You’re Using Your Cast Iron Skillet All Wrong
Image by: Mashed
Do you love cooking on your skillet? If yes, you need to learn the do’s and don’t when using them. This cookware is very durable but requires special care. According to Mashed, you’re using your cast iron skillet all wrong if you do the things on this list. Read on and find out the mistakes you have been doing all this time. Watch the video below for the full explanation.
1. Not seasoning it
Most cast iron skillets don’t automatically have a nonstick coating, so that’s why you need to season them. The reason why you season them is that they are porous. By seasoning, your food won’t stick to the pan allowing easy removal once your food is cooked.
2. Seasoning it in the oven
Some cast experts think that oven seasoning is ineffective and slow. The founder of cookware company Smithey Ironware, Isaac Morton, told gear patrol “In my opinion, when you’re seasoning in the oven, you’re just protecting the skillet from rust and elements. Stovetop seasoning is the better method.” To do this, just apply a bit of oil, then wipe the excess with a paper towel. Turn up the heat and once it starts to look dry, apply another coating. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure you have proper ventilation as this method produces a lot of smoke.
3. The wrong foods
High acidity foods such as tomato or citrus may take on a metallic taste if they are cooked in a cast iron skillet that isn’t properly seasoned. It can also remove the seasoning. This also includes fish as they are too delicate.
4. Using the dishwasher
Washing your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher will wipe out your seasoning and cause it to rust. If you don’t have the time or energy to clean your cast iron, at least wipe out the food debris with a paper towel.
[social_warfare buttons=”Facebook,Pinterest,Twitter,WhatsApp”]
5. Not letting it properly dry
Do not leave any moisture on your cast iron skillet, as it will leave rust patches. After you clean it, put it back on the cooktop to assure it is completely dry.
6. Storing leftovers in it
Storing food in them may lead to iron toxicity.
7. Not preheating it
Your food will stick if you don’t let the cast iron get hot before you start. Put it on a cooktop for 10 minutes or put it inside the oven to preheat it.
8. Not using soap in it
The myth about not using soap on your cast iron originated when soaps were made with harsh compounds, according to Field Company. Indeed, you should never soak them in soapy water for a very long time, but if you need to use a little bit of soap to clean some gunked food, it should be okay.
9. Not using salt to scrub it
One of the best ways to clean your skillet is using kosher salt. It’s cheap and isn’t too abrasive on your cast iron pan.
10. Letting it soak
Soaking the skillet with water overnight can lead to rust, according to the experts at Field Company.
11. Using the wrong utensils
It’s better to use a silicone spatula as its flexible corners will help you navigate inside the pan easily, plus it can stand up to very high heat, according to Elite Daily.
12. Tossing it too early
If your pan is full of rust, you can save it with some steel wool and a lot of elbow grease.
