can handle it all. This pan is perfect for searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, frying, and even grilling. On busy nights, I can easily start a dish on the stove—like a frittata or a skillet chicken dish—and finish it off in the oven without switching pans. It’s a true workhorse in my kitchen.
Practically Non-Stick (With Proper Care)
When seasoned properly, a cast iron skillet develops a natural non-stick surface over time. This is one of the most rewarding aspects of using cast iron. I don’t need to rely on synthetic non-stick coatings that wear out or peel into my food after a while. Instead, the more I use my skillet, the better the seasoning becomes. My fried eggs slide right off (only if the cast iron is well seasoned), and cleanup is a breeze with just a little hot water and a brush.
Durability that Lasts for Generations
One of the best things about cast iron is its durability. These skillets are virtually indestructible and can last for generations if cared for properly. That sense of history and longevity is something I truly appreciate. Buying a cast iron skillet is like making an investment in your kitchen that you can pass down to your kids.
Environmentally Friendly
In a world where we’re constantly looking for ways to reduce waste and live more sustainably, cast iron stands out as an environmentally friendly choice. Since these skillets last a lifetime (or more), you’re cutting down on the waste of cheap, disposable non-stick pans that need to be replaced every few years.
Affordable and Accessible
While specialty kitchen gear can get expensive, cast iron skillets are surprisingly affordable, especially considering their longevity. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality skillet. In fact, you can find quality cast iron cookware at secondhand stores or flea markets. A little bit of scrubbing and re-seasoning brought them back to life.
Perfect for Searing and Browning
If you’re like me and love a beautifully seared steak or a crispy piece of fried chicken, cast iron is the way to go. Its ability to maintain high temperatures makes it ideal for creating that flavorful, caramelized crust on meats. There’s really nothing like the sear you get from a cast iron skillet—it locks in all the juices and flavors, giving your dishes a restaurant-quality finish.
Common Types of Cast Iron Cookware
Cast Iron Skillet
- Use: The most popular and versatile type of cast cookware, a cast iron skillet can be used for searing, frying, baking, and more. It excels at achieving a high heat for perfect searing and browning.
- Benefits: Great heat retention, naturally non-stick with proper seasoning, and can go from stovetop to oven.
Dutch Oven
- Use: A deep, heavy pot with thick walls, perfect for slow-cooking, braising, and stews. Dutch ovens can be used for baking bread as well, thanks to their excellent heat distribution.
- Benefits: Ideal for cooking soups, stews, and casseroles over long periods, either on the stovetop or in the oven. Often comes in enameled and bare cast iron varieties.
Cast Iron Griddle
- Use: A flat, wide surface, ideal for making pancakes, grilled sandwiches, and breakfast foods like bacon and eggs. It can also be used for searing meat or grilling vegetables.
- Benefits: Its flat surface provides ample space for cooking multiple items at once, and it offers the same heat retention and even cooking as other cast iron pieces.
Cast Iron Grill Pan
- Use: Designed with ridges to mimic the outdoor grilling experience, a grill pan is perfect for grilling indoors. It works great for steaks, burgers, vegetables, and even seafood.
- Benefits: The ridges allow fat to drain away from food while creating attractive grill marks and that classic charred flavor.
Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
- Use: Available in skillets, Dutch ovens, and other types of cookware, enameled cast iron is coated with a layer of enamel, which eliminates the need for seasoning. It’s great for braising, stewing, and slow-cooking without reacting to acidic foods.
- Benefits: The enamel prevents rusting, and it’s easy to clean. It also comes in a variety of colors, making it attractive for serving directly at the table.
Cast Iron Casserole Dish
- Use: Often enameled, these deep, wide dishes are perfect for baking casseroles, lasagna, and other baked dishes. They are oven-safe and distribute heat evenly, making them great for long, slow cooking.
- Benefits: Maintains steady heat, allowing for evenly cooked dishes and providing a rustic presentation.
