How to Clean A Cast Iron Skillet

How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

If you’re an owner of a cast iron skillet, you know that they can help you create some of your greatest meals! But learning how to clean your cast iron skillet (and keeping it clean!) is a whole other ballgame! Perhaps this may be your first and you’re ready to get started but are unsure of the mythical process. My personal favorite is sirloin steaks seared in my cast iron. Now, great food aside…they can be a real pain to clean and sometimes confusing! Proper care and maintenance of your cast iron is so important if you plan on having a consistent outcome for those great meals.

Here are some of my favorite dishes to cook in the cast iron:

Cast Iron Biscuits and Gravy

Carne Asada Nachos

My Famous Chicken Parmesan!

How to Season a Cast Iron Skilled

If you are new to cast irons, don’t fret! It’s much simpler than everyone makes it sound. Out of the box, you are going to want to scrub the skillet with hot soapy water, dry it thoroughly, spread a layer of oil, and place it upside down in your over and cook it at 375 degrees for 1 hour.

I’m going to list some major DON’TS and then some DO’S:

What not to do when cleaning your cast iron skillet:

  • Wash your cast iron with dish soap (it will ruin the seasoning on the pan, and you will have to re-season)
  • Scrub with anything abrasive
  • Wash in the dishwasher
  • Leave on a hot stove with nothing in it

How to Clean Your Cast Iron Skilled

  1. Rinse it out and dry with a towel
  2. If there is any stuck food, you can use salt with a little bit of water in order to remove it
  3. Put a little oil in the pan and heat it up until it starts smoking (this helps keep it well seasoned)
  4. When you are ready to store it, ensure it is thoroughly dry (you don’t want it to rust)

The main idea is that you want to keep the pan well oiled throughout all your sessions with it. This helps create what cast iron enthusiasts call its “season”. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet will prevent food from sticking which is the true wonder of a cast iron!

What to Cook In Your Cast Iron Skilled

Now, while most foods are great in a cast iron, you do want to avoid cooking tomato-based foods, omelets, desserts, and delicate fish. Some great foods to use your cast iron skillet with include but are not limited to: steaks, bacon, corn bread, fried eggs, pizza, pizookie, and hashbrowns.

Now that you are all ready to go and fully confident, enjoy your awesome cast iron skillet!

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