Image credits: NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW via YouTube
Few kitchen tools hold the same iconic status as the trusty cast iron pan. Passed down through generations, these durable pans have earned their place as culinary workhorses. But with great tradition comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to cleaning. But fear not, NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW on YouTube has the perfect tutorial for you on how to properly clean your cast iron pan right after using it.
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Maintaining a cast iron pan requires a delicate balance; too harsh, and you risk damaging the seasoned surface; too gentle, and you may not remove all the residue. In this guide, NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW will teach you the best practices for cleaning your cast iron pan after cooking, ensuring it lasts for many more memorable meals to come.
Right after you use your cast iron pan, immediately remove the fat or used oil from it, then wipe it down with a paper towel.
To remove the crusty bits that are caked on the bottom, pour hot water onto it or boil it over the stove, then scrape it with a flat wooden spatula; sort of like deglazing it (skip this step if your cast iron doesn’t have any crusty bits stuck at the bottom.)
Now, rinse your cast iron with hot water, and while still wet, add some coarse kosher salt along with a little bit of water, then scrub it with a scrubbing pad. After this, rinse with water and pat dry with an old towel.
Next, get the pan hot again over the stove to dry it as much as possible, getting any excess moisture off of it. Once hot and dry, turn off the heat, and apply a light coat of canola oil around the the entire pan. Wipe off any excess oil, then let it cool before storing.