This Is How To Use A Cast Iron Skillet For The First Time
Inside: Cast iron skillet cooking is one of the easiest ways to cook; however, using a cast iron skillet for the first time can be overwhelming. These tips show you the best ways to use your new cast iron skillet.
Regardless of what someone did or said, never open up a can of whoop-ass on them with a cast iron skillet, unless you plan on spending the remainder of your natural life in prison for attempted murder.
Okay…I’m sure that’s not what you thought you would read when you clicked on this article. You clicked this article because you were sure I was going to teach you how to use your new cast iron skillet.
That’s not a lie; I am going to teach you how to use a cast iron skillet; however, seeing how the feature image was too funny not to use, I felt it was my responsibility to say.. Cast Iron Skillet violence is wrong.
I have a weird sense of humor, but I’m an amazing cook, especially when it comes to using my cast iron skillet.
How to use a cast iron skillet for the first time
For some, a cast iron skillet may seem overwhelming but after using it a few times, you’ll wonder how you survived without it.
Once you get past the initial setup of your cast iron skillet, it’s so easy to use. But, before I move on with how to use your cast iron skillet, one of the most important facts you’re going to need to know is; that it gets hot.
It gets very hot.
I mean the handle is super hot. Due to this, you will want to invest in two items.
The first item is a silicone skillet handle cover and the other is a set of ave-gloves. Being the safety type of gal I am, and a huge giant klutz, one can not be too careful in the kitchen. Burns suck and hurt like a mo-fo, so I want you to be safe.
Okay? Cool.
Tools you’ll need
Cast iron skillets are the most versatile piece of cookware in your kitchen. They can go from stovetop and oven to table (and even campfire) with ease.
Cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, but if you don’t use them right away or you get a secondhand one, they’ll need a little extra care to make sure they last forever…(or at least until you pass it along to your grandkids). Here’s how we do it at home:
Cleaning a cast iron skillet
To clean a cast iron skillet, use hot water and a scrubbing pad to remove stubborn food particles.
Use paper towels to dry the pan after washing it with soap and water.
Apply oil to the pan with a paper towel, wiping it down until a thin layer coats the entire surface of your cast iron skillet (you don’t need much).
Don’t use dish soap or steel wool on your cast iron pans! These substances will strip away that precious seasoning on your pan and make them less effective at cooking things like eggs, bacon, and steak in record time—not what we’re going for here!
If you’re feeling especially dirty after cooking something greasy in your skillet (say, bacon), sprinkle salt onto it as soon as you’ve finished cooking; let sit overnight before rinsing off in warm water and drying thoroughly with paper towels; repeat this process if necessary until all traces of grease have been removed from the surface of your skillet.
If rust stains persist despite these efforts (or if they are new), try rubbing some baking soda into those areas before heating up some water in a microwave-safe bowl. Once done microwaving for about five minutes or so depending on how large/small an area needs attention (this works best when combined with lemon juice because together they cause an exothermic reaction that heats up whatever metal is touching them from within!), place bowl filled with cold water over the top
Seasoning a cast iron skillet
It is easy to season a cast iron skillet.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius).
Wipe down the inside of your skillet with vegetable oil and a paper towel, coating it in oil on all surfaces. Don’t leave any areas dry or unoiled, as this will cause the seasoning process to fail later.
Place your skillet upside-down on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and set aside while you prepare for its seasoning period (about 15 minutes). If you’re doing multiple pieces of cookware at once, they should be spaced apart by at least two inches so that air can circulate around each piece. Don’t stack them together as this could damage their seasoning process as well as cause them to stick together when hot food is placed inside them later on!
Using a cast iron skillet
Using a cast iron skillet is as simple as it sounds. You can use them for frying, sauteing, searing, and baking. Cast iron skillets are great for making cornbread and biscuits too! Did you know they’re also good at making pizza? Or steak? Or eggs? Or fish? Or cakes? Or chicken? And if you have any leftover cornbread or biscuits, those are also great things to make in your cast iron skillet!
It is easy to clean, season, and use a cast iron skillet.
First, let’s dispel some common myths about cast iron skillets: they aren’t heavy, they don’t rust and they don’t need soap to clean them.
Cast iron skillets are durable, versatile, and inexpensive. They can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, and on the grill. Cast iron skillets are a great way to cook healthier meals because these pans hold heat well and don’t leach chemicals into your food as nonstick cookware does.
You should never use soap on cast iron pans! Soaking your pan in hot water for 15 minutes will remove most food residue from it (just make sure you dry it thoroughly before storing it). If there is still something sticky left behind after rinsing with water then all you need is a paper towel with a little bit of vegetable or canola oil applied – this will restore that seasoned finish again so it’s ready for use next time!
Do I need to do anything to a cast iron skillet before I use it?
Regardless if you recently purchased the skillet new or if it was handed down or even from the thrift shop, it must be washed thoroughly.
The second thing you’ll need to do is to season your new skillet.
Okay, your cast iron skillet is cleaned and seasoned. Now what?
I can’t believe you just asked that. It’s time to cook!
Before adding your food to the skillet, you’ll want to make sure the skillet is hot enough. The easiest way to do this is not to touch the pan but to drop in some water and wait for them to dance around the pan like a ballerina in The Nutcracker.
Don’t worry. By the time you’re finished mixing up your pancake or cornbread mix, the pan will be happy and eager to cook your food to perfection.
Disclaimer: The links listed below are affiliate links, meaning if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. You can read the full disclosure here.
My Favorite Cast Iron Skillets
If you’re interested in the Stargazer cast iron skillet, you’ll want to sign up for their mailing list. They will send you a 10% off coupon. Although in my mind 10% isn’t the best incentive, it’s better than nothing.
Using a cast iron skillet isn’t scary after all.
Are you no longer confused when it comes to using a cast iron skillet? It’s okay if you still are. If that’s the case you’ll want to download the cast iron skillet user guide. It will help you so much. It’s packed with tips to season your new cast iron skillet, how to clean it, and what you shouldn’t cook in it. You can grab this free download below.
Congratulations, you now know everything about using and caring for a cast iron skillet! Now go forth, and make some delicious food!
Stay Peachy!
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