I absolutely love cooking with cast iron skillet because of its undeniably incredible benefits. It’s a versatile tool that can be used for many different dishes, and it always produces incredible results. Plus, it’s so easy to clean and care for – definitely a kitchen essential in my book!
Since I only received my cast iron skillet a couple of months ago, I’m not sure about what cooking essentials I need when using it. It was a gift from my grandmother. So, I really want to make sure that I’m using it the right way.
So, I visited my Nana to learn more about the essentials I need to know when using cast iron. Cast iron is one of her favorite cookware. So, I knew she would be the perfect person to teach me about it. Here are some of the things I learned from her:
What are the Right Tools to Use when Cooking with Cast Iron?
One of the essential things to consider when cooking with cast iron is the right tools to use. Of course, having the proper cookware is important. But if you don’t have the right tools to go along with it, your experience will be less than ideal. The good news is that there are only a few essential tools you need to get the most out of your cast iron cookware.
Use tongs or Spatula
First, you’ll need to choose a good pair of tongs or spatula to help flip and move food around the pan. It doesn’t matter if these tools are made of silicone, wood, or stainless steel as long as they’re not plastic.
Heat Resistant Tools
Cast iron cookware is known for its high heat retention and even heating properties. However, this also means it can emit high heat when cooking. Therefore, it is best to use tools that are heat resistant when working with cast iron cookware. This will help to protect your hands and arms from burns.
My Nana usually relies on silicone and wooden tools when it comes to cooking with cast iron. She prefers these materials because they are less likely to cause sticking or burning. They are also easy to clean.
Round-Edged Tools
She always use a rounded-edged spatula when cooking. This will prevent any damage to your pan or the beautiful seasoning you have worked so hard to create. Cast iron skillets also don’t like it when there are sharp edges around them. This is because the skillet can easily get scratched and dented if there are any sharp edges nearby.
Splatter Screen
A splatter screen is an incredibly useful tool to have in your kitchen, especially when cooking with hot oil. By placing the screen over your pan, you can prevent any oil from jumping out and potentially burning you. Not to mention, it’ll help keep your stovetop clean!
What are the Right Cooking Oil to Use
When it comes to cooking with cast iron, knowing the oil to use is also essential. There is a lot of available options to use, but some people often use vegetable oil, while others love to cook with olive oil. There is no right or wrong answer; it really just depends on personal preference. That being said, it is important to make sure that you are using an oil that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. This will help to prevent the formation of harmful toxins that can be released when the oil starts to smoke.
My Nana suggests using healthy cooking oil to get the most out of cooking with cast iron. She recommends using olive oil or canola oil. These types of oil have a high smoke point and won’t break down at high temperatures.
What are the Foods to Cook
I’ve seen my grandma cook different dishes using cast iron, so I thought I could cook anything. However, I learned that this is not the case. Cast iron requires special care and attention, and certain things should not be cooked in it.
If you’ve heard that cooking acidic items like tomatoes or lemons in cast iron is not recommended, that advice is only half accurate. These acids can indeed react with the iron to create off-flavors and colors, but this only happens at high temperatures. So, if you’re planning on cooking something acidic in your cast iron skillet, simply do so at a lower temperature.
The main problem with acidic foods is that they can cause the metal molecules in your cast iron pan to break down if you cook them for a long time. This can result in your food tasting metallic, and it can also cause your pan to rust. So, it’s important to avoid cooking acidic food in your cast iron skillet for a long time.
Where is the Right Place to Use when Cooking with Cast Iron Skillet?
When it comes to cooking with cast iron, the best place to do it is on the stovetop. However, its versatile quality means that it can be used anywhere. However, stovetop cooking is ideal because it provides even heat distribution. Additionally, the stovetop is less likely to cause any damage to your cookware than other places would be. So if you’re looking to get the most out of your cast iron cooking experience, make sure to do it on the stovetop.
What are the Essentials for Cleaning Cast Irons?
Cast irons require special care when cleaning to prevent damage. But, it does not require many things to clean them properly. Usually, all you need is a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the stuck food off of your cast iron skillet or pan and warm water to wash it. But be sure to remember not to use any type of scrubber, as this could damage the cookware.
Cast irons are easy to use and maintain as long as you know the dos and don’ts of cooking with them. When cooking with cast irons, knowing which tools, oils, and foods are best suited for this type of cooking is essential. The cooking surface and the oil you use can make a big difference in the outcome of your dish. It is also important to know how to clean cast iron cookware properly to maintain its integrity and prevent rusting.
