If you find that you spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere else, a cast iron pan is an excellent investment for you. Cooking with a cast iron pan can be a very rewarding experience. Not only will it last you a lifetime, but it will also help you to create some of the most delicious meals that you have ever tasted.
One of my grandma’s secret recipes involves using cast iron cookware. When she uses this kind of cookware, we know we’ll be eating a lot!
As I grew older, I became increasingly interested in cooking with cast iron. My first cast iron skillet was a gift from my grandmother, and I was eager to learn how to use it properly. Over the years, I’ve discovered that cast iron is ideal for so many different types of recipes. Whether you’re cooking a simple meal or something more complex, cast iron cookware can help you create a delicious dish.
When I was starting to use my cast iron, I had a lot of questions in mind about it. One of these is what cooking utensils should I use with cast iron because I’m quite worried that I might damage the cast cookware if I use the wrong utensils. Fortunately, my Nana always has my back when I have questions about cooking.
Best Utensils for Cooking with Cast Iron
Cast irons are durable and very versatile, making them ideal for any kind of utensils available, but knowing the best utensils to use when cooking with cast iron will definitely elevate your cooking experience. So, here are some of the utensils my Nana recommends using for cast irons.
Silicone Utensils
According to Nana, the ideal utensils for cast iron are flexible and constructed of inert substances like silicone. This is because cast iron is a reactive metal, meaning it can rust and corrode when it comes into contact with certain materials. Therefore, using utensils made of non-reactive materials will help to keep your cookware in good condition. When cooking, it would be best to use utensils that are more flexible, such as silicone spatulas.
Are silicone utensils good when cooking with cast irons?
Cast iron pans are known to get extremely hot, so it’s ideal to use silicone utensils when cooking with them. Silicone is heat resistant, so it can withstand the high temperatures of the pan. This makes it a safer option than using wooden or plastic utensils, which can melt or catch fire when exposed to too much heat.
Additionally, silicone is not porous, so it does not retain flavors from previous meals. This means that you can use the same mold for different foods without worrying about the flavor of your food being affected.
I also prefer silicone utensils for cast irons compared to metal ones. Silicone is more flexible, so I can bend it to get into every part of the pan without worrying about damaging the cookware. The soft edges are also less likely to scratch the surface of the pan.
Wooden Utensils
My grandma usually uses wooden cooking utensils for cast iron pans. I think that the reason she prefers to use wood is that it does not scratch the surface of the pan like metal. Additionally, wooden utensils are less likely to slide off of the smooth surface of a cast iron skillet compared to their silicone counterparts.
Are wooden utensils good when cooking with cast irons?
One of the main reasons my Nana loves to cook using wooden utensils is because of their sturdy and long-lasting features. Even the heat from the cast iron skillet is unlikely to harm them because they are so hard to break. Wooden utensils are also easier on the hands than metal ones, which can get quite hot during cooking. Additionally, wood won’t damage the seasoning on your cast iron pan if you use it correctly. You can use wood to scrape off any stuck-on food without worrying about ruining the pan’s coating.
Wooden utensils are also versatile options as they can be used on other types of cookware. You don’t have to worry about them scratching or damaging your pots and pans, so you can use them with confidence.
Metal Utensils
To be honest, at first, I was really reluctant to use metal utensils on my cast iron pans and skillets because of the myth that it’s not a great option. I had heard that using metal utensils could damage the pan or skillet and cause it to lose its seasoning. After doing some research and reaching out to Nana, I found out that it’s not true!
When cooking with cast irons, metal utensils are also great as long as you choose the right type. For example, avoid using utensils made of metals that are reactive with iron, such as copper and aluminum. Utensils made of these materials can cause the iron in your cookware to react and change the flavor of your food.
I honestly prefer using hard metal utensils when cooking pancakes and burger patties on my cast iron pan since I can easily flip the food, unlike silicone and wood. Silicone and wooden utensils tend to stick to the food, making flipping them over quite difficult.
Are hard metal utensils good when cooking with cast irons?
So, are metal utensils good for cast irons? The answer to this will vary depending on the situation. If you choose the right material for your metal utensils, it will be alright. However, if you choose the wrong material, it might damage your cookware. In general, stainless steel or titanium are good materials to use with cast iron pans.
What utensils should I avoid when cooking with cast irons?
Nana also reminds me that when cooking cast irons I should also know what not to use with them. She said that it’s not a great idea to use plastic utensils on cast irons as they are not heat resistant. Moreover, cooking with plastic utensils can be dangerous because they have a low melting point. If the plastic utensils come into contact with a hot pan, they can melt and release harmful chemicals into the food.
Knowing which utensils to use with cast iron or any other cookware is crucial to getting the most out of your kitchen experience. The wrong utensil can ruin a meal, or even cause serious injury. Do your research and be sure to use the appropriate tools for the job at hand. Your food will thank you for it.