Cast Iron Pizza Pan
- Use: A round, flat pan designed specifically for baking pizzas. The cast iron ensures a crispy crust while evenly cooking toppings.
- Benefits: Can be used for pizza, flatbreads, or even roasting vegetables. The heat retention helps create restaurant-quality pizza at home.
The Truth About Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware
Most cast iron cookware is not ready for use straight out of the box. Some will be marketed as “pre-seasoned”, but to acheive the best results out of any non-enameled cast iron product is to season it a second (or sometimes even 3rd) time. Failure to take the time to properly season your new purchase will likely just end up giving you frustrating results.
The fact is, proper seasoning requires routine maintenance! This is especially true when you first get started. When I first tried to cook with cast iron, I really had no idea what I was doing. I used too much oil in my first attempt to season the pan, and it got sticky and gross looking. After stripping it down and starting over, I got a slighlty better coating, but I immediately cooked the type of food in it which ruined my coating again!
After some additional trial and error, I also realized what I should not cook in a cast iron pan. At that point I decided to give it a third attempt to properly season my pan. Since then, I have been getting great results, and sometimes go out of my way to use my skillets simply for the sake of building up the seasoning.
So what is the first thing that I learned about cast iron? A cast iron skillet can be very forgiving if you make a mistake while seasoning. If you make a mistake, don’t lose sleep over it! You can always strip it down and start over.
Now on to the second lesson that I learned. Cast iron is not meant for everything…
Foods that you should avoid making in cast iron
While cast iron skillets are highly versatile and durable, there are certain types of food you should avoid cooking in them to prevent damage to the skillet or alter the taste of your dishes. Here are some examples:
Acidic Foods (Tomatoes, Vinegar-Based Sauces, Citrus-Based Dishes)
Acidic foods can strip away the seasoning (the protective layer of oil) on your cast iron skillet, leading to a metallic taste in your food. Prolonged exposure to acidity can even cause rusting.
Delicate Fish
Thin or flaky fish like tilapia, cod, or sole may stick to the skillet and break apart because cast iron has a textured surface that can make it difficult to flip or remove delicate fish cleanly.
Sticky Foods (Eggs, Pancakes, etc. in an Under-Seasoned Skillet)
If your skillet is not well-seasoned, sticky foods like eggs or pancakes can cling to the surface and be difficult to remove.
Garlic and Strong-Smelling Foods
Cast iron can retain the flavors of strong-smelling foods, so dishes with garlic, onions, or pungent spices may leave a lingering odor that could affect the flavor of other dishes cooked in the skillet.
Desserts (If Your Skillet is Regularly Used for Savory Dishes)
If you typically use your cast iron skillet for savory dishes like steaks, roasts, or sautéed vegetables, avoid making desserts like cobblers or cakes in the same skillet, as the savory flavors may be absorbed into your sweet treats.
Highly Acidic Wine or Beer Sauces
Like tomatoes and vinegar, wine or beer sauces can damage the seasoning over time if cooked frequently in a cast iron skillet.
Long-Simmering Soups or Stews
Liquid-based dishes, especially if they contain acidic ingredients, are not ideal for cast iron, as the prolonged simmering can wear down the seasoning and lead to metallic flavors.
Perfect Foods for Cast Iron Cooking
Steak and Meats
Steaks, pork chops, lamb chops, and chicken thighs are perfect for cast iron because the pan’s ability to retain and distribute heat evenly allows for an excellent sear, giving meats a flavorful crust.
Burgers also cook well in cast iron, producing a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Roasted Vegetables
Cast iron skillets are great for roasting vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, brussel sprouts, or asparagus. The even heat creates a nice caramelization, giving vegetables a crispy outer layer while keeping them tender inside.
Cornbread and Biscuits
Cast iron skillets are a classic choice for baking cornbread. The pan’s heat retention helps create a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Biscuits can also be baked in a cast iron skillet to achieve a deliciously crisp bottom.
