The Proper Way to Cook With a Cast Iron

There are a lot of reasons why cast iron skillets are better than other skillets. They are durable, non-toxic, retain heat well, have nonstick surfaces, and can be used for different cooking methods. These pans can be expensive, but they can last for years and you get what you pay for, making them a great investment, especially if you love to cook.

RELATED: How to Cook the Perfect Steak Every Time

If you just got your cast iron skillet and have absolutely no idea how to use it, check out this tutorial by Tasty. The video below will show you how to season, use, and clean a cast iron skillet.

Here’s a recipe for you to try: Cheesiest Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

How to Season a Cast Iron

Step 1:

Clean off the rust. Get a steel wool and scrub it down with a mild dish soap. Scrub along the sides, on the back, and the handle. Rinse under hot water. You can use nonabrasive scouring pads or the tough side of a sponge. Do another quick go-around to make sure you get every nook and cranny.

Step 2:

Dry it with a towel and place it on your stove. Let the excess moisture evaporate. Once it is bone dry, use kitchen mittens to remove it from heat.

Step 3:

Drizzle some flax seed oil and use a paper towel to scrub it well on all sides. It is the best oil for this job. You just want a thin layer of oil not too much. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on flax seed oil, use canola oil.

Step 4:

Take the clean side of the paper towel and rub off as much of the oil as you can.

Step 5:

Place your cast iron in the oven upside down at the highest temperature it can go between 450 to 500 degrees. It will take about an hour. You want the oil to go past its smoking point so it starts breaking down and bonding with the cast iron. If you take out your skillet and it’s still brown and sticky, your oven isn’t hot enough.

How to Cook With a Cast Iron

Once your skillet is ready, you can now start cooking. Preheat your cast iron skillet on low to medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Carefully hover your hand over the bottom of the skillet to feel if it’s hot. Do not touch it.  If your food is sticking to the pan, it is because you are putting cold food in a cold cast iron pan.

Do not move your food a lot when searing meat. Let it cook before flipping.

You can start cooking on your stove and then finish in the oven. Avoid cooking acidic food in your cast iron skillet like tomato sauce, wine, or vinegar.

How to Clean a Cast Iron

Wash the pan pretty soon after you use it. Clean it with hot water, salt, and a non-metal scouring pad or the rough side of your sponge. The salt works as an abrasive and helps in scrubbing off any food bits. Rinse with water and dry with a towel. Place again over your stove to completely dry it off.

Put a protective layer of oil and carefully rub it with a paper towel. Turn up the heat until the oil is smoking. Turn it off and let it cool on the stove before storing.

The Proper Way to Cook With a Cast Iron