Everything You Need To Know About Using a Cast-Iron Skillet
There’s something truly special about the hearty sizzle and the rustic charm that comes from cooking with a cast-iron skillet. Whether you’ve inherited one from a relative, just picked one up from the store, or are thinking about buying one, learn everything you need to know about using a cast-iron skillet here.
The Benefits of Cooking on a Cast-Iron Skillet
Chefs and home cooks alike adore this kitchen essential for some very good reasons. For one, these skillets can go from stovetop to oven without skipping a beat, making them ideal for a vast range of dishes. What’s more, they’re virtually indestructible and only get better with age. A well-seasoned skillet can impart a depth of flavor into dishes that is hard to achieve with any other type of cookware. Moreover, when you cook with a cast-iron skillet, you’re enhancing your food with iron, a mineral essential for maintaining energy levels and a healthy immune system.
How To Season Your Cast-Iron Skillet
Seasoning your cast-iron skillet is not just a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process that builds up over time, creating a naturally nonstick surface. To season your skillet, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it’s heating, wash your skillet with hot, slightly soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Next, apply a very thin layer of vegetable oil or shortening to the entire skillet, including the exterior and handle. Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel to prevent stickiness. Place the skillet upside down in the preheated oven and bake for an hour. This process allows the oil to polymerize and form a protective layer. Let the skillet cool in the oven before removing. Repeat this process after each cleaning to maintain the skillet’s nonstick surface.
Maintenance and Care for your Cast-Iron Skillet
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your skillet stands the test of time and even improves with each use. After cooking, let the skillet cool down before washing it with hot water and a stiff brush. If you use soap, you just have to remember to season the skillet afterward. After cleaning, thoroughly dry your skillet to prevent rust.
The Best Recipes To Cook on a Cast-Iron Skillet
When it comes to what to cook in your trusty skillet, the sky’s the limit. Imagine starting your morning with a puffy Dutch baby pancake, crisp around the edges and soft in the middle, or searing a perfect steak for dinner with a mouthwatering crust. In fact, the cast-iron skillet is one of the essential tools for cooking steak; prime cuts just aren’t the same without it. These pans excel with recipes that involve both stovetop and oven cooking—think deep-dish pizzas with a crunchy crust or skillet cookies with gooey centers. Given their heat retention properties, cast-iron skillets also ensure a wonderful sear on vegetables, making them ideal for vegetarian and vegan dishes that burst with flavor.
From searing to baking, the cast-iron skillet is your gateway to an array of sumptuous dishes. By mastering everything you need to know about using a cast-iron skillet, you will preserve this time-honored cookware and create unforgettable meals that reflect the love and care that goes into your cooking.