Frittatas and Quiches
Frittatas and quiches cook evenly in a properly seasoned cast iron skillet. The skillet can go from stovetop to oven, making it ideal for dishes like these that require a sear or sauté and then a bake to finish.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a cast iron classic. The skillet retains heat well, ensuring an even and consistent fry, creating a crispy crust and juicy meat.
Searing Fish
While delicate fish may not be ideal, sturdier fish like salmon or tuna steaks can be perfectly seared in cast iron, giving the skin a delicious, crispy texture.
Grilled Cheese and Sandwiches
Cast iron skillets are perfect for making grilled cheese sandwiches or paninis because they ensure even toasting and help melt the cheese evenly.
Sautéed Vegetables
Skillets are great for sautéing vegetables such as onions, peppers, mushrooms, or green beans. The high heat helps create great flavor and texture.
Pizza
Cast iron skillets make an excellent tool for baking deep-dish pizza. The pan creates a crunchy, golden crust while evenly cooking the toppings.
Casseroles and Gratins
Because cast iron skillets can go from stovetop to oven, they are ideal for making dishes like casseroles, gratins, or even shepherd’s pie.
Breakfast Foods (Bacon, Sausages, and Hash)
Bacon, sausages, and hash browns cook wonderfully in cast iron. The skillet’s heat retention ensures crispy bacon and evenly browned potatoes.
Desserts (Skillet Cookies, Cobblers, and Brownies)
You can bake desserts like skillet cookies, cobblers, brownies, or even fruit crisps in cast iron. The even heat helps create a crispy edge and soft center.
By cooking these foods in your cast iron skillet, you can maximize its ability to retain heat, create flavorful crusts, and deliver evenly cooked results. Plus, many of these dishes can transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven!
How to Clean Cast Iron After Cooking
Now, cleaning a cast iron skillet might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually pretty simple. In general it is OK to rinse your cooled pan or skillet with plian water, wipe it dry, and then place it for a minute or two in medium-low heat.
But sometimes water is not enough. If you feel that you need a little more, here are a few ideas:
Using Salt
Using salt to clean a cast iron pan is the method that I use most often. It is an effective and gentle method that preserves the seasoning, as long as you aren’t overly aggressive with the techique. The basic technique is to add salt to the cooled pan, and rub it around the pan with a paper or kitchen towel towel.
A Specialized Cast Iron Scrubber
When the salt technique is not enough, you may need to turn to a scrubber that is designed to be used with cast iron. Generally they are gentle enough to give you a little more cleaning power without stripping your non stick surface.
Can You Use Steel Wool on Cast Iron?
The short answer is yes. However, steel wool should be used only only a few small use cases. With the exception of ultra fine steel wools, most will strip the coating from your pan. For me, I only use steel wool when I feel that it is time to strip my cast iron down and start over. While this method is effective, it should only be used if you are having issues.
Can You Use Soap on Cast Iron?
Ummm…yes and no. Generally speaking, it is not recommended to use any detergent when cleaning cast iron. Cast iron is pourous, so it will potentially absorb any chemicals from a detergent based soap.
While it’s OK sometimes recommended to occasionaly wash your pan with soap, I highly recommend using a plant based soap designed for cast iron. Chemical based soaps may be efficient at cleaning your pan, but the added chemicals may leave a strange after taste.
Additionally, some dish detergents are focused on removing grease and oils. If you think about it, what is the foundation of a good seasoning? GREASE AND OIL!! By using a standard soap on your cast iron, you could potentially ruin months or years of your seasoning efforts.
If you really want to wash your skillet, please stick with a plant based soap….you’ll thank me later!
Can You Put Cast Iron in the Dishwasher?
I really don’t want to even acknowledge this question.
How to Remove Rust From Cast Iron Skillet
If you are still reading this article, I think that I’ve made it pretty clear that I’ve made plenty of rookie mistakes with cast iron skillets lol. I did everything right. Made a great meal. Stored it the way that I thought was correct. Then I was immediately disgusted after seeing rust on my pan the next time I went to use it. It happens to all of us.
Rust can inadvertantly occur because you forgot to properly dry your pan, did not store it correctly, or maybe your seasoned coating has failed. Generally, you can use steel wool to clean your pan, but it may strip part of your non stick coating so don’t be too aggressive.
If the rust on your skillet is excessive, it may be time to just strip it down and re-season your pan.
Final Cast Iron Skillet Care Tips
Taking care of your cast iron isn’t hard, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Always dry it completely after washing to prevent rust. Try to avoid cooking acidic foods for long periods, as it can affect the seasoning. Don’t be afraid to use metal utensils – your skillet can handle it. And when you’re not using it, store it in a dry place.
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but don’t worry. If food starts sticking, it might be time to re-season your skillet. Notice a metallic taste in your food? Check your seasoning. And if you accidentally soak your skillet (we’ve all been there), just dry it thoroughly and re-season. Problem solved!
Choosing the Right Cast Iron Skillet Set
When buying a cast iron skillet set, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure you’re investing in high-quality, durable cookware that suits your needs. Here’s what to look for:
Pre-Seasoned or Bare Cast Iron
- Pre-seasoned: Most modern cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, meaning they have a protective layer of oil baked onto the surface, so they are almost ready to use right out of the box. In my opinion you should still take the extra effort to season it properly at least one more time!
- Bare cast iron: Some traditional sets come unseasoned, requiring you to season the cookware yourself. While this allows for customization, it does take more effort.
Variety of Sizes
A good cast iron skillet set should include a range of sizes to cover different cooking needs. Typically, sets come with small (6-8 inch), medium (10-12 inch), and large (14-inch or larger) skillets. The smaller skillet is great for single servings or frying eggs, while the larger one is perfect for family meals or searing large cuts of meat.
Weight and Thickness
Cast iron skillets are heavy, but some are thicker than others. Thicker skillets can retain heat better and are generally more durable, but they will be heavier to handle. Consider your comfort level with handling the weight, especially when it comes to larger skillets.
Handles and Pour Spouts
Look for skillets with sturdy handles that provide a comfortable grip. A longer handle helps balance the skillet’s weight, while a helper handle on the opposite side makes it easier to lift with two hands. Additionally, pour spouts on the sides are convenient for draining off liquids without making a mess.
Lids and Accessories
Some skillet sets come with fitted lids, which are particularly useful for braising or keeping heat in during slow cooking. A well-fitting lid can enhance the versatility of your skillet. Other accessories like pan scrapers or silicone handle covers are nice extras.
Compatibility with Different Heat Sources
Make sure the skillet set is compatible with your cooking appliances, including gas, electric, induction stovetops, and ovens. Most cast iron skillets are versatile in this regard, but it’s good to double-check.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
Choose a reputable brand known for producing high-quality cast iron. Brands like Lodge, Le Creuset, and Staub have a long-standing reputation for durable, well-seasoned cast iron products. Also, check for warranties, as many manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their cast iron cookware.
Maintenance Requirements
Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Some cast iron skillets require regular seasoning to maintain the non-stick surface, while enameled cast iron may require less upkeep. However, traditional cast iron tends to last longer with proper care.
Budget
Cast iron skillets can vary in price depending on the brand and quality. While high-end sets like Le Creuset are more expensive, there are affordable, quality options like Lodge that offer great performance for a lower price. Decide your budget before shopping and weigh your needs against the cost.
Cast Iron Cooking: Be Patient
Don’t be intimidated if you’re new to cast iron cooking. Start with simple recipes and work your way up. Practice makes perfect, and you’ll improve over time. Before you know it, you’ll be experimenting with complex dishes and impressing everyone with your cast iron skills. It’s a journey, but it’s so worth it!
Cooking with a cast iron skillet has truly transformed my approach in the kitchen. It’s one of those tools that, once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, investing in a cast iron skillet will elevate your cooking game, offering versatility, durability, and exceptional results every time.
If you haven’t tried cooking with cast iron yet, I encourage you to give it a go—you won’t be disappointed!
